Miss Spitfire
by Sarah Miller
Nearly everyone has heard of Helen Keller, but what of her teacher, Annie Sullivan? Annie was no stranger to adversity herself when she met Helen. Left in an almshouse by her father as a young child, Annie soon lost both her sight and her brother. She was rescued, given back her sight, and sent to a school for the blind. There she learned to communicate with deaf, blind, and deaf/blind people. She isn’t sure that will be enough to reach her new pupil though. Not only does her task seem impossible, Annie is desperately lonely, and Helen rebuffs every attempt Annie makes to become close. Frustrated but determined, Annie forges head, positive that the key to comminication lies somewhere inside Helen’s mind. Most people know of her success, and this fictional biography gives life to the trials and tribulations that led to that success. This is a touching and informative read that would appeal to any fans of Helen Keller or anyone interested in the deaf or blind community.
