For too long, young adult fiction treated deafness as a plot device rather than a lived experience. The few hard-of-hearing characters who did appear were often defined by their hearing status alone, their stories reduced to medical dramas or inspirational tales that centered hearing perspectives. Today, a quiet revolution is reshaping YA literature. Deaf and hard-of-hearing heroes are stepping into fantasy adventures, romantic comedies, mystery thrillers, and contemporary stories where their hearing status is simply one thread in a rich, complex tapestry of identity.
This shift matters profoundly. When teens see themselves reflected in stories that honor their authentic experiences—complete with vibrant Deaf culture, diverse communication methods, and multidimensional personalities—it validates their place in the world. For hearing readers, these narratives build bridges of understanding that statistics and awareness campaigns never could. But not all representation is created equal. Knowing how to identify stories that truly include rather than tokenize requires a critical eye and understanding of what authentic Deaf storytelling looks like.
Top 10 YA Books for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Heroes
 | Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know (Hardcover) Book By Adam Grant | Check Price |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know (Hardcover) Book By Adam Grant
Overview: Adam Grant’s “Think Again” delivers a powerful argument for intellectual humility in an age of certainty. This hardcover edition explores why success increasingly depends not on what we know, but on our willingness to question it. Grant synthesizes psychological research and real-world case studies to demonstrate how rethinking—unlearning and reconsidering—provides a competitive edge in business and life. The book targets professionals, leaders, and lifelong learners seeking to improve decision-making in complex, evolving environments.
What Makes It Stand Out: Grant introduces the “scientist mindset” as an alternative to preacher, prosecutor, and politician modes of thinking. His framework for constructive disagreement is immediately actionable, supported by diverse examples from hostage negotiators to Olympic athletes. The concept of “confident humility”—trusting your capability while doubting your current solution—offers a fresh perspective on leadership. Unlike abstract philosophy, each chapter provides concrete experiments readers can implement, making rethinking a practiced skill rather than an ideal.
Value for Money: At $15.99, this hardcover significantly undercuts typical $25-30 pricing for major releases. The return on investment is substantial: a single improved decision or avoided blind spot can justify the cost many times over. Compared to business seminars or executive coaching, it delivers comparable insights at a fraction of the price. The durable hardcover format ensures longevity for a book you’ll reference repeatedly.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: Rigorous research presented accessibly; actionable frameworks; relevant across industries; timely for polarized discourse; enhances both professional and personal relationships. Weaknesses: Requires genuine self-reflection that casual readers may resist; some anecdotes feel slightly repetitive; those familiar with Grant’s podcast may recognize recycled material; not a quick read for passive consumption.
Bottom Line: This is mandatory reading for anyone in leadership or knowledge work. While it demands intellectual honesty and effort, the payoff in improved judgment and adaptability is undeniable. Buy it, mark it up, and actually do the exercises. Your future decisions will thank you.
Why Deaf Representation in Young Adult Fiction Matters
Authentic Deaf representation in YA literature serves as both mirror and window. For the approximately 15% of American children who have some degree of hearing loss, seeing characters who navigate the world like they do can be life-changing. These stories counteract the isolation many deaf teens experience in mainstream schools and social settings. For hearing readers, they dismantle harmful stereotypes and build genuine empathy by immersing them in perspectives that challenge the assumption that hearing is the default human experience.
The impact extends beyond individual readers. When YA fiction normalizes Deaf characters as heroes, leaders, and complex protagonists, it influences how educators design inclusive classrooms, how peers interact with deaf classmates, and how society views disability as a whole. Quality representation demonstrates that deafness isn’t a deficit to overcome but a different way of being in the world—one with its own languages, cultures, and strengths.
Understanding Deaf Culture vs. Hearing Loss Narratives
The Spectrum of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Experiences
Deafness exists on a broad spectrum, and quality YA fiction respects this diversity. Some characters may be profoundly deaf from birth, using American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary language and identifying strongly with Deaf culture (capitalized to indicate cultural identity). Others might be hard-of-hearing, using hearing aids or cochlear implants, navigating both hearing and deaf worlds. Some lose hearing gradually through adolescence, experiencing grief and adaptation in real-time.
