Stewart Graff

Helen Keller: Toward the light is about the life of Helen Keller, a blind and deaf child who grows up to be a voice for the deaf and blind. Helen Keller became deaf and blind as a young child due to an illness. She always felt like she was in the dark and for that reason she was very angry and would act out. Her parents went to Boston to see doctors to get help because they did not know what to do. One day a woman came to help named Annie Sullivan. Helen’s parent felt that she did not deserve to be punished for her actions because of everything she had gone through but Annie would eventually make them realize that she needed to be punished if she acted out. After Annie had worked with Helen for a while she went to the well where Helen identified water and this was the start of Helen absorbing all the knowledge that she could. Helen worked with Annie and finally became a voice for the deaf and blind. She met many famous people including several of the presidents and she even played a part in a movie. In her life she accomplished many things and did not let her blindness or deafness stop her.

I think that this book was a very well written book and it was easy to follow. I believe that this book would be a great biography to read to students to show them that although we may have to overcome obstacles and heartache anything that we put our mind to we can accomplish. Also, I think that this book is a good example of never giving up and doing whatever you set your mind to. Even though she had limitations she made the best of it and was able to live her dream to help others in her situation. Helen Keller is truly an inspiration and an inspiring role model for many.

One extension idea that you could do with your class is after reading the book have the children write a reflection on what they thought of the book. You could have the students get into groups and talk about the book and then have them on their own write what they thought about the book. Another extension idea is to have half the class be blindfolding so they can’t see and have half the class be deaf and have them work together to complete just a simple task. Once that task is completed have them reflect on their experience by writing about it. This should give them a greater sense of appreciation for their sight and their hearing abilities.… (mere)

This is a great book to introduce younger students/children to biographical books. I found the information about Helen Keller to be simple, provided a fair amount of detailed information (without being overwhelming), and very engaging for young readers. I liked that the author chose one important fact to illustrate for each page. I found it gave the book depth, and emphasized the importance of each illustration and the details within it. While also placing the readers focus on the text rather than the pictures. I found the illustrations to be very colorful and descriptive, but not overpowering to the story or information being provided. One thing I did not like was that the author did not really explain the different awards Helen received as an adult. I think it would have allowed the reader to connect with, be excited for, Helen's accomplishments.… (mere)