What Once Was White

by Samantha Abeel, Charles R. Murphy (Illustrator), Roberta Williams (Editor)

Samantha Abeel is learning disabled and gifted. She does not understand mathematical concepts, but she is an extremely talented writer. Samantha was on the edge of despair when a caring English teacher who recognized her hidden talents intervened, offering Samantha an opportunity to interpret in words the hauntingly beautiful paintings of artist Charles R. Murphy. The result is a visual and verbal masterpiece, a gift of inspiration for parents, teachers, and children. Samantha brings affirmation and hope to everyone who has ever struggled with a disability.

Genres: Poetry

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Samantha has a degree in English from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan. First published at the age of 15, her book, Reach for the Moon won the 1994 Margot Marek Award for best book on the subject of learning disabilities, the Distinguished Book Award from the International Reading Association and was named Best Book for Teen Age by the New York Public Library. Her newest book, My Thirteenth Winter is an honest, hopeful autobiography that will inspire anyone who has ever had to face and overcome an obstacle.


Samantha Abeel
Among other awards, My Thirteenth Winter won an American Library Association Award for 2005. Samantha has spoken at numerous conferences as a keynote speaker and workshop leader and has been featured on NPR and in USA Today.

Reviews

[Nathan Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first encountered this book 25 years, as a graduation gift from a friend. I pulled it off the shelf for my youngest to read this morning. When she was done, I revisited it. Some of the poems still speak to me, decades later: Wellspring, Alone, and Shivers in the Blackness, in particular. Many thanks to Alisoun for the gift.

The author, a teen when this was written, has continued to write, speak, and teach. Her story of overcoming obstacles in her own education is as inspiring as her writing.

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The watercolor artwork is lovely!

Not sure my poetry was any better at 15, but she should be proud of her work, and I see she's gone on to publish a memoir. Encouraging words at the end from her parent and a teacher.

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing to pay attention to is the fact that this book was written by a seventh grader with a learning disability.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of poetry by Samantha Abeel and art by Charles R. Murphy, published around the time Samantha was 17. Samantha struggled with dyscalculia which made math very difficult but excelled in writing. Her mother and seventh grade creative writing teacher worked to nurture her writing ability. This resulted in poems inspired by the watercolors of family friend, Charles R. Murphy. Those poems and watercolors are published in this volume. A beautiful piece of work that shows what can happen when you encourage a child’s ability.

I met Samantha around the time this was published when I was nine. My mom took me to a book signing and she signed s copy for me. I too struggled with a learning disability growing up and meeting her made me feel less alone. I recently reread the book and it is a beautiful collection.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The poetry written by a young girl who is both gifted and learning disabled, Reach for the Moon, by Samantha Abeel, is truly inspiring. Teachers, this book contains an invaluable set of author's notes - passages from Samantha Abeel about her feelings regarding school before and after her LD diagnosis, from her mother documenting a long and heartwrenching journey to find the right educational support and placement for her daughter, and from the teacher who helped Samantha find a way to free her inner voice. This book belongs in every school library and should be read by every teacher who interacts with students in gifted or LD programs.