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Annie and Helen
"What is breathtakingly shown here, through accurate, cross-hatched watercolor paintings; excerpts from Sullivan’s correspondence to her former teacher; and concise and poetic language, is the woman’s patience and belief in the intelligence of her student to grasp the concepts of language," praised School Library Journal in a starred review.
Author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator Raul Colón present the story of Helen Keller in a fresh and original way that is perfect for young children. Focusing on the relationship between Helen and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, the book is interspersed with excerpts of Annie's letters home, written as she struggled with her angry, wild pupil. But slowly, with devotion and determination, Annie teaches Helen finger spelling and braille, letters, and sentences. As Helen comes to understand language and starts to communicate, she connects for the first time with her family and the world around her. The lyrical text and exquisite art will make this fascinating story a favorite with young readers. Children will also enjoy learning the Braille alphabet, which is embossed on the back cover of the jacket.
Author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator Raul Colón present the story of Helen Keller in a fresh and original way that is perfect for young children. Focusing on the relationship between Helen and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, the book is interspersed with excerpts of Annie's letters home, written as she struggled with her angry, wild pupil. But slowly, with devotion and determination, Annie teaches Helen finger spelling and braille, letters, and sentences. As Helen comes to understand language and starts to communicate, she connects for the first time with her family and the world around her. The lyrical text and exquisite art will make this fascinating story a favorite with young readers. Children will also enjoy learning the Braille alphabet, which is embossed on the back cover of the jacket.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2012
About the author
Deborah Hopkinson
113 books378 followersI write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 31, 2019
Although one of course feels both sadness and pity for Helen Keller being (or rather becoming) both deaf and blind, personally, Deborah Hopkinson’s Annie and Helen is such a wonderful textual celebration of not only how Annie Sullivan teaches Helen Keller the magic and miracle of words but also how once taught the latter, Helen just seems to totally blossom and absorb knowledge like a thirsty sponge, that yes, one almost does tend to forget that Helen Keller is in fact both deaf and blind and to first and foremost see her simply and delightfully as an intelligent and curious little girl being successfully taught her letters, numbers etc. by an inspired and imaginative teacher (with Annie not only giving Helen the gift of vocabulary, but of skills like reading and writing and later the opportunity to attend college and to be the first deaf and blind person in the USA to earn a BA).
Accompanied by Raúl Colón warmly descriptive pictures, which gracefully mirror Deborah Hopkinson’s inspiring words, although truth be told both Annie and Helen’s facial features do seem visually a bit too flat and expressionless for my aesthetics, I have indeed very much enjoyed reading Annie and Helen (and also appreciate the inclusion of letter excerpts from Annie Sullivan to her former teacher at the Perkins School for the Blind, to Sophia C. Hopkins, which although not really necessary on a narrational level does add a sense of history and immediacy to Deborah Hopkinson’s text). And indeed, the only reason why Annie and Helen is a three and not yet a four star book for me is that in my opinion, the bibliographical material should really be located in a much more prominent and easier to notice place, as I almost completely missed it since it was covered by the dust jacket of my library book and thus hidden and obscured from view until I specifically decided to check for it.
Accompanied by Raúl Colón warmly descriptive pictures, which gracefully mirror Deborah Hopkinson’s inspiring words, although truth be told both Annie and Helen’s facial features do seem visually a bit too flat and expressionless for my aesthetics, I have indeed very much enjoyed reading Annie and Helen (and also appreciate the inclusion of letter excerpts from Annie Sullivan to her former teacher at the Perkins School for the Blind, to Sophia C. Hopkins, which although not really necessary on a narrational level does add a sense of history and immediacy to Deborah Hopkinson’s text). And indeed, the only reason why Annie and Helen is a three and not yet a four star book for me is that in my opinion, the bibliographical material should really be located in a much more prominent and easier to notice place, as I almost completely missed it since it was covered by the dust jacket of my library book and thus hidden and obscured from view until I specifically decided to check for it.
November 4, 2012
While there are many, many books about Helen Keller targeted at young readers, Deborah Hopkinson and Raul Colon have added to these riches with a lovely picture book biography that focuses on the intense relationship between Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan.
Hopkins intersperses her narrative, which begins on the day when Annie Sullivan came into Helen Keller's life, with excerpts from Annie's own letters to her friend and former teacher, Sophia Hopkins. We see Helen throwing a violent tantrum, her dog running away from her: "Helen was like a small, wild bird, throwing herself against the bars of a dark and silent cage." But Annie, who fought her own battle against blindness, understood that Helen needed discipline, and "prepared for battle." She and Helen moved into a small house on the family's property, and Annie helped Helen accept rules and teaching. But how could she teach her language? Hopkinson explains the manual finger alphabet used by Annie, and provides drawings of the hand positions for each letter in the text as well as explaining how Annie tried to teach Helen the names of familiar objects. When Helen finally grasps the concept of words at the water pump, as cool water splashed on her hand, the world of language quickly opened up to her. Sullivan writes about Helen on April 5, 1887: "A new light came into her face."
Hopkinson shows us Helen as a very bright child, giving many examples of how she put together words. We even see Helen running and jumping with joy on their walks. Annie also taught Helen to read using Braille and how to write using a special braille typewriter. The book concludes with a letter written to her mother on a short trip with her father.
The book is beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Raul Colon, whose gentle, water-colored earth-toned illustrations capture the special relationship between these two remarkable women. Back matter includes a few suggestions for further reading and a selection of websites to learn more about Annie and Helen. Endpapers feature some of the many photographs of Helen and Annie. The author also includes an author's note, which provides some basic biographical information on both women.
I would highly recommend this picture book to share in a classroom or at home; it only covers a brief period in the relationship between Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, but this book could easily be supplemented with other volumes for those young people who want to learn more about this famous teacher-pupil relationship.
Hopkins intersperses her narrative, which begins on the day when Annie Sullivan came into Helen Keller's life, with excerpts from Annie's own letters to her friend and former teacher, Sophia Hopkins. We see Helen throwing a violent tantrum, her dog running away from her: "Helen was like a small, wild bird, throwing herself against the bars of a dark and silent cage." But Annie, who fought her own battle against blindness, understood that Helen needed discipline, and "prepared for battle." She and Helen moved into a small house on the family's property, and Annie helped Helen accept rules and teaching. But how could she teach her language? Hopkinson explains the manual finger alphabet used by Annie, and provides drawings of the hand positions for each letter in the text as well as explaining how Annie tried to teach Helen the names of familiar objects. When Helen finally grasps the concept of words at the water pump, as cool water splashed on her hand, the world of language quickly opened up to her. Sullivan writes about Helen on April 5, 1887: "A new light came into her face."
Hopkinson shows us Helen as a very bright child, giving many examples of how she put together words. We even see Helen running and jumping with joy on their walks. Annie also taught Helen to read using Braille and how to write using a special braille typewriter. The book concludes with a letter written to her mother on a short trip with her father.
The book is beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Raul Colon, whose gentle, water-colored earth-toned illustrations capture the special relationship between these two remarkable women. Back matter includes a few suggestions for further reading and a selection of websites to learn more about Annie and Helen. Endpapers feature some of the many photographs of Helen and Annie. The author also includes an author's note, which provides some basic biographical information on both women.
I would highly recommend this picture book to share in a classroom or at home; it only covers a brief period in the relationship between Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, but this book could easily be supplemented with other volumes for those young people who want to learn more about this famous teacher-pupil relationship.
November 28, 2012
This is a wonderful version of the Helen Keller story. It's such a familiar story for me, from learning about her in school and from watching the movie version of The Miracle Worker starring Patty Duke.
But I think this is one of the best versions I've read. It tells Helen's story concisely, focusing on the first few months that she spent with Annie Sullivan, but adds enough emotion and details to keep a child's interest. And the illustrations are wonderful, too. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
interesting quote:
"Helen was like a small, wild bird, throwing herself against the bars of a dark and silent cage."
But I think this is one of the best versions I've read. It tells Helen's story concisely, focusing on the first few months that she spent with Annie Sullivan, but adds enough emotion and details to keep a child's interest. And the illustrations are wonderful, too. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
interesting quote:
"Helen was like a small, wild bird, throwing herself against the bars of a dark and silent cage."
August 31, 2013
Another good picture book biography about Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. What makes this once special is it includes part of letters that Anne Sullivan wrote to her former teacher Sophia C. Hopkins plus a letter that Helen wrote to her mother when she was 7 years old.
December 3, 2019
Deborah Hopkinson's story of Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller really brings the story of Helen's life and Annie's teaching to life. With the help of Raul Colon's illustrations and quotes from letters of Annie's, the reader truly understands what it was like for Annie and Helen.
Since I teach Hurt Go Happy which is about a deaf young lady named Joey, this book will be a great picture book to include during that unit. My students are always fascinated to learn sign language and this book will be a great one to introduce the alphabet as well as two amazing ladies in history.
Since I teach Hurt Go Happy which is about a deaf young lady named Joey, this book will be a great picture book to include during that unit. My students are always fascinated to learn sign language and this book will be a great one to introduce the alphabet as well as two amazing ladies in history.
March 11, 2018
Inspiring story. My family loved this one!
June 21, 2012
Richie’s Picks: ANNIE AND HELEN by Deborah Hopkinson & Raul Colón, Schwartz & Wade, September 2012, 48p., ISBN: 978-0-375-85706-5
“Hey you, out there beyond the wall
Breaking bottles in the hall
Can you help me?”
