Seeing Lessons: The Story of Abigail Carter and America's First School for Blind People - Hardcover

Hermann, Spring

4.21

38 ratings by Goodreads

9780805057065: Seeing Lessons: The Story of Abigail Carter and America's First School for Blind People

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805057064 ISBN 13: 9780805057065

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 1998

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In 1832, when Abigail Carter was only ten years old, two doctors from Boston invited her to be one of the first students in an experimental institution: a school for blind people. Abby and her younger sister Sophia, also blind, packed their bags and headed to the city. For the first time in their lives, the two girls were able to read a book for themselves and to write a letter to their father.

This small start-up school developed into the Perkins School for the Blind. From this school graduated Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's influential teacher.

Readers who love Helen Keller's story won't want to miss this inspiring story of courage and perseverance.

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About the Author:

Spring Hermann has written three other books for young readers. Ms. Hermann makes her home in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Ib Ohlsson has illustrated several books for children, including It Happened in America: True Stories from the Fifty States (Holt). He lives in Pelham Manor, New York.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-7-Abigail Carter, 10, her sister Sophia, and their young brother Edward were born blind. Fortunately for them, Dr. Samuel Howe has committed his energy and vision to setting up the first school for the blind in America. After studying such institutions in Europe, Howe opens a trial school in his father's house in Boston, but must prove that this "radical idea" has merit before he can hope to procure public funds. The Carter girls are among his first six students. Abby's first-person narrative relates their excitement, anxiety, and homesickness, as well as their determination to do well. The experiment is a success, although the doctor has to rely on exhibiting his pupils in public performances to raise money. Abby is a bit smug about being one of the smartest students and feels that her creativity can save the school from financial failure. She is smitten with jealousy when her sister is chosen to model for a portrait to be auctioned off at a school benefit. The other students are not as fully developed as the Carter sisters, but the afterword notes that all six youngsters became active citizens. Hermann offers a good depiction of the 1830s and of the societal attitudes toward individuals with special needs. Girls hungry for historical fiction after reading "American Girls" books (Pleasant Co.) or interested in the early life of Helen Keller will enjoy this heady fictionalized biography.
Marilyn Payne Phillips, University City Public Library, MO
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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