Description:

Cesaria Feels the Beat by Denise Rosario Adusei is a lyrical picture book about a Deaf girl preparing to perform in her community’s Carnival celebration. When she’s told she must wear shoes on stage, Cesaria struggles because she feels the music best through her bare feet. By confidently advocating for herself, she helps others understand her experience and inspires them to see the world from a new perspective.

Discussion Questions:

• How does dancing make Cesaria feel?
• Why do you think it’s so important to her?
• Why is it so important for Cesaria to be able to not wear shoes during the performance?
• What are some things you do to stay true to who you are?
• How does Cesaria communicate?
• What does feeling the beat mean to you? What does it mean to Cesaria?
  (Questions are from the National Education Association)

Read-Aloud: