Reviews

Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Miller

adeperi's review

4.0

I was surprised that I liked this so much, as I am not really a history fan (even though this is historical FICTION). However, it was very entertaining and heartwarming to read about the challenges Helen Keller had to overcome before becoming the great leader she was.

dctigue's review

5.0

This is a nice brief fictional account of Anne Sullivan. All
I can say is that she had so much patience. What a wonderful teacher!

books_melissa's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

samanthamurk's review

4.0

Non fiction, Children's

This was an Oregon battle of the books book when I was in 4th grade. I loved this book, it tells the story of helen keller and her teacher. It was really sweet story
-August 2022

suzannedix's review

4.0

Wow! I never had heard this version and it was very interesting to learn more about Ann Sullivan.

eleblanc515's review

5.0

great story. I love Helen Keller's story and this was a great perspective and still very factual for a fiction book

kdferrin's review

3.0

I had a very small part in a high school production of The Miracle Worker when I was in middle school and ever since have found the story of Helen Keller fascinating. This book covers pretty much the same time period as the play (from the time Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan meet to their big breakthrough) but adds quite a bit more detail and adds flashbacks to Anne Sullivan’s childhood. Somehow I had never really given much thought to who exactly Anne Sullivan was pre-Helen Keller and why she was chosen as her teacher so it was interesting to hear her story. My one disappointment was that it ended so soon in their relationship. There was a short afterword that discussed the rest of their lives but I would really like to know more. Perhaps I need to find another book…

tschmitty's review

4.0

This was a wonderful account of Sullivan's early time spent with Helen Keller. It was enjoyable as an adult read, yet completely accessible for the young readers for which it was intended. The author's inspiration of Anne Sullivan was truly felt. A very well researched, thoughtful book.

abigailbat's review

5.0

A fictionalized memoir of Annie Sullivan, the woman who taught Helen Keller language, this book was completely engrossing to me. It starts when Annie Sullivan first arrives at the Kellers' home. She has flashbacks to her own horrible childhood, which she endured in several terrible orphanages. Annie has been hired to teach six-year-old Helen Keller language. When she arrives at the Keller home, she finds a feisty, intelligent little savage. Helen is totally wild because her parents feel too guilty to discipline her. Within a week, Annie is covered in bruises, missing half a tooth, and so mad she could strangle young Helen. But despite the crazy behavioral issues, Annie is convinced that there is a smart, sweet little girl inside the wild beast and Annie is not going to give up until she finds a way to reach her.

I can already imagine the booktalk I'll give for this book. I think the subject matter is pretty unique and interesting and I think it will appeal to older elementary and middle school students. I found it fascinating and Miller provides an extensive author's note and list of resources at the end of the book. Hurrah!

cookewitch's review

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0

This is a middle grade book, I wouldn't have noticed it wasn't for adults if it didn't say it on the book, it's fantastic!

It is a fictionalised account, based from her letters, of Annie Sullivan and her first 6 weeks or so as Helen Keller's teacher... thoroughly enjoyed it!!

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