--Pink Floyd, “Hey You”
“But although Helen quickly learned to mimic these finger-words,
she didn’t understand that each motion was a letter,
that letters make up words,
and that words could be names for things.
She didn’t know that the cold, sweet taste on her tongue was called ice cream
and the soft petal brushing her cheek was a rose.
Helen still needed the key to language.
“Annie spelled into Helen’s palm all day long.
Like someone on a windy peak
trying to kindle a fire for warmth,
Annie kept hoping for a spark to catch.”
As a child of the sixties, the title ANNIE AND HELEN could only mean Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller. I cannot recall where, as a child on a school field trip, I attended a stage production of The Miracle Worker, but doing so was a rite of passage for so many of us in the New York area, and the experience that day remains with me nearly half a century later.
What would it be like, I remember thinking that day, to not be able to see nor hear nor understand the essence of communicating through words? Never look out across Long Island Sound. Never listen to The Beatles. Never hear CHARLOTTE’S WEB read aloud. Never engage in conversations with parents or hide-and-seek with friends.
“Then, one day, Annie took Helen
outside to the pump.
As cool water splashed over Helen’s hand,
Annie spelled w-a-t-e-r into her other palm.
Suddenly the rush of water
and the touch of Annie’s fingers
flashed upon Helen’s mind
like lightning in a midnight sky.”
I remember thinking afterward about how amazing our brains are and marveling about how Helen Keller went from a feral child to a world-renowned author and advocate thanks to her epiphany about language that is so well dramatized in the play and here in this picture book.
“’Cause we can work it out that’s what words were invented for
We can work it out it’s the best way there is for sure
To fight over something is absurd
So for Pete’s sake use a word”
--Red & Kathy Grammar
ANNIE AND HELEN is a great introduction to Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. I like that Deborah Hopkinson begins with a very informative author’s note that sets the stage and tells us about where Annie Sullivan came from. (Annie became orphaned as a child and was also a victim of trachoma, the painful and contagious eye disease for which – as I learned last year in Albert Marrin’s FLESH & BLOOD SO CHEAP – doctors would examine immigrants using a button hook to lift eyelids.) Hopkinson then uses passages from letters Annie wrote (to her friend and former teacher about life with Helen) to set up the parts of the duo’s life together as teacher and student. I also like that the endpapers contain a collection of photographs of Annie and Helen, and that the back of the dust jacket has the raised Braille alphabet imprinted upon it.
As a teacher, I hold out the hope that, on occasion, I can actually change a life in the way that so many teachers have been responsible for changing mine. Thus, for me, ANNIE AND HELEN is such an incredibly rewarding and inspirational picture book story.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
“Hey you, out there beyond the wall
Breaking bottles in the hall
Can you help me?”
--Pink Floyd, “Hey You”
“But although Helen quickly learned to mimic these finger-words,
she didn’t understand that each motion was a letter,
that letters make up words,
and that words could be names for things.
She didn’t know that the cold, sweet taste on her tongue was called ice cream
and the soft petal brushing her cheek was a rose.
Helen still needed the key to language.
“Annie spelled into Helen’s palm all day long.
Like someone on a windy peak
trying to kindle a fire for warmth,
Annie kept hoping for a spark to catch.”
As a child of the sixties, the title ANNIE AND HELEN could only mean Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller. I cannot recall where, as a child on a school field trip, I attended a stage production of The Miracle Worker, but doing so was a rite of passage for so many of us in the New York area, and the experience that day remains with me nearly half a century later.
What would it be like, I remember thinking that day, to not be able to see nor hear nor understand the essence of communicating through words? Never look out across Long Island Sound. Never listen to The Beatles. Never hear CHARLOTTE’S WEB read aloud. Never engage in conversations with parents or hide-and-seek with friends.
“Then, one day, Annie took Helen
outside to the pump.
As cool water splashed over Helen’s hand,
Annie spelled w-a-t-e-r into her other palm.
Suddenly the rush of water
and the touch of Annie’s fingers
flashed upon Helen’s mind
like lightning in a midnight sky.”
I remember thinking afterward about how amazing our brains are and marveling about how Helen Keller went from a feral child to a world-renowned author and advocate thanks to her epiphany about language that is so well dramatized in the play and here in this picture book.
“’Cause we can work it out that’s what words were invented for
We can work it out it’s the best way there is for sure
To fight over something is absurd
So for Pete’s sake use a word”
--Red & Kathy Grammar
ANNIE AND HELEN is a great introduction to Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller. I like that Deborah Hopkinson begins with a very informative author’s note that sets the stage and tells us about where Annie Sullivan came from. (Annie became orphaned as a child and was also a victim of trachoma, the painful and contagious eye disease for which – as I learned last year in Albert Marrin’s FLESH & BLOOD SO CHEAP – doctors would examine immigrants using a button hook to lift eyelids.) Hopkinson then uses passages from letters Annie wrote (to her friend and former teacher about life with Helen) to set up the parts of the duo’s life together as teacher and student. I also like that the endpapers contain a collection of photographs of Annie and Helen, and that the back of the dust jacket has the raised Braille alphabet imprinted upon it.
