Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller
by Sarah Miller
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.
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.