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)

This picturebook biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world's most influential luminaries. With her signature style, weaving engrossing prose with stirring quotations from Helen Keller herself, Doreen Rappaport brings a poignant narrative to life. Acclaimed illustrator Matt Tavares beautifully captures the dynamism and verve of Helen Keller's life and legacy, making Helen's Big World an unforgettable portrait of a woman whose vision for innovation and progress changed America-and the world-forever. Praise for Helen's Big World: * "Stirring and awe-inspiring."
-The Horn Book, starred review
"Helen Keller's transcendent leap across the barriers of her blindness and deafness continues to inspire." -Kirkus Reviews

* "While there are many books available about Helen Keller for this age group, this title offers a unique and beautiful perspective on her life."
-School Library Journal, starred review Praise for the Big Words series: Martin's Big Words
• 2002 Caldecott Honor Book
• 2002 Coretta Scott King Honor Book
• Child Magazine Best Book of 2001
• New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2001

* "A stunning, reverent tribute."
-School Library Journal, starred review

Abe's Honest Words
* "Exceptional art, along with Rappaport's and Lincoln's words, makes this a fine celebration of a man who needs little introduction."
-Booklist, starred review
Jack's Path of Courage "An evenhanded, graphically stirring biography." -Publishers Weekly Eleanor, Quiet No More
* "Once again Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire...Celebrate women in history and in politics with this picture-book life."
-School Library Journal, starred review

To Dare Mighty Things
* "[T]his lavish picture-book biography deftly captures the legendary man's bold, exuberant nature. . . . A truly inspiring tribute to a seemingly larger-than-life U.S. president."
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Theodore Roosevelt's big ideas and big personality come together in this splendid picture-book biography."
-Booklist, starred review

* "Concisely written and yet poetic, this is a first purchase for every library."
-School Library Journal, starred review