As a teacher, I hold out the hope that, on occasion, I can actually change a life in the way that so many teachers have been responsible for changing mine. Thus, for me, ANNIE AND HELEN is such an incredibly rewarding and inspirational picture book story.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
April 25, 2016
Have you ever felt as though you couldn't accomplish something? Did you want to give up? Well Annie Sullivan had one of the hardest jobs. She took the job of teaching a deaf and blind child to read and write. This book is told with some of the journal entries from Annie Sullivan and her obstacles with trying to teach Helen Keller how to read and write. She persevered and held a great patience towards the little girl. Want to know how it ended? You'll have to read the book! I loved this book personally. I have always been so fascinated with Helen Keller and it was very interesting to get Annie Sullivan's perspective. Every story I have read up to this story, has always been focused primarily on Helen, but this time Annie Sullivan's voice was heard in a new way. For my classroom activity, I would have students pair up. One student (A) would be blindfolded while the other student (B) cannot talk. Student B will have a task to try to get student A to do such as sit in a chair by clapping their hands, etc. The students will switch off after the task is complete. After the activity, the class will come together for a discussion about how they felt when they were blindfolded. Were they frustrated, scared, annoyed, etc? There will also be a discussion about how the students felt when they were trying to teach the small task. Did they want to give up, or keep persevering? Did they feel frustrated as well? Hopefully the students will see a new point of view of patience and not giving up because good things come from persevering. Even if the victories are small.
November 26, 2012
Annie and Helen
by Deborah Hopkinson
Schwartz & Wade, 2012
I only know the most basic information about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, and I always kind of wondered *exactly* how Annie taught a child who could neither see nor hear to make words. It seems like an impossible task!
This book explains it all, in a way that acknowledges the enormity of the task but makes the process understandable. Helen is a real, frustrated, tantrum-throwing girl. And Annie is a real person, patient, firm, and determined. Their story is amazing and inspiring.
And the writing is pretty amazing, too.
About Helen, before she could communicate with words: "Helen was like a small, wild bird, throwing herself against the bars of a dark and silent cage."
About Annie's determination: "Annie spelled into Helen's palm all day long. Like someone on a windy peak trying to kindle a fire for warmth, Annie kept hoping for a spark to catch."
And structuring the book around Annie's letter to her own former teacher makes the ending, the text of Helen's very first written letter, the perfect ending, at once an end and a beginning.
This is a lovely book, start to finish.
Review copy from my library.
by Deborah Hopkinson
Schwartz & Wade, 2012
I only know the most basic information about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, and I always kind of wondered *exactly* how Annie taught a child who could neither see nor hear to make words. It seems like an impossible task!
This book explains it all, in a way that acknowledges the enormity of the task but makes the process understandable. Helen is a real, frustrated, tantrum-throwing girl. And Annie is a real person, patient, firm, and determined. Their story is amazing and inspiring.
And the writing is pretty amazing, too.
About Helen, before she could communicate with words: "Helen was like a small, wild bird, throwing herself against the bars of a dark and silent cage."
About Annie's determination: "Annie spelled into Helen's palm all day long. Like someone on a windy peak trying to kindle a fire for warmth, Annie kept hoping for a spark to catch."
And structuring the book around Annie's letter to her own former teacher makes the ending, the text of Helen's very first written letter, the perfect ending, at once an end and a beginning.
This is a lovely book, start to finish.
Review copy from my library.
March 13, 2017
Annie and Helen, a beautifully illustrated book, tells the story of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie. Focusing on her childhood, this book tells of the struggles Helen faced because of her loss of sight and hearing. Her whole world changed, however, when Annie came into her life. Annie was determined to find a way to teach Helen, and that she did! She taught her to read and write and make sense of the world around her.
A biography book, this book would be ideal for grades 3-5 as an independent read, or as a read-aloud for K-1. This book would be useful as it gives a different perspective on the life of Helen Keller than is often talked about. It could also be used in a lesson about determination and advocating.
This book made me say "wow" because of the impact that Annie had on Helen's life. Not only on her quality of life, but also on her academic life, Annie displayed amazing determination in helping Helen make sense of her world. She was able to be Helen's biggest advocate, and an example of the effect of determination on reaching goals. It really caused me to think about the story of Helen Keller in another way. Definitely a must read!
A biography book, this book would be ideal for grades 3-5 as an independent read, or as a read-aloud for K-1. This book would be useful as it gives a different perspective on the life of Helen Keller than is often talked about. It could also be used in a lesson about determination and advocating.
