Helpful Score: 6
A fascinating, well-told true story of a school year in the career of a special-ed teacher (the author). The classroom scenes are wild and often hilarious. The main story (about the girl who won't talk or respond) is very touching. Torey Hayden has a clear, direct and very engaging writing style--this is a terrific book!
Helpful Score: 6
I have read a few of Torey Hayden's bks. and this is one of my favorites! Ms. Hayden is an extraordinary teacher and human being. The story is centered on a mute student, but also tells the story of the other students as well. Very engrossing and intriguing. Lynn R.
Helpful Score: 4
This is the last of Torey Hayden's books I've read. As with all her books, the stories of these young children is heartbreaking, but riveting. This one was particularly touching to me. Again, as with all her books I couldn't put it down. Excellent book.
Helpful Score: 3
Another wonderful book by Torey Hayden. Her real life stories will have you laughing, cheering, crying, and wondering how people can be so cruel. 'Beautiful Child' was no different. I loved and was inspired by it.
Helpful Score: 3
Torey Hayden is one of my favorite authors. This story is wonderful ! Hayden does so much to help children with more problems then they should have. She also does it with LOVE. This is a true story
Helpful Score: 2
Teacher Torey Hayden helps a silent 7 year old child overcome great odds. Wonderful portrail of special education.
Having worked in a resource room I very much enjoyed this book! Well written:)
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book and it was amazing. It is very touching story of a teachers struggle to reach out to a clearly troubled child. I would definitly recommend this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Helpful Score: 1
I love this authors work ... this another example of her triumphs and tragedies of working with special needs children. Toreys great insight into the power of love never ceases to amaze me. This story revolves around a girl who lives a tragic life and struggles with overcoming elective mutism. The only complaint I have is that all her books end abruptly as does her work with the children at the end of the school year.
Helpful Score: 1
Great story for Special Ed teachers or those wanting to be one
Helpful Score: 1
very moving...Torey Hayden is a wonderful inspiration
This book was a touching story about a teacher and child.
Helpful Score: 1
Read this when I was in school..touching.
Good Book. I always love a book by Torey Haydon.
Loved the book. Enjoy this writer. It is a beautifully written book that shows just what can be accomplished when you continue to pursue what you believe is right.
I've been reading Hayden's books for years and they always make me sad, yet hopeful. So glad that there are people like this teacher.
The story of a child trapped in silence and the teacher who refused to give up on her.
I really liked this book even though it is a painful read. By that I mean to read of horrible abuse is painful--also reading about lovely twins who were born with fetal alcohol syndrome and will perhaps never reach their full potential is painful. But Hayden's writing is easy to read and she explains what she is doing as she moves along in her teaching/therapy of each child. She discovers that one child in her "special ed" class is actually gifted. I liked that she followed many of the children until they were much improved or at least placed in safe places. This is a much better book than some I have read by other authors. It is full of information.
