Mary MacCracken (1926–2014)

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 is another wonderful, hopeful story by a wonderful, amazing woman. Although I was a little bummed that the kids on the summary page didn't show up until more then halfway through the book, learning about so many different kids in one book was very interesting. This woman has changed many children's lives through the work she does, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a moving story about how one woman can be so helpful to children in need.

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.

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!