Annie Sullivan was little more than a half-blind orphan with a fiery tongue when she arrived at Ivy Green in 1887. Desperate for work, she’d taken on a seemingly impossible job — teaching a child who was deaf, blind, and as ferocious as any wild animal. But Helen Keller needed more than a teacher. She needed someone daring enough to work a miracle. And if anyone was a match for Helen, it was the girl they used to call Miss Spitfire.

For Annie, reaching Helen’s mind meant losing teeth as raging fists flew. It meant standing up when everyone else had given up. It meant shedding tears at the frustrations and at the triumphs. By telling this inspiring story from Annie Sullivan’s point of view, Sarah Miller’s debut novel brings an amazing figure to sharp new life. Annie’s past, her brazen determination, and her connection to the girl who would call her Teacher have never been clearer.

Alabama Children’s Choice Book Award nominee

ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults

ALSC Notable Children’s Recording

Book Links Lasting Connections of 2007 title

Booklist Editors’ Choice

Booklist Top Ten First Novels for Youth

Booklist Top Ten First Novels For Youth on Audio

Booklist Top Ten Historical Novels for Youth

CCBC Choices 2008 selection

Cybils Award Middle Grade finalist

Great Lakes Book Award finalist

Jefferson Cup Honor Book