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Item Barcode | Collection | Call Number | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33607001528127 | Juvenile Nonfiction | 920 KELLER | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
A biography that sheds new light on this extraordinary woman.
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-7-Lawlor's finely crafted and lively biography makes fine use of primary-source material that brings Keller's interior thoughts to life and hints at her highly developed sense of humor. The author does not shy away from pointing out her subject's faults while lauding her many accomplishments. This well-researched account contains a fair amount of social history, placing Keller's life in the context of her time and providing readers with a greater basis to understand the development of her "radical" political beliefs and her "rebellious spirit." The excellent book design and attention to detail give children a visually aesthetic reading experience. Interesting, captioned, black-and-white photographs, many full page, are judiciously placed to break up the text throughout. The complete manual alphabet is reproduced inside the book and on the endpapers-a great touch since children will be interested in seeing one method in which Keller communicated. Each chapter begins with a full-page photograph and a quote from one of Keller's many books. Should libraries purchase this biography if they already own Joan Dash's The World at Her Fingertips (Scholastic, 2001)? The answer is a resounding "yes!"-Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved