A review by abigailbat
Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Miller

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!