Mary MacCracken (1926–2014)

I would give this book a 3.75 if I could. It was such sweet story and it not only showed the amazing impact a good teacher can have even with the most difficult of students, but it also gives you a peek into the workings of a child's mind and how incredible they are.

Ever taught a kid that flaps his arms, talks gibberish, and has never eaten anything but saltines and chocolate milk his whole life? Mary has taught this kid, and many others with other abnormal conditions. This book is based on a true story about the life of Mary McCracken. Mary starts out as part of a League that went to visit a school for the emotionally disturbed. After an hour of visiting, Mary really wanted to work there. She started out as a volunteer under the supervision of a show more teacher named Helga. Mary moved up from being a volunteer to substituting for another teacher and eventually running her own class. Mary and another teacher Dan formed team teaching, which they took both classes into one big room and taught together. Each week they took kids to nearby attractions because these kids rarely get out. Mary and Dan were able to teach their students, such as, Brian to eat normal food, Jenny to talk, all the kids how to swim and working other miracles. The book ends with all the kids returning from winter vacation and Mary receiving a message that Dan would be stuck in Florida for awhile. A substitute, named Claude, is hired to teach in Dan's place. The book leaves you guessing as to, will Dan Return? And if he does, when will that be? Can the new substitute allow Mary to teach the way she usually did? How will the kids react when they find out Dan isn't around? show less

Mary MacCracken writes of an 8 year old girl who has been locked in closets instead of dealing with her animal like characteristics. A special needs child who is brought into a private school finds hope through a non-certified teacher. Through countless hours of tough love, patience and caring the world begins to change for this little girl.
My absolute favorite book ever, I read this book at least 6 times, loaned it to a friend and never got it back. I hope she is enjoying it as many times show more as I did.
I feel this book is a bit out of context with the advances in the care of special needs children, but as a teacher it is a great inspiration to read. It helps ground you, and makes you remember the importance a teacher can hold on a childs life just by caring and not giving up on the hard cases. show less

This book was given to me in high school when I was shadowing a special education teacher. I was hooked from the beginning and have read more of Mary MacCracken's books. It is frightening to know children are so mistreated but heart warming to know there are special educators in the world who can draw them out of their darkness and rejoice in blue dessert!