Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's Song

by Lucille Travis

If you've ever picked up a hymn book, the chances are that you've sung a song written by a blind girl - and not just any blind girl... Fanny Crosby. As a young child she knew nothing of the sighted world around her but that didn't stop her interacting with nature, experiencing the thrill of God's creation. She held her grandmother's hand but she thought that was because Grandmother needed her help not the other way around.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Christian, Childrens

176 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

Lucille Travis has written several books for children, held children's writing workshops, taught college-level English, and lectured in Christian literature. Her interest in writing began as young girl living in an orphanage in upstate New York, and was encouraged when she received a bronze medal in a state-wide essay contest and later a poetry contest. One of her joys today is encouraging the efforts of young writers.

She has also been involved in Children's Awana clubs as a story teller, and while telling the story of Dr. Paul Brand's work with lepers, especially his long search for shoes that would protect their feet, the idea for the book "The Shoes that Love Made" came about. The story of Paul Brand, missionary doctor to Lepers in India and eventually world-wide, shows us how Paul Brand's own feet were protected and guided even in war time on the very path he was to follow, one that would forever change how the world saw lepers.

Reviews

[Brady Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Played this while stuck ~4hrs on the frozen interstate last night.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've long enjoyed many of Fanny Crosby's Hymns - and I have read brief biographies and illustrations of her over the years. Thus I enjoyed a more in-depth coverage in this biography - which is done in a story-telling style, aimed at younger readers. So this is easy to read - and not just for kids - though good for teenagers as well as younger who are good readers.

[NinaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short biography of Fanny Crosby, the prolific poet and hymn writer. She became blind at a young age, but that didn’t stop her from succeeding in her art. One interesting fact I learned about her is that she became a wife and mother. I’m unclear why she and her husband decided to part ways, even though they claimed to be followers of Christ. I may have to find a more thorough biography of this highly regarded hymn writer.

[Annetta Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I could sing a christian hymn without such an awe that this book gave me. Listening to Fanny's life/ testimony was so convicting. One, of many, truths learned is that one's life will always have talent. And that/those talents will only be contenting to self realizing God is the giver of talents. He is also the only source to which you will find that joyful contentment. Even though Fanny was blind since birth, she did not allow this to stop her from living her life with purpose.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an encouraging listen. I am sad that Fanny and Van didn’t have a closer marriage. I also wish that there was a clearer gospel given. People need to know that we are headed for hell, but Jesus loves us so we don’t have to go. God can save us if we depend, trust and ask him. I did really enjoy this book. Worth the read!

[Kristy Hetzel]

This particular copy wasn't the best written, however the life it was about was definitely interesting.

[jaena yee · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book! taught me to be thankful for everything that God has given and provided for me! highly recommended - go and read it now!! :))

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrote more than 8000 hymns, remembered them well enough to dictate them to be published. God gives such wonderful and enduring gifts and we are all blessed by them.

[Leah Schifferer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cant believe that she could play lots of insteruments even when she cant hear or see.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read. I love knowing more about such a talented writer - what a beautiful testimony!

[Kymberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this book. Although I enjoyed learning more about her hymns but I want more about her personal life, her marriage and baby. The woman behind the songs.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd say 1.5 stars. I liked the story part. Had harder time finishing it though for my book study.

[Amber Studebaker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible book. Lots of grammatical errors, it didn’t flow, and made what I assume to be an interesting topic into something boring.

[Amanda Mohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My family has always loved Fanny Crosby’s hymns.

[Darcy Schock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fanny’s story is inspiring! My young girls really enjoyed listening to it with me.

[Christine Gustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from this series! The writing was a tiny bit more clunky than some of the others, but still a wonderful little biography!