Stories that excel don’t treat these experiences as interchangeable. They recognize that a character who grew up in a Deaf family with ASL as their first language faces different challenges than a teen who becomes deaf after years in the hearing world. Look for narratives that specify these distinctions rather than using “deaf” as a generic label. The best fiction acknowledges that communication preferences vary widely—some sign, some speech-read, some use technology, and many use combinations depending on context.
Cultural Identity vs. Medical Model
The medical model frames deafness as a problem needing fixing, while the cultural model celebrates Deaf identity as a valid way of being. YA stories often fall into the trap of the medical model, focusing on cochlear implant surgery, hearing aid adjustments, or characters “overcoming” their deafness. While medical elements can be part of authentic storytelling, they shouldn’t be the entire story.
True inclusion means encountering characters whose deafness isn’t presented as a tragedy or a puzzle to solve. These narratives show Deaf culture as rich and self-sufficient, with its own humor, traditions, and community bonds. They resist the temptation to make the character’s entire arc about “fixing” their hearing or proving they can “do anything despite” being deaf. Instead, the conflict comes from external barriers—ableism, lack of accessibility, communication breakdowns—not from the deafness itself.
Key Elements of Authentic Deaf Representation
Language Authenticity: ASL and Beyond
American Sign Language isn’t English on the hands—it’s a distinct language with its own grammar, syntax, and cultural nuances. Authentic YA stories reflect this reality. They show ASL’s visual-spatial nature, its reliance on facial expressions and body language, and its capacity for poetic expression and wordplay. Look for narratives that describe signing in dynamic ways rather than just noting “they signed” as a dialogue tag.
Quality representation also acknowledges that not all deaf characters use ASL. Some might use Signed Exact English (SEE), home signs, or rely on speech-reading and written communication. International stories should feature local sign languages, as British Sign Language, Auslan, and others are distinct languages, not dialects. The key is that the story treats whichever communication method the character uses as legitimate and fully expressive, not as a limited or broken version of spoken language.
Avoiding Common Tropes and Pitfalls
Several tired tropes signal inauthentic representation. The “magical deaf person” who lip-reads perfectly across crowded rooms or reads lips through binoculars belongs in the realm of fantasy, not realistic fiction. The “inspirational deaf athlete” whose entire personality revolves around proving deaf people can be athletic reduces a character to a teaching moment. The “tragic deaf genius” who would be so much more brilliant if only they could hear frames deafness as a cruel limitation.
Watch for stories where deaf characters exist only to teach hearing characters lessons about gratitude or perseverance. Authentic characters have their own goals, flaws, and storylines independent of educating hearing people. They get to be messy, make mistakes, and have adventures where their deafness is relevant but not the sole driver of plot or character development.
The Importance of #OwnVoices Authors
While not the only indicator of quality, books written by authors who share their characters’ marginalized identity often contain deeper authenticity. #OwnVoices Deaf authors bring lived experience to details that hearing writers might miss—the specific exhaustion of speech-reading all day, the cadence of signed conversations, the microaggressions deaf teens navigate daily.
That said, excellent representation can come from hearing authors who have done extensive research, hired sensitivity readers from the Deaf community, and built genuine relationships with deaf individuals. The key isn’t the author’s hearing status but their commitment to portraying deafness with nuance and respect. Look for acknowledgments sections that mention Deaf consultants and community members who guided the work.
What Makes a YA Story Truly Inclusive
Beyond the Disability: Multi-Dimensional Characters
Inclusive YA fiction creates characters who are deaf and… Deaf and a competitive fencer. Deaf and struggling with first love. Deaf and dealing with family divorce. Deaf and solving a murder mystery. The deafness informs their experience but doesn’t eclipse their other identities, interests, and conflicts.
These characters have rich inner lives that aren’t constantly focused on their hearing status. They worry about homework, friendship drama, and saving the world from supernatural threats—just like any YA protagonist. Their deafness might shape how they approach these challenges, but it doesn’t reduce them to a single story. The best narratives show how deafness intersects with personality, creating unique problem-solving approaches and perspectives that add depth to the story.
Intersectionality in Deaf Characters
Deafness doesn’t exist in isolation. A Deaf Latina character navigates different cultural expectations than a Deaf white character. A Deaf LGBTQ+ teen experiences unique challenges in finding community. A Deaf character from a low-income family faces barriers to technology and services that affluent deaf teens don’t. Stories that acknowledge these intersections create more authentic, relatable characters.
