This is a truly inspiring story and written for younger readers (middle school?). Helen had no concept of language at all, and Annie was able to eventually break through that barrier, teach her to communicate, and eventually even help her through college! A typical entry lists information in the following sequence: Name, age, country of citizenship at birth, subsequent country of citizenship (if applicable), reason for notability, cause of death (if known), and reference. Entries for each day are listed alphabetically by surname. Helen was a prisoner in her own body with no way to communicate except a few basic signs and throwing tantrums. The following is a list of notable deaths in August 2022. When Annie first met Helen she had been living for years with no sight, hearing, or speech. The challenge of teaching Helen Keller was enormous. It was the headmaster of this school that suggested Annie for the position of Helen Keller's teacher, shortly after Annie had graduated. Eventually she begged and was sent to a school for the blind, where they slowly began to tame the wild Irish orphan, and where she eventually thrived. She lived in a poor house for several years, and her brother died there.

Annie herself had 'weak eyes.' It's never actually stated what was wrong with her eyes, but they were regularly inflamed, caused her migraines, and she had a number of surgeries over the years to enable her to continue seeing.Īnnie was an orphan. The Silent Storm is the story of Annie Sullivan, the woman who taught Helen Keller and was her companion and helper for many years.

It was definitely interesting to read it again as an adult. I always found the story to be inspiring, especially after I started dealing with some overwhelming health problems. I don't remember where I picked it up, but I do know I probably read it half a dozen times as a child and teenager. This is a book I had on my bookshelf from when I was a child.

Marnie by Marion Marsh Brown