I’m sure that I’m not the only little bookworm who discovered this amazing woman and was driven to find out more and more. I loved the inspiring story of this intelligent person trapped by her lack of vision and hearing until she was given the gift of language by her teacher Annie Sullivan.
I don’t specifically remember the names of the books I read as a child, but in late elementary school and perhaps early middle school, I was fascinated by Helen Keller. After the first book I read, I remember trying to find out more about her, and specifically more about Annie Sullivan.
My tween self would have been delighted if Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller had been around at this stage in my life. The fact that the title is written in Braille on the front cover would have thrilled me! I still remember learning the “finger alphabet” from the back appendix of one of the books I read as a child.
This novelization by Sarah Miller of the early months that Annie Sullivan spent teaching Helen Keller is heavily based on William Gibson’s play and the subsequent movies of the Miracle Worker. Having just seen The Miracle Worker on Broadway, I feel as if I have more of an understanding (and a continued unflagging love) of the amazing story of these two women.
The stage production was absolutely wonderful — specifically the acting and in particular Alison Pill’s portrayal of Annie Sullivan was incredible. They were all amazing, and I have to think that this play and Miller’s book are accurate, since they portray exactly the same spirit.
This post is supplementing my review of The Miracle Worker on Broadway over at 5 Minutes for Mom (It’s a giveaway, too — if you can get to New York, click over and enter). I received two complementary tickets to the show for review purposes.
Please feel free to leave a comment here about the book, Miss Spitfire, or to share your own love of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, but if you are hoping to enter the giveaway for tickets to see The Miracle Worker on Broadway, remember to click over to the post at 5 Minutes for Mom (and see an adorable picture of my daughter with Abigal Breslin after the show).
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Managing editor Jennifer Donovan loves a good story in any form — in the pages, on the stage, or on the screen. She also contributes at 5 Minutes for Mom and blogs at Snapshot.
Lisa writes... says
Oh, my tween self would have been delighted as well! I too was inspired by a biography of Helen Keller and also enjoyed attempting to learn Braille from the back appendix.
Amy says
I read Miss Spitfire a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it! Like you, I’ve been interested in Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan since I first read about them, too, and loved learning the finger alphabet. I’m glad you liked this book as well!
Carrie, Reading to Know says
It sounds like an awesome book! And again, I’m jealous of your proximity to NYC, mostly for Broadway show purposes. =) Certainly not for the crowds or traffic! But for these special moments onstage…
Marj McClendon says
I have seen many movies about the Helen Keller Story. Really amazes me each time. Would certainly love to read this book and glad you got to see it on Broadway.
Amy says
I live close enough to the Helen Keller birthplace to see The Miracle Worker every year, and every time I see it, I cry. Believe it or not, I didn’t read a biography of her until last year when I read one to my girls. I’ll have to check some of these books out!
Here’s a link to my own HK post—-> http://hopeistheword.wordpress.com/2009/10/01/read-aloud-thursdaythe-helen-keller-edition/
Stephanie's Mommy Brain says
I had a thin paperback about Helen Keller. The cover was green and had Braille on the back. I also remember watching a movie about her.
abi says
I love reading about Helen and Annie
debi says
I love their story. How cool.