Inclusive fiction recognizes that the Deaf community itself is diverse. Not all deaf teens have supportive families—some have hearing parents who never learn to sign, creating communication barriers at home. Others come from multi-generational Deaf families where signing is the norm. Some deaf teens have additional disabilities, challenging assumptions about what deafness looks like. These layered identities create richer, more honest storytelling.
Community and Belonging Themes
Many deaf teens, especially those in mainstream schools, experience profound isolation. Quality YA fiction explores this reality while also showing pathways to community. These stories might feature Deaf clubs, summer camps for deaf youth, online communities, or chance encounters with other deaf teens that spark recognition and connection.
The best narratives don’t present community as a simple solution. They show the complexities of finding your place—maybe the local Deaf community doesn’t accept a character with cochlear implants, or a character who signs struggles to connect with hard-of-hearing peers who don’t. These tensions reflect real experiences and demonstrate that there’s no single “deaf experience,” but many.
Features to Look for in Quality YA Fiction
Accurate Communication Dynamics
Watch how stories handle communication breakdowns. In authentic narratives, misunderstandings happen realistically—speech-reading fails when someone turns away, group conversations become overwhelming, background noise makes hearing aids useless. Solutions are also realistic: characters advocate for interpreters, use speech-to-text apps, write notes, or position themselves strategically.
The best stories show the effort and creativity involved in communication. They depict the mental load of constantly adapting to hearing people’s preferences while rarely having their own needs met. They might explore the frustration of being left out of inside jokes told across a room or the relief of being in a fully signing environment where communication flows effortlessly.
Family Dynamics and Support Systems
Family reactions to deafness vary dramatically and shape a character’s identity. Some parents immerse themselves in learning ASL and connecting with Deaf culture; others deny the deafness, pursuing endless “treatments” and forcing oral communication. Siblings might be protective allies or resent the attention the deaf child receives.
Inclusive YA fiction explores these dynamics with nuance. It shows how family support (or lack thereof) impacts a teen’s self-esteem and access to resources. It might address the grief parents experience while centering the deaf teen’s perspective that they aren’t broken. Stories that show healthy family dynamics model how hearing families can successfully support deaf children—by following their lead, learning their language, and celebrating their identity.
Educational and Accessibility Contexts
The educational setting profoundly shapes deaf teens’ experiences. Mainstream schools with itinerant teachers present different challenges than residential schools for the deaf. Authentic stories acknowledge the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 plans, and the fight for interpreters or captioning services.
Look for narratives that show the daily grind of accessibility—requesting captions for videos, dealing with broken FM systems, explaining accommodations to new teachers. The best stories don’t treat these as one-time problems but as ongoing advocacy work. They might explore the trade-offs between mainstream inclusion and Deaf community connection, or show how technology both helps and creates new barriers.
Reading Levels and Age Appropriateness
Middle Grade vs. Young Adult Distinctions
While both categories can feature deaf protagonists, YA fiction typically tackles more complex themes. Middle grade might focus on a deaf character making friends at a new school, while YA explores identity formation, romance, and systemic ableism. YA stories have more room for nuance about cochlear implant controversies, discrimination in employment or college applications, and the politics of Deaf identity.
Consider the maturity of themes when selecting books for younger teens. Some YA novels address audism (discrimination against deaf people), language deprivation, or institutional ableism in ways that require emotional readiness. Others handle these topics accessibly while still honoring their complexity. The key is matching the book’s thematic depth with the reader’s capacity for critical thinking about social justice issues.
Maturity of Themes
Deaf YA fiction spans genres and tones. A contemporary romance might explore communication in relationships with light touch, while a dystopian novel might use deafness as a lens to examine systemic oppression. Consider the emotional weight alongside genre preferences. Stories that address bullying, family rejection, or internalized ableism can be powerful but may need adult guidance for some readers.
The best collections include range—books where deafness is central to the plot and others where it’s simply part of the character’s identity. This variety ensures readers can find stories that match their current emotional needs, whether they’re seeking escapist adventure or mirror experiences for their own struggles.
