Helen Keller

What education and tools does Anne Sullivan instill in Helen beyond the ability to communicate? Why are such skills beneficial for Helen to hone?

Though the book’s point of view is third person, the narrator often enters the mind of Helen. What is the motivation for this? What does it add to the narrative?

How do Helen’s parents both help and hinder her development when she is a toddler and a young child?

Margaret Davidson wrote and published a biography of Anne Sullivan for middle grade readers. Examine this book and explain how the information provided about Anne enhances your understanding of her as a character.

While Helen has access to some materials in braille as she learns to read, the author notes that such resources are generally difficult to come by during the era in which Helen lives. Indeed, when she attends college, her textbooks are not available in braille and must be “read” to her by her teacher, Anne. How might Helen’s disabilities have been aided by modern technology if she were living in the present day?

During her lifetime, Helen wrote over hundreds of speeches and essays—as well as 14 books—on numerous topics. Examine one to two of her writings and determine what additional aspects of Helen’s character can be gleaned from her writing.

In the 20th century, the use of cochlear implants enabled hearing in some deaf individuals. Yet many people in the deaf community oppose their use. Conduct some brief research about the pros and cons of cochlear implants.

The book mentions that Anne Sullivan was previously blind. Conduct some brief research into Anne’s background to determine the nature of her disability and how her sight was restored.