Helen Keller: Rebellious Spirit [Hardcover]

Laurie Lawlor (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

A biography that sheds new light on this extraordinary woman.

Editorial Reviews

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.

From School Library Journal

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

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823415880
• ISBN-13: 978-0823415885
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,291,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Page Turner, December 26, 2002

By 

L. Boland (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Helen Keller: Rebellious Spirit (Hardcover)

What can I say? This book was great! I started reading it at the beginning of my bath and couldn't put it down. As a result my bath was four hours long. While reading this book you'll feel as though you are right besides Helen, from her first meeting with Annie Sullivan, to her travels around the world. She truly was a remarkable woman. This book lets you see the other side of Helen that not many people are aware of.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laurie Lawlor's Rebellious Spirit, March 23, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Helen Keller: Rebellious Spirit (Hardcover)

Lawlor's book Rebellious Spirit was an excellent one. I had a report due and it had all the information I needed and more. I would recommend it to anyone if they wanted to know about or needed information on Helen Keller.This book was extraordinary!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly researched and a fast-paced read, June 2, 2008

By 

L. Pedersen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Helen Keller: Rebellious Spirit (Hardcover)

One of the better books I've read about Helen Keller. Although written for upper elementary or middle school students, I found this book entertaining and informative for adults. The book goes into a great deal of detail not just about Helen's childhood, but examines all periods of her life: college, lecture tours around the country, her various writings, and her relationship with Annie Sullivan and later companions/assistants. The author does a great job of putting into perspective Helen's public fame and her inner determination to contribute to society as an independent woman who wanted to be defined by more than her sensory limitations.