This book made me say "wow" because of the impact that Annie had on Helen's life. Not only on her quality of life, but also on her academic life, Annie displayed amazing determination in helping Helen make sense of her world. She was able to be Helen's biggest advocate, and an example of the effect of determination on reaching goals. It really caused me to think about the story of Helen Keller in another way. Definitely a must read!
February 19, 2017
The amazing story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan has always been one of my favorites growing up. I would read any books about them I could get my hands on.
Annie and Helen introduces us to a brief period of time that Annie and Helen spent together. With beautifully illustrated pages that assist readers in following the authors text; we follow the journey of Helen starting out as uncontrollable to reaching the point of being able to write her mother a letter while on a trip with her father. Annie finds ways to communicate with Helen through out the book. This book also includes snip-ets from Annie Sullivan's journals as well as photographs of Helen Keller through out her life.
This picture book biography would be best used as an introduction to biographies for grades K-2 as a read aloud. The illustrations by Raul Colon will keep your students hooked. To continue this unit other texts could be used to supplement more information, surrounding this pair. I also appreciate this book as an introduction to sign language.
Annie and Helen introduces us to a brief period of time that Annie and Helen spent together. With beautifully illustrated pages that assist readers in following the authors text; we follow the journey of Helen starting out as uncontrollable to reaching the point of being able to write her mother a letter while on a trip with her father. Annie finds ways to communicate with Helen through out the book. This book also includes snip-ets from Annie Sullivan's journals as well as photographs of Helen Keller through out her life.
This picture book biography would be best used as an introduction to biographies for grades K-2 as a read aloud. The illustrations by Raul Colon will keep your students hooked. To continue this unit other texts could be used to supplement more information, surrounding this pair. I also appreciate this book as an introduction to sign language.
Read
September 22, 2012Full review at Cracking the Cover
There are a number of elements that make “Annie and Helen” stand out. Three days after Annie entered the Keller home, she began sending letters to Sophia C. Hopkins, a friend and former teacher. Excerpts from those letters are included throughout the book, providing an added depth that couldn’t be found elsewhere.
Deborah Hopkinson’s text is simple but sophisticated. There’s no talking down to young readers here. Fine illustrations by Raul Colon fill in the gaps and bring added interest to those in the audience who’d rather look than read. An added bonus is the Braille alphabet, which is embossed on the back cover.
Annie and Helen’s story is fascinating on its own. In “Annie and Helen” Deborah and Raul have made an accessible book that will quickly capture young readers’ attention and prompt strong follow-up conversations.
There are a number of elements that make “Annie and Helen” stand out. Three days after Annie entered the Keller home, she began sending letters to Sophia C. Hopkins, a friend and former teacher. Excerpts from those letters are included throughout the book, providing an added depth that couldn’t be found elsewhere.
Deborah Hopkinson’s text is simple but sophisticated. There’s no talking down to young readers here. Fine illustrations by Raul Colon fill in the gaps and bring added interest to those in the audience who’d rather look than read. An added bonus is the Braille alphabet, which is embossed on the back cover.
Annie and Helen’s story is fascinating on its own. In “Annie and Helen” Deborah and Raul have made an accessible book that will quickly capture young readers’ attention and prompt strong follow-up conversations.
October 23, 2012
This picture book focuses just on the first year or two of Helen Keller's life with Annie Sullivan, her remarkable "Teacher" and does a good job of explaining that remarkable story to a younger audience.Some of the artwork here is wonderful, some seems slightly flat and distorted.
There are a lot of books about Helen Keller out there--personally I've been reading them all since around 1970.d this is a nice one, though it doesn't rock my world. I'll be waiting to see if Doreen Rappaport's Helen's Big World impresses me more.
There are a lot of books about Helen Keller out there--personally I've been reading them all since around 1970.d this is a nice one, though it doesn't rock my world. I'll be waiting to see if Doreen Rappaport's Helen's Big World impresses me more.
November 15, 2012
A picture book biography of Helen Keller with a focus on the early years she spent learning from her teacher Annie Sullivan. Included are some excerpts from Sullivan's personal letters. Illustrations are rendered in watercolor.
A great read aloud introduction to an important person. Recommended for grades 3-5.
A great read aloud introduction to an important person. Recommended for grades 3-5.
February 7, 2016
This was a nice story about the work Annie Sullivan did with Helen Keller. Nothing made it stand out from other stories I've read of the two. The illustrations look nice, but actually make the book look dated. It looks like a book I would have read in my childhood. I think my students would ask if it's from when I'm a kid. It's all nice, and ok, but nothing special.
November 9, 2017
A perfect children's biography of Helen Keller with primary source documentation- letters written by her teacher Annie Sullivan, photos of them together and most touchingly, Helen's real first letter she ever wrote. Includes the actual raised Braille alphabet on the back of the dust jacket!
