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

4.0

Imagine being blind and deaf, separated from the world that you are living in. Everything is a mystery to you, with only your touch to help you through life. You'd have questions that you couldn't find the answers to. Thoughts and ideas that will never reach another being. A universe that you have yet to discover. Young Helen Keller’s life was just like that.

Annie Sullivan was a loudmouthed, half-blind college graduate, determined to find a job; even if it meant working with a deaf and blind girl with a ferocious temper. Everyone was expecting a miracle from her, even though Annie had never taught a kid in her life, much less Helen. Annie Sullivan expected Helen to be a frail, sick, small girl but instead she was an annoying and crabby child with small painful fists. The way Helen felt others’ lips, trying to understand what they did with them that she couldn't, appealed to Annie. Annie knew that Helen was smart, but she didn't how to get the wheels turning in Helen’s head. Through all the punching and kicking, anger, despair, and tears, this story of Annie and Helen will teach you some important lessons.

Miss Spitfire makes one realize that with confidence and determination anything can be possible. Similar to Annie and Helen, friends can help each other achieve their dream. Annie’s job wasn't about keeping Helen in bed or giving her milk and cookies. It was about lending a hand to Helen to reveal her true potential. This story is really well written with plot twists and thoughtful dialogue that draws the reader in. Sarah Miller wrote the emotions of the characters so well that you could almost feel them next to you, acting out the story as you read. Miss Spitfire shows that in spite of setbacks and obstacles, one can still persevere to reach their goal. Annie Sullivan had to face some challenges when working with Helen, but she didn't give up, even if it meant more struggles.

I can understand Annie's struggles, because I know teaching someone can be hard. Conveying your knowledge to another person with a completely different mind and thoughts can take some effort, but this story of Annie Sullivan showcases that well.

Based on the true story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, Miss Spitfire is a novel about faith and friendship, and how nothing is impossible if you try hard.
For Annie, controlling Helen meant battle of sweat, blood and tears. A journey of success and downfalls. And most importantly, a lesson of trust and love. Through all the 208 pages of this book, readers will be sucked into a thoughtful and inspiring world that everyone will love.

“Yet part of me understands her better than she does herself.” – Annie Sullivan