Hellen Keller: Rebellious Spirit - Hardcover

Lawlor, Laurie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823415880 ISBN 13: 9780823415885

Publisher: Holiday House, 2001

Synopsis

Examines the life of the deaf and blind woman who overcame her handicap to take up the battle cry of those less fortunate than herself and make her name known and revered throughout the world.

About this title

About the Author

Laurie Lawlor has written popular historical fiction for children, including Addie Across the Prairie, Addie's Dakota Winter, and the American Sisters books. Her distinguished nonfiction includes Window on the West: The Frontier Photography of William Henry Jackson and Shadow Catcher: The Life and Work of Edward S. Curtis, and American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults and Golden Kite Honor Book for Nonfiction. She lives in Evanston, Illinois.

From Publishers Weekly

Lawlor's (Window on the West: The Frontier Photography of William Henry Jackson) use of liberal quotes from Keller's own writing and objective analysis of both Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, offer insight into her subject's character and experience. This well-researched biography places Keller squarely in the context of her time. As the subtitle proclaims, Lawlor paints a positive portrait of Keller but also unveils her radical political beliefs and persistent rebellious streak. Beginning with Keller's birth in Tuscumbia, Ala., in 1880 and the illness that caused her to lose her sight and hearing at 19 months, the author sets the stage for the bright, frustrated child who "became almost intolerably spoiled and bossy." Lawlor includes famous episodes (such as Keller's epiphany when Sullivan helps her to connect the word "water" with the liquid from the well) but also delves into more complex issues, such as Keller's interdependent relationship with Sullivan (after her arrival at the Kellers' in 1886) and Keller's constant battle with finances. But throughout the volume, the author captures Keller's zeal, whether bravely venturing into the ocean or "even at eighty [continuing] to do her best to topple her saintly image." (Keller quipped to Patty Duke, the child actress who was portraying her on Broadway, that her greatest joy after walks in the garden was her martini). Photographs and prints effectively join the narrative in vivifying this determined and inspiring woman. Ages 10-up.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0823415880
• ISBN 13: 9780823415885
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32