June 12, 2013
An entry level biography of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Not a bad book, but aside from the end pages, there are no photographs. I still maintain modern kids like photographs better than watercolor illustrations.
May 16, 2013
Nice illustrations and easy to read story about Helen and Annie.
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April 28, 2015A story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. Such a touching book! Something that parents can read to their kids to teach them a part of history.
November 7, 2018
Beautifully illustrated. Inspiring, tells this amazing story in a straightforward, lovely way. Makes you want to know MORE and at the same time you want to keep on reading with the sense that you don’t want the book to end.
November 5, 2016
Review: This Oregon Book Award winning story is easily one of my favorites. It tells the story of Helen Keller, a blind and deaf child, who's mind is expanded by her teacher Annie Sullivan. The text includes jounal/letter entries, poetry, and beautiful water-color type illustrations. Overall, this is probably one of my favorite childrens books I've read, and I would definitely like to share it with my future students.
Content Areas: For this specific book, you could use it for many different subjects, however I would most likely use it to cover a history component. I would have students research Helen Keller, what she accomplished, why she was important, the time in which she lived, and what they found interesting about her. I would also have students look into Braille and research what purpose it is used for. I would even use the poetry within the story as a way to introduce students to that style of writing, and have them write some poetry about something they like.
Comprehension:
Q: How would you feel if you were unable to communicate with others like Helen? Why?
A: Frustrated, I can't imagine not being able to voice to others what you need from them. And not being able to hear what they were saying would make it that much harder.
Q: What was something you found interesting about Annie and why?
A: I thought it was amazing how patient Annie was. She never gave up on Helen, and she made sure that Helen was able to accomplish what she wanted to do. Even when her parents and everyone in her life was unsure of what to do.
Wonders:
1. I wonder how Helen felt sending her first letter home
2. I wonder how amazing Annie felt after helping Helen
Content Areas: For this specific book, you could use it for many different subjects, however I would most likely use it to cover a history component. I would have students research Helen Keller, what she accomplished, why she was important, the time in which she lived, and what they found interesting about her. I would also have students look into Braille and research what purpose it is used for. I would even use the poetry within the story as a way to introduce students to that style of writing, and have them write some poetry about something they like.
Comprehension:
Q: How would you feel if you were unable to communicate with others like Helen? Why?
A: Frustrated, I can't imagine not being able to voice to others what you need from them. And not being able to hear what they were saying would make it that much harder.
Q: What was something you found interesting about Annie and why?
A: I thought it was amazing how patient Annie was. She never gave up on Helen, and she made sure that Helen was able to accomplish what she wanted to do. Even when her parents and everyone in her life was unsure of what to do.
Wonders:
1. I wonder how Helen felt sending her first letter home
2. I wonder how amazing Annie felt after helping Helen
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July 2, 2016This text brings to life the inspiring story of Helen Keller as she learns to read, write, think, learn, behave and understand the world around her, despite her blindness and deafness. The biographical account highlights the remarkable relationship Helen Keller has with her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The text is dappled with original text of letters written by Ms. Sullivan herself, supporting the text with change in perspective shifting to the main character. Authentic photos of Helen and Annie mount the front and back covers. Fine pen and water color illustrations bring characters to life. A social justice issue that arises in Keller's life story is the ability to overcome the obstacles one faces with multiple disabilities, particularly during an era in which disabled people were often ostracized. Annie Sullivan has made her mark as a pioneer in the dedication of educators to those with special needs. This text lends itself to sensory study and appreciation. Similes are used throughout the text, and this would serve as a great source to introduce and practice similes with young readers. Readers may also like The World At Her Fingertips: The Story Of Helen Keller for further biographical information and Helen Keller's own autobiography The Story of My Life
August 29, 2013
Author has a wonderful descriptive way with words!
Expressions : “Helen was like a small,wild bird, throwing herself against the bars of a dark and silent cage.”
“like someone on a windy peak trying to kindle a fire for warmth, Annie kept hoping for a spark to catch.”
“Suddenly the rush of water and the touch of Annie’s fingers flashed through Helen’s mind like lightening in a midnight sky.”
Featured interspersed throughout the book in italics are portions of Annie’s letters ‘home’ to her friend and former teacher at the Perkins Institution for the Blind in Boston-Mrs. Sophia C. Hopkins.
It is through these descriptive and dated letter, we see how Annie’s persistence pays off relatively quickly. Her discipline and Helen’s parents willingness to let Annie help their child mean the way is clear to start doing the hard work of bringing Helen out of her own frustrating world.
While not a light-hearted story, there is joy in seeing these two people work together. Inspiring. Humbling.
Added Bonus: Author’s note before cover page and includes the Braille alphabet.
Acknowledgement page at the end includes further reading and websites to learn more about Annie and Helen.