Formats That Enhance Accessibility
Visual Storytelling Elements
Since sign languages are visual, stories that incorporate visual elements can be particularly authentic. Some YA novels use illustrations to show signs, play with typography to represent visual rhythms of signing, or include text message and note exchanges that reflect real communication methods. Graphic novels featuring Deaf characters can show facial expressions and body language crucial to sign language meaning.
These visual components aren’t just aesthetic choices—they model how deaf people process information and communicate. They can also make the reading experience more accessible and engaging for visual learners, hearing or deaf. When evaluating books, consider how format choices serve the story and representation rather than just adding novelty.
Audiobook Adaptations and Accommodations
The irony of audiobooks featuring Deaf characters isn’t lost on the community, yet these adaptations can be powerful tools for inclusion when done thoughtfully. Quality audiobook versions might include silence to represent a character’s perspective, use different narrators for signed versus spoken dialogue, or incorporate sound design that reflects how hearing aids distort sound.
For deaf and hard-of-hearing readers, audiobooks with accurate captions or companion PDFs showing sign descriptions can create multi-modal access. Publishers committed to inclusion provide these accommodations, recognizing that accessibility benefits everyone. When selecting formats, consider which version best serves your needs—print for seeing sign descriptions, audio for hearing readers seeking immersion, or digital for adjustable text size.
Building Empathy Through Narrative Perspective
First-Person vs. Third-Person Narration Choices
First-person narration from a deaf protagonist’s perspective can be incredibly immersive, letting readers experience the world through their sensory landscape. These narratives might describe the vibration of music rather than its melody, or focus on visual details hearing narrators would miss. They can show the internal monologue of a character who thinks in sign language, with its spatial and visual logic.
Third-person limited can also work well, especially when the narrative voice reflects how the character perceives the world. The key is consistency—does the narration suddenly describe sounds the character couldn’t hear? Does it use hearing-centric metaphors that wouldn’t occur to someone who signs? The best stories maintain perspective integrity, forcing hearing readers to adapt to a different sensory world rather than having the deaf character adapt to hearing norms.
The Power of Unreliable Narrators with Hearing Loss
Deaf characters can make fascinating unreliable narrators—not because of their deafness, but because of the information gaps it creates. A teen might misinterpret a spoken conversation they partially speech-read, leading to plot-driving misunderstandings. Or they might be hyper-aware of visual cues that hearing characters miss, making them reliable in ways others aren’t.
These narrative choices do more than drive plot; they teach hearing readers about the limitations of their own sensory experience. When a deaf narrator’s perspective proves more accurate than hearing characters’ assumptions, it challenges readers’ biases. Stories that play with perspective this way turn the typical power dynamic on its head, positioning deaf ways of knowing as valuable and insightful.
For Educators and Librarians: Curating Inclusive Collections
Discussion Questions and Learning Extensions
Quality YA fiction about Deaf characters opens doors for deeper learning. Effective discussion questions move beyond “How did the character overcome their disability?” to “How did systemic barriers shape the character’s choices?” or “What did hearing characters learn about their own communication assumptions?” These questions encourage critical thinking about ableism rather than simple inspiration.
Consider pairing fiction with Deaf history, such as the Deaf President Now movement or contributions of Deaf artists and scientists. Invite Deaf community members for author talks or panel discussions. Create displays that feature Deaf authors alongside hearing allies who write authentic representation. The goal is moving beyond token inclusion to integration that reflects Deaf people’s integral role in human diversity.
Pairing with Non-Fiction and Multimedia Resources
Fiction becomes more powerful alongside complementary materials. Pair YA novels with memoirs by Deaf adults, documentaries about Deaf culture, or apps that teach basic ASL. Show music videos by Deaf performers, TED talks by Deaf activists, or episodes of shows with Deaf characters played by Deaf actors. This multi-media approach reinforces that Deaf people aren’t fictional constructs but real community members with diverse voices.
Libraries can create resource guides that include information about local Deaf services, interpreter directories, and community events. This transforms the library from a place that simply has books about Deaf characters into a hub for Deaf inclusion and allyship. It shows commitment to serving Deaf patrons, not just talking about them.
