Helen Keller: Courageous Advocate

Description: Describes in graphic format the life of Helen Keller, a blind and deaf woman, who became an author and advocate for the blind.

Brief description: Cynthia Martin has worked in comics and animation since 1983. Her credits include Star Wars, Spider-Man, and Wonder Woman for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, in addition to work as a storyboard artist for Sony Children's Entertainment and the Krislin Company. Cynthia's recent projects include an extensive series of graphic novels for Capstone Press and two issues of Blue Beetle for DC Comics. She also illustrated the book Alley of Shadows, published by Stone Arch Books.

Review Quotes: The only drawback to this book is that the author used bubbles to show Keller's thoughts and this would have been impossible as she did not know any words or that words even existed until after she learned that the letters being signed in her hand meant the word "water." That said, this nonfiction book is absolutely perfect for the reluctant or struggling reader. It will be enjoyed by both boys and girls and will lead them into wanting to read more of the graphic-style writing. There are a total of four chapters dealing with an era of Keller's life from infancy to adulthood. The illustrations are informative as well as entertaining. Vocabulary is controlled and well chosen; sentences are short with a simple structure. At the back of the book the author has included "More About Helen," a "Glossary," "Internet Sites," "Read More," a "Bibliography," and an "Index." Children who fight reading and say they do not like to read, are usually poor readers. Who wants to do something they are not comfortable with or gives a feeling of being unsuccessful? Books written in the graphic-novel format provide a way for even the most reluctant reader to feel successful. High-interest, low-level books should be applauded for the contribution they have made to the classroom. Children who have been non-readers can now read a book and take part in classroom discussions about a book they have read. It takes away the fear of reading and, with the help of illustrations, adds a deeper comprehension. This book could also be used for early readers who want to read longer passages. I really cannot say enough about the benefits of the Graphic Library books. Welvaert has done an excellent job in focusing the reader on the unique accomplishments of Helen Keller.-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database"