Expressions : “Helen was like a small,wild bird, throwing herself against the bars of a dark and silent cage.”
“like someone on a windy peak trying to kindle a fire for warmth, Annie kept hoping for a spark to catch.”
“Suddenly the rush of water and the touch of Annie’s fingers flashed through Helen’s mind like lightening in a midnight sky.”
Featured interspersed throughout the book in italics are portions of Annie’s letters ‘home’ to her friend and former teacher at the Perkins Institution for the Blind in Boston-Mrs. Sophia C. Hopkins.
It is through these descriptive and dated letter, we see how Annie’s persistence pays off relatively quickly. Her discipline and Helen’s parents willingness to let Annie help their child mean the way is clear to start doing the hard work of bringing Helen out of her own frustrating world.
While not a light-hearted story, there is joy in seeing these two people work together. Inspiring. Humbling.
Added Bonus: Author’s note before cover page and includes the Braille alphabet.
Acknowledgement page at the end includes further reading and websites to learn more about Annie and Helen.
August 11, 2016
Annie and Helen, by Deborah Hopkinson and Raul Colon, is a nominee for the 2014-15 South Carolina Picture Book Award.
Annie and Helen is an ideal book for introducing young readers to the inspiring story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The book takes readers through both Sullivan's and Keller's early lives and their quest to find a way for young Helen to communicate with the world around her.
The watercolor illustrations in Annie and Helen combine beautifully with the poetic narrative, and both are used to show readers how difficult it often was for Helen to find her "voice," and how both Annie and Helen persevered until they were successful.
The text from actual letters written by Annie Sullivan about her experiences with Helen and photographs on the end papers make this book an excellent work for teaching about primary sources and how they can be used to present information.
Annie and Helen is also a great book to teach young readers about courage, perseverance, working together, and the impact a good teacher can have in a person's life.
Annie and Helen is an ideal book for introducing young readers to the inspiring story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The book takes readers through both Sullivan's and Keller's early lives and their quest to find a way for young Helen to communicate with the world around her.
The watercolor illustrations in Annie and Helen combine beautifully with the poetic narrative, and both are used to show readers how difficult it often was for Helen to find her "voice," and how both Annie and Helen persevered until they were successful.
The text from actual letters written by Annie Sullivan about her experiences with Helen and photographs on the end papers make this book an excellent work for teaching about primary sources and how they can be used to present information.
Annie and Helen is also a great book to teach young readers about courage, perseverance, working together, and the impact a good teacher can have in a person's life.
October 14, 2016
2. BRIEF REVIEW
The book a nonfiction book, Buckaroo Award Nominee. Annie and Helen is a biography that tells the story of Helen Keller, a deaf-blind girl who always got her way until Annie came along and introduced her to a new world. I admire the bond between Annie and Helen.
3. CONTENT AREAS
This book could be a useful tool for teachers with students who have special needs. It presents various creative methods and tools Annie used to help Helen learn. Such as nature, objects, the manual finger alphabet, and the Braille Alphabet, In my opinion she was hard-working, perseverant, and patient, which are qualities a teacher must possess.
4. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
a) What kept Annie from learning?- her anger and frustration
b) Was Annie born blind and deaf?- no, this occurred at 19 months old, after a sudden illness.
c) How was Annie able to teach Helen?- by finger-spelling into Helen's palm.
d) How did Helen listen?- by sensing vibrations.
5. WONDERS
I wonder...
Why Helen's parents allowed her to go into angry tantrums for so long?
Where Annie went to school and how far did she get?
Did Annie make Helen taste drinks/ food to teach her their names and flavors?
The book a nonfiction book, Buckaroo Award Nominee. Annie and Helen is a biography that tells the story of Helen Keller, a deaf-blind girl who always got her way until Annie came along and introduced her to a new world. I admire the bond between Annie and Helen.
3. CONTENT AREAS
This book could be a useful tool for teachers with students who have special needs. It presents various creative methods and tools Annie used to help Helen learn. Such as nature, objects, the manual finger alphabet, and the Braille Alphabet, In my opinion she was hard-working, perseverant, and patient, which are qualities a teacher must possess.
4. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
a) What kept Annie from learning?- her anger and frustration
b) Was Annie born blind and deaf?- no, this occurred at 19 months old, after a sudden illness.
c) How was Annie able to teach Helen?- by finger-spelling into Helen's palm.
d) How did Helen listen?- by sensing vibrations.
5. WONDERS
I wonder...
Why Helen's parents allowed her to go into angry tantrums for so long?
Where Annie went to school and how far did she get?
Did Annie make Helen taste drinks/ food to teach her their names and flavors?
