Is this book why I hate firecrackers? I did really enjoy it as a child. ( )

After Jimmy is blinded in an accident with a firecracker, he has to relearn all the things he used to know - how to get dressed, how to find his way around the house, even how to eat. With the help of a determined therapist he learns to read Braille and use a cane. Then he's given the chance to have a guide dog. Learning to work with Leader is not easy, but Jimmy tries harder than he ever has before. ( )

I read this book as a youth, and decided to give it a reread. Unfortunately, it is a bit dated, and not as good as an adult read, imo. I think the target audience of 8-10 year olds might enjoy Jimmy's story, though a much better book in this genre is Light a Single Candle by Beverly Butler. ( )

This book has one job, and it does it well.  It shows how a person can recover his life after being blinded.  The story of the boy is barely there; he adapts surprisingly well with only a few angry and sad moments.  The only thing that was interesting in the context of the story was that he didn't have a dad - sometime ago, it's mentioned, he died.  Otherwise it's a Leave it to Beaver setting.  Otherwise, it's about how to learn to use a white cane, how to be organized, how family can help without pampering, how to learn Braille, and how to learn to partner with a guide dog. ( )

This books was first published in the 50's. I read it as a child and loved it. I was curious as to how I would like it now. I found the time era charming. I liked words like keen and swell. I liked the descriptions of braille and other training. There was some silliness which underestimated the eleven year old boy when he first became blind. Most people can dress in the dark by then. Overall, it was a simple, but interesting read. ( )