For Parents and Guardians: Supporting Young Readers
Starting Conversations About Differences
Reading about Deaf characters provides natural openings for discussions about disability, difference, and accommodation. Rather than asking “What did you learn about being deaf?” try “How would you communicate if you couldn’t hear?” or “What would you want friends to know if you were this character?” These questions center empathy and action rather than pity.
Use stories to discuss your child’s own differences, whether related to disability, neurodivergence, or other identities. Help them see that everyone needs different types of support, and that advocating for accessibility is normal and positive. The goal is raising children who see accommodation as a shared responsibility, not a special favor.
Recognizing Quality vs. Tokenism
Teach young readers to be critical consumers. Does the deaf character have friends who are also deaf, or are they isolated? Do they have goals unrelated to their hearing status? Does the story show both challenges and joys of Deaf identity? Does it rely on stereotypes like the “superhuman lip-reader” or “inspirational deaf athlete”?
Help them notice who wrote the story and whether Deaf people were involved in its creation. Discuss how tokenism feels—when a character seems added just to check a diversity box versus when they feel essential to the story’s world. These critical reading skills serve them beyond this one topic, fostering media literacy about all forms of representation.
The Role of Publishers and Industry Change
Improving Editorial Sensitivity
Publishing houses increasingly recognize the need for cultural sensitivity in editing books about marginalized communities. For Deaf representation, this means hiring editors familiar with Deaf culture, ensuring sign language descriptions are accurate, and catching hearing-centric assumptions. It means pushing back on authors who want to include “easy fixes” like perfect lip-reading or magical hearing restoration.
Progressive publishers now require sensitivity reads from Deaf consultants as standard practice, not an optional extra. They build these costs into acquisition budgets and treat consultant feedback as non-negotiable. They understand that getting representation wrong doesn’t just hurt book sales—it harms real communities by spreading misinformation.
Marketing Without Exploitation
How publishers market Deaf YA fiction reveals their commitment to inclusion. Are books described as “inspirational stories of overcoming adversity” or “thrilling adventures featuring a Deaf protagonist”? Do covers show sign language respectfully or use it as exotic decoration? Are Deaf authors promoted as voices of their community or as inspirational exceptions?
Ethical marketing centers the story’s genre and appeal first, mentioning representation as an important feature rather than the only selling point. It involves Deaf people in cover design decisions and promotional materials. It ensures book descriptions use respectful language (“Deaf protagonist” not “hearing-impaired hero”) and that promotional events provide interpreters and captioning.
How to Evaluate Authenticity in Deaf Representation
Research and Community Consultation
Evaluating authenticity requires some homework. Familiarize yourself with basic Deaf history and cultural principles. Follow Deaf bloggers, BookTubers, and activists who review YA fiction. Join online communities where Deaf readers discuss representation. Their collective wisdom quickly identifies which books get it right and which miss the mark.
Look for books that cite Deaf consultants in acknowledgments. Check if the author mentions their research process—did they attend Deaf events, take ASL classes, or build ongoing relationships with Deaf community members? Be wary of authors who claim expertise based on one deaf acquaintance or brief internet research. Authenticity comes from sustained, respectful engagement.
Red Flags in Storytelling
Several warning signs indicate problematic representation. If every conflict stems from the character’s deafness rather than external ableism, the story lacks nuance. If deafness is “fixed” by technology or magic, it sends a message that deafness itself is the problem. If the character has no Deaf friends or community, the story may be isolating them artificially.
Watch for inconsistent communication abilities—characters who can lip-read complex conversations in crowds but miss obvious visual cues. Be critical of stories where hearing characters learn basic signs and suddenly bridge all communication gaps. Real relationships require ongoing effort and accommodation from both sides. Also beware of books that treat cochlear implants as either miracle cures or cultural betrayal; the reality is far more complex and personal.
Positive Indicators of Thoughtful Portrayal
Excellent representation shows deaf characters as part of Deaf community, even if they also navigate hearing spaces. It includes Deaf adults who are successful, happy, and culturally grounded—providing role models and countering narratives that deaf children are destined for isolation. It shows communication as creative and multifaceted, not burdensome.
The best stories include moments of Deaf joy—delight in visual puns, comfort in shared communication, pride in cultural identity. They show deafness creating unique insights and abilities, not just challenges. They allow characters to be angry about discrimination without being portrayed as bitter, and to celebrate Deaf culture without being didactic. These narratives feel like they were written for Deaf readers first, with hearing audiences welcomed in rather than catered to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a YA book with a Deaf character is appropriate for my child’s reading level?
