Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller
by Sarah Miller

    MISS SPITFIRE by Sarah Miller
    Category:  Historical
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  7/10/07
    Publisher:  Atheneum
    Reviewed by:  Lynn Crow
    Rating:  5 Stars


    While most people have at least heard of Helen Keller, few know much about her teacher, the dedicated and
    passionate Annie Sullivan.  Sarah Miller's MISS SPITFIRE may change that.  The novel gives a fictionalized but
    well-researched narrative, in Annie's own voice, of the first month Annie spent with Helen.  Her struggle to reach
    this wild, blind, and deaf child and overcome the obstacles presented by Helen's family makes a riveting read.

    Miller delves deeply into her subject, letting readers in on Annie's early life through memories and flashbacks--of
    her abusive father, of the horrible years she spent at a state almshouse, and of the better but still difficult years in a
    school for the blind.  Readers will find it easier to sympathize with and relate to her loneliness and longing for
    affection.  It's wonderful to see the parts of her personality that had long been considered flaws--her stubbornness,
    her fierce temper--become assets in dealing with Helen.  More than just a historical figure, in MISS SPITFIRE
    Annie Sullivan becomes a fully realized human being.

    It's clear from the novel that Annie's success didn't come easily.  It details every setback and every triumph, no
    matter how minor, until readers will be racing through the pages waiting to see how she will finally break through to
    Helen.  They may be a little disappointed to discover that the novel ends shortly after that major breakthrough,
    wishing to read on and continue the journey with Annie.  A sequel would certainly be welcome!

    MISS SPITFIRE is everything a historical novel should be--richly imagined, true to its period, and providing an
    engaging story that will feel completely relevant to modern readers.