Seeing Lessons: The Story of Abigail Carter and America's First School for Blind People

by Spring Hermann

In 1832, when Abigail Carter was only ten years old, two doctors from Boston invited her to be one of the first students in an experimental a school for blind people. Abby and her younger sister Sophia, also blind, packed their bags and headed to the city. For the first time in their lives, the two girls were able to read a book for themselves and to write a letter to their father.

This small start-up school developed into the Perkins School for the Blind. From this school graduated Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's influential teacher.

Readers who love Helen Keller's story won't want to miss this inspiring story of courage and perseverance.

Genres: History, Historical, Middle Grade

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1998

About the author

My first interest in life was the theatre. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University in Theatre and Literature, and a Master of Arts from Central Connecticut State University in Literature. I worked as a costumer and prop mistress at theatres in St. Louis, Missouri; Interlaken, Michigan; Chatauqua, New York; Mankato, Minnesota; and others.

After I had my two daughters, I wanted a more "stay at home" activity - and decided to try writing. My first novel was for adults and came out in 1983. I've been writing ever since. Besides two nonfiction subscription works, all other books have been for young readers. I also worked for years as a public relations writer for several great nonprofit companies.

Now I am also trying to "get back to where I started," and work in youth theatre - but as a playwright. Since my daughters are grown and my husband retired, I am free to pursue that dream.

Reviews

[Emma G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blind Minds
"All these lessons, I can write, I can read, these lessons, seeing lessons is what they were." says Abigail a Carter when she goes to her first year of school. Seeing Lessons by Spring Hermann is a book full of wonderful hope. It truly shows the inner workings of the minds of the blind.
Abigail Carter is a young farmgirl who lived in the year 1832. She is also blind. When a man named Dr. Howe comes to her house to enroll her in a brand new school for the blind (which he made himself)Abigail's whole world turns upside down. There she meets four other students, and the six of them (including Abigail's younger sister,Sophie)lead amazing feats of learning. Commotion arises when the children realize the school might close. The only way to get the school money would be to have the eager children prove themselves to the people. For every show, the children raise more money, and everyone has a part. But bright little Abigail wows the crowd when she reads a passage from the Bible. Will the school stay open?
When I read this book, I always think, "If a blind girl can read and write, then by golly, there's hope out there!". It's so amazing how much potential blind people have! They learn to read, write, play an instument, walk without falling and a lot more! I recommend this book to people who are down, because this book will lift your spirits to the sky.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I would handle being blind, the story of Abby and her sister is very inspirational