September 2, 2013
Theme: "Biography"
This was an incredible story that revolved around the theme of teamwork. Annie was a woman who had partial blindness as a child and happened to come across a girl named Helen, who happened to be blind and deaf. Although the odds to lead a fairly normal life were stacked heavily against Helen, she allowed Annie to teach her through touch and sign language how to read and write. Annie used extremely tough love when Helen would misbehave, but the two worked together and ultimately, Helen learned to read and write. Not only is this story great because it introduces the beginning of one of the most influential women is U.S. history in Helen Keller, but it also portrays perseverance. With perseverance and never giving up, unimaginable goals can be achieved, which I hope everybody who reads this story can understand and apply to their life. I recommend this book to those who are in need of motivation and a boost of confidence reminding them that anything is possible.
This was an incredible story that revolved around the theme of teamwork. Annie was a woman who had partial blindness as a child and happened to come across a girl named Helen, who happened to be blind and deaf. Although the odds to lead a fairly normal life were stacked heavily against Helen, she allowed Annie to teach her through touch and sign language how to read and write. Annie used extremely tough love when Helen would misbehave, but the two worked together and ultimately, Helen learned to read and write. Not only is this story great because it introduces the beginning of one of the most influential women is U.S. history in Helen Keller, but it also portrays perseverance. With perseverance and never giving up, unimaginable goals can be achieved, which I hope everybody who reads this story can understand and apply to their life. I recommend this book to those who are in need of motivation and a boost of confidence reminding them that anything is possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2015
I really love this book as a learning tool for children. Whoever designed the inside cover is amazing and brilliant. The inside cover of this book contains all kinds of photographs of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller spanning a number of years. The illustrations are also done very well for this book, but to see an actual picture and put a real face to a person is beneficial for the reader.
The story is the classic story of young Helen's live from the time Anne Sullivan arrived on her doorstep. Helen learns her words; she learns to spell "water"; she learns to read and she learns to write. But the thing I like most about this individual book is that the author took time to include bits and pieces of letters that the real Anne Sullivan wrote during these great achievements. They are abridged letters, but they are dated which adds a sense of history and the ending even includes the first letter that Helen ever wrote by herself. The book contains charts for learning braille and sign language and is all in all a fantastic book for the classroom and for curious readers!
The story is the classic story of young Helen's live from the time Anne Sullivan arrived on her doorstep. Helen learns her words; she learns to spell "water"; she learns to read and she learns to write. But the thing I like most about this individual book is that the author took time to include bits and pieces of letters that the real Anne Sullivan wrote during these great achievements. They are abridged letters, but they are dated which adds a sense of history and the ending even includes the first letter that Helen ever wrote by herself. The book contains charts for learning braille and sign language and is all in all a fantastic book for the classroom and for curious readers!
April 12, 2015
I have many books about Helen Keller in my elementary school library but I think this will be a nice addition to them. It is told more from the point of view of Annie Sullivan, her wonderful teacher and covers the first year that she had Annie as her teacher. The end papers have photographs which I always enjoy poring over and I sure my students will enjoy as well. I even learned a few things, especially that Helen Keller had a younger sister named Mildred. Perhaps I had read this before but it didn't stick in my memory. I had read about many of the episodes that make up this book but the beautiful pictures add so much to the story, especially seeing the kind of machine that Helen learned to write print letters on. I noticed someone mentioned the Braille alphabet that is embossed on the back of the cover which is a nice touch but not as useful as you think it might be (once you put a plastic cover on it, it is very hard to feel the dots). I wouldn't have bet I needed another book about Helen Keller but this is definitely an asset to my collection.
November 3, 2013
With powerful watercolor illustrations that allow emotions to play over the faces of this book's subjects, Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, and the Braille alphabet on the book's back cover, readers are thrust into the world of a child whose teacher opened the world's possibilities to her. Since the book contains excerpts from letters written by both women, it is possible to experience Sullivan's frustration and determination to work with Helen. The text also highlights the joy with which Helen finally realizes the word for water. Teachers will do well to read this book carefully since it describes many of the techniques that this teacher used so successfully with her student in 1887. In fact, the book primarily covers only that one year with glimpses from Helen's later years on the endpapers. This book belongs in a text set on disabilities, of course, but also one devoted to those who strive against long odds. Both women remain ever-fascinating, long after their deaths.
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December 30, 2015The top GR review said, "a lovely picture book biography that focuses on the intense relationship between Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan," and I was intrigued. Honestly it's mostly just about Helen learning to communicate -- while Annie is certainly the driver for that, I felt like she faded into the background as the book went on (which is not a criticism of the book, just that I experienced the book differently than that reviewer did).
It has more text than Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller but covers less ground (as it stops after Helen has learned all her various communication methods). I also prefer the illustrations in Helen's Big World -- they have more color/texture/presence.
It has more text than Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller but covers less ground (as it stops after Helen has learned all her various communication methods). I also prefer the illustrations in Helen's Big World -- they have more color/texture/presence.
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