Lovey: A Very Special Child
by Mary MacCracken
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Biography & Autobiography. Family & Relationships. Nonfiction. This deeply moving memoir tells the story of Hannah: a child who has been beaten and abused; a girl full of loneliness and rage; a student no one but learning disabilities teacher Mary MacCracken could reach. Mary had reservations about eight-year-old Hannah joining her class. The three emotionally disturbed boys she was currently looking after had been making steady progress, and Hannah, who had a reputation for being a show more withdrawn and incredibly troubled child, would only be a disruptive influence. For the first fortnight Hannah retired to a cupboard and refused to come out. Howling almost non-stop she was displaying the worst symptoms that Mary had ever seen. How could Mary help a child who had been shut up in closets and treated like an animal? What could she say to a child who had been locked out of her own home, and beaten by both her brother and her father? How could she reach this lost girl? This is the remarkable story of Hannah and Mary's journey together. Deep within Hannah, Mary recognises an amazing strength. And with love, skill and patience, she gradually starts to make a difference. It's a long road to recovery, but Mary never gives up. As this moving true story unfolds, we feel Mary's joy, we share her hope and, in time, her faith that Hannah will be okay. show lessTags
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susanthistle The last memoir by Mary MacCracken, a poignant moving love story. Similar to Lovey except here she is helping her husband cope as his skills fade, whereas in Lovely she helped an autistic child learn new skills for dealing with the world.
Member Reviews
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!
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.
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 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 show more life just by caring and not giving up on the hard cases. show less
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 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 show more life just by caring and not giving up on the hard cases. show less
This was a wonderful book, made even more wonderful by the fact that it's a true story. It follows a special education teacher who helps Hannah, a wild supposedly non-verbal girl who is prone to hiding in closets, rocking, and hitting her head on the floor. Through Mary's persistent attention and devotion Hannah flourishes, comes into her own and begins learning not only school-type stuff like reading, but the very important social skills that she had been lacking.
I was probably too young when I read this. I remember reading it in the car during a road trip, mesmerized by the story. Just found the original copy at my mom's house.
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11+ Works 553 Members
Mary MacCracken was born Mary Burnham on June 6, 1926 in Englewood, New Jersey. She attended Wellesley College from 1943 to 1945 but left to get married. She entered the special education field in the late 1960s as a once-a-week volunteer at a private school in New Jersey. She volunteered for about seven years. During that time she received a show more bachelor's degree and a master's degree with a focus on learning disabilities from what is now William Paterson University. She had a private practice diagnosing and treating children with learning disabilities until she was in her 70s. She wrote several books during her lifetime including A Circle of Children, Lovey: A Very Special Child, City Kid, and Turnabout Children: Overcoming Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities. Two of her books, A Circle of Children and Lovey, were made into television movies. She died from complications of melanoma on July 23, 2014 at the age of 88. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Secret Ingredient / Snowbound Six / To Springvale for Christmas / Lovey by Reader's Digest
Reader's Digest Today's Nonfiction Best Sellers 1977 Good Evening Everybody | Lovey | Zoo Vet | The Path Between the Seas by Reader's Digest
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Overload • Lovey • The Thorn Birds • The Shadow of the Falcon by Reader's Digest
Sélection du Livre 1979: Fortune de France ; Lovey ; Le safari de Madame Pollifax ; Bel Ria by Reader's Digest
Common Knowledge
- People/Characters
- Hannah Rosnic
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Statistics
- Members
- 235
- Popularity
- 137,985
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (3.66)
- Languages
- Dutch, English, German
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 16
- ASINs
- 8
