Inspiring.

Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller
by Sarah Miller

Miss Spitfire does not refer to Helen Keller but rather her teacher, Annie Sullivan. The book tells the story of Annie Sullivan's arrival at the Keller household and imagines the first month of her teaching Helen. Her pupil is not just difficult to teach, she just plain ol' difficult. With no language at her disposal, Helen has never been taught the basic things such as brushing her hair or using a napkin. The story depicts a Helen who has everyone in her household fearful of a six year old. She's a tyrant! Enters Miss Sullivan, a feisty Irish women of twenty. She's never taught before, has newly regained her vision, had a sad and abusive childhood with few pleasant memories. She's frightened about teaching a deaf and blind child. She must make this a success for she cannot return to home (she has none) and cannot return to the Perkins Institute for the Blind. She must make a success with Helen. But it is more than the success of teaching Helen that Annie longs for, it is also her affection. Despite the trials and abuse Helen puts her teacher through, Annie Sullivan remains determined in her methodology. She masterfully disciplines with a reverent affection for her student.


I think I enjoyed this remarkable story more because I have small children who when are unable to communicate with words do similar things as Helen. They lash out physically. Helen Keller was just learning to communicate with words when she lost her hearing and vision. It trapped her. Her family were unable to help her, in part, because they so grieved what had already happened. They wanted to protect her from further pain but in the end they were only leaving her abandoned inside her mind....unable to communicate with those around her. I can relate to their emotions. But, I also enjoy the story for the feisty characters. Another note, I enjoyed the author's note. It gave the story more meaning to know (if you didn't know already) that Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller remained faithful teacher~pupil friends for the remainder of Ms. Sullivan's life. They were always together. Their story truly is a miracle!