An accomplished picture book biography about Helen Keller captures her vibrant spirit. The book begins with Helen’s infancy—before the illness that thrust her into a world of darkness and silence—and ends with her death at age eighty-seven, after years of being a beacon and voice for social justice on many fronts. “I love my country. But my love for America is not blind. Perhaps I am more conscious of her faults because I love her so deeply.” Doreen Rappaport incorporates quotes like this from Helen Keller into her fine narrative, which balances important details about Helen’s life with a sense of her keen mind and endless passion—for life and learning and making a difference. It’s unfortunate that the Braille that appears on the cover is inaccurate (the spacing is wrong and the bumps are too flat), but this can’t detract from the many strengths of what’s inside. Ample end matter includes notes from both the author and illustrator, as well as a timeline of important dates, research sources, and a list of books for further reading. Highly Commended, 2013 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 6–9)