Deserts Book

1. Awards received: This book has not received any awards

2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for preschool to grade 3.

3. Summary: This book is about a young girl named Helen Keller and all of her adversities that she had to face throughout her life due to her disabilities. A severe illness leaves Helen blind and deaf. Helen’s parents are left distressed, so they reach out to a teacher at the school for the blind named Anne Sullivan. Anne’s job is to teach and help Helen to live amongst those that can see and hear. Although, Anne has a rough time because Helen is wild and rebellious. Soon, against all odds and through many obstacles, Anne is able to assist Helen in being able to understand her surroundings.

4. I think this is a great book for those who are transitioning from picture books to books with more words/sentences. There is still a great deal of watercolor illustrations in the book, but that’s good to help kids since they tend to rely on pictures more than text to understand what they’re reading. I also enjoyed how the book included a sign language alphabet on the last page.

5. Uses in the classroom:
-This can be used to talk about adversities and how the students should never give up on themselves.
-This book can be used to talk about the senses and the actual importance of them in everyday life.
-The kids can learn about the importance of sign language/learn some signs.
-The children can be exposed to the realities of those that are deaf and/or blind.