She Persisted: Helen Keller
Inspiring story of blind and deaf advocate for equal access.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that She Persisted: Helen Keller, by Courtney Sheinmel and Chelsea Clinton, is an inspiring look at the world a blind and deaf child built in a time when people with disabilities were cast aside. The time Helen spent at a special school and the struggle to have even minor accommodations for her disabilities give readers a great perspective on how small difficulties can have a huge impact on someone's success. This biography also shows how connected people are, and how being open to giving and receiving help can change lives. The end of the book has a list of ways readers can persist, and several references that have more information about Helen Keller.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
The biography SHE PERSISTED: HELEN KELLER chronicles the life and accomplishments of Helen after she lost her sight and hearing from a childhood illness. With the help of a teacher, Anne Sullivan, Helen learned to read and speak, and learned how to communicate so that she wasn't isolated in her own world. Helen's parents fought for her to learn and grow in a society that didn't make space for her, and she became the first blind and deaf college graduate. She became an advocate for others' rights as a public speaker, author, and inspirational public figure.
Is It Any Good?
With a perfect balance of facts and inspiration, this Helen Keller biography pulls readers into the struggles and successes of an activist whose life was anything but easy. She Persisted: Helen Keller tells an amazing story, and reminds readers that everyone deserves the chance to be a happy, productive member of society. There are also some good lessons here about the importance of asking for, giving, and receiving help: Helen's work with her teacher, Anne, changed their lives forever. The list of ways readers can be active makes contributing both accessible and effective.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it would be like to be blind and deaf like in She Persisted: Helen Keller. What would be most difficult? What would you miss being able to do? Do you think you could find something positive about that experience?
Helen relied on others for her safety. What would it feel like to depend on people to keep you safe in your daily life?
What are some ways to help someone who has a disability?
Book Details
- Author: Courtney Sheinmel
- Illustrators: Alexandra Boiger, Gillian Flint
- Genre: Biography
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Philomel
- Publication date: December 7, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 9
- Number of pages: 80
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 26, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
I Am Not a Label: 34 Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists with Disabilities from Past and Present
Detailed biographies show heart, perseverance.
-
Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change
Inspiring, relatable look at young lives of adult activists.
-
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
Short, inspiring profiles of groundbreaking women.
For kids who love biographies and extraordinary women
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate