Helen Keller by Libby Romero

 This DK Life Stories series is for middle grade, and brings inspiring story of Helen Keller who was the first blind and deaf person to graduate from college. 

Helen was born on June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. She was eighteen months when she got sick and lost her sight and hearing. She made up her own signs to communicate but besides that it was very frustrating for her to communicate. She was miserable and throwing tantrums every day. 

The parents hired a private teacher, Anne Sullivan, who graduated as the best student at Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston. It was challenging to teach words to someone who was blind and deaf, but one day Anne took Helen to water pump. As Helen held mug in one hand under the pump, the cold water rushed down. At the same time, Anne spelled water in Helen’s other hand. That day, Helen learned 30 new words.

Anne taught Helen how to use braille, a code with raised letters. So she could read with her fingers. Her education progressed to studying different subjects and languages. She also practiced speech which was very challenging for her. 

Further, she continued her education at different schools. It was her dream to attend Radcliffe, and she did, where she also was encouraged to write an autobiography. After graduating, and the book becoming an international bestseller, she decided to become a professional author.

But her following books didn’t do as well. When she was tight on money, she decided to travel the country and give lectures, which became a huge success. 

Then, came a movie offer about her life. Then, a new opportunity to become fundraiser for the blind organization. She won many awards. She died at the age of eighty-seven.

This biography demonstrates a woman who defied the odds; her adversity strengthened her determination to go to college. As a result she is remembered as an inspirational symbol of strength.

This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.

The illustrations are very peculiar with distorted bodies. The book carries also real photographs, which I prefer over illustrations.

Published in 2019 by DK Children

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Adversity is to Strengthen Your Determination

 

Traits:

·         She didn’t let her disadvantage stop her from following her dream

·         She persisted in everything she did even if it was a struggle

·         She proved that even with being disadvantaged you can achieve great things

 

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” – Helen Keller