Look beyond the age recommendation on the cover. Read reviews from Deaf readers and parents of deaf children who often comment on thematic maturity. Preview the book yourself, paying attention to how complex the ideas about identity and discrimination are. For younger teens, start with contemporary stories where deafness is part of life rather than dystopian or fantasy where allegories about disability might be too abstract. Many publishers now include content warnings that can guide your decision.
Are books by hearing authors always less authentic than #OwnVoices books?
Not necessarily, though #OwnVoices books often have an authenticity that’s hard to replicate. A hearing author who has done extensive research, worked with Deaf sensitivity readers, and built genuine relationships with the Deaf community can write excellent representation. Check the acknowledgments for mentions of Deaf consultants and community members. The key is whether the author centers Deaf perspectives and experiences rather than writing about deafness from an outsider’s gaze.
What should I do if my child has questions about Deaf culture while reading?
Use it as a learning opportunity together. Look up answers from Deaf-led organizations like the National Association of the Deaf or local Deaf community centers. Watch videos by Deaf creators on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Avoid asking random deaf individuals to educate you—instead, seek out resources created for public education. This models respectful learning and shows that Deaf people are experts on their own experiences.
How do I address the cochlear implant debate that appears in some YA fiction?
Present it as a personal choice, not a right/wrong decision. Explain that some Deaf people view cochlear implants as tools that can be helpful but don’t “cure” deafness, while others see them as threats to Deaf identity. Emphasize that the debate exists because of historical oppression, not because implants are inherently bad. The key message is that deaf people should make informed decisions about their own bodies without pressure from hearing people.
Can hearing readers truly understand the Deaf experience through fiction?
Fiction builds empathy and understanding, but it’s a starting point, not complete education. Hearing readers can gain insights into communication challenges, discrimination, and cultural pride, but they won’t fully grasp the lived experience. The goal isn’t perfect understanding but developing allyship—learning to listen to Deaf voices, advocate for accessibility, and challenge ableism. Encourage hearing readers to complement fiction with non-fiction by Deaf authors.
What if my local library doesn’t have many YA books with Deaf characters?
Request them! Libraries purchase based on patron demand. Provide specific titles you’ve researched (even though this article doesn’t list them, you can find recommendations from Deaf book bloggers). Suggest the library create a diversity audit of their collection to identify gaps. Many libraries have collection development policies prioritizing inclusive representation. Your request helps not just you but future patrons seeking these stories.
How can teachers use these books in the classroom without singling out deaf students?
Integrate them into regular curriculum rather than treating them as special topics. Include them in genre units, author studies, or thematic explorations alongside other books. For example, when studying unreliable narrators, include one with a Deaf perspective. This normalizes Deaf experiences while exposing all students to diverse viewpoints. Ensure any classroom activities around the book are accessible to deaf students—use captions, interpreters, and visual aids.
Are there YA books where Deaf characters use communication methods other than ASL?
Yes, though they’re less common. Some feature characters who use British Sign Language, Auslan, or other national sign languages. Others show teens who rely on speech-reading, hearing aids, or written communication, sometimes by choice and sometimes due to lack of access to sign language. These stories are valuable for showing the diversity within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community and challenging assumptions that all deaf people sign.
How do I explain to my hearing child why representation matters if they don’t know any deaf people?
Use analogies from their own life—how they feel when they see themselves in stories, or how they learn about other cultures through books. Explain that 1 in 8 Americans has hearing loss, so they likely do know deaf people who haven’t disclosed it. Emphasize that inclusive books prepare them to be better friends, coworkers, and citizens. Representation matters because it shapes how we treat real people and because everyone deserves to see themselves as heroes.
What role does technology play in modern YA stories about Deaf characters?
Modern stories reflect real tech use: video relay services, speech-to-text apps, vibrating alarm clocks, and captioned streaming. Quality representation shows both benefits and limitations—apps that misinterpret, batteries that die, situations where technology fails and human connection matters more. The best narratives avoid making technology a magic fix, instead showing it as one tool among many in a deaf teen’s communication toolkit.