Beautiful Child

The Story of a Child Trapped in Silence and the Teacher Who Refused to Give Up on Her

By: Torey Hayden

Narrated by: Susan Larkin

In the tradition of David Pelzer's A Child Called 'It' comes the unsettling story of a mute, almost catatonic seven-year-old and the special education teacher who tries to save her from the silence and abuse of her world.

Hayden has chronicled experiences from her long career as a special education teacher in several books, including One Child and The Tiger's Child. Successes in this difficult and often frustrating field can be few and hard won, a fact which Hayden deftly illustrates while simultaneously offering hope and joy in small victories. This time she brings to life the story of a scruffy seven-year-old, Venus, who is so unresponsive that Hayden searches for signs of deafness, brain damage, or mental retardation. The author is relentless in her attempt to diagnose the cause of Venus's 'almost catatonic' state, which is punctuated by occasional violent outbursts. In this first-person narrative, Hayden also shares her own thoughts, worries, and reflections on the strained relationship with a mismatched classroom aide, creating a rich tapestry of the dynamics of a group of special needs youngsters and the adults who try to help them.

©2002 Torey Hayden (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Special Educators - a fantastic listen!

I listened to this story while driving from Tennessee to New York & back. I did not want to pause it & if interrupted I would rewind it so I didn't miss anything. As a special educator I could relate so some of what she shared & was thankful that I could only listen & imagine on another parts. I am always so grateful & thankful for my staff & administration. I felt for her as she shared the undermining & lack of support she incurred. I laughed & removed as she shared her undergoing & little victories. I believe this book would be enjoyable for anyone, but especially those of us who teach exceptional students.

Torey Hayden

I love her stories. I’m a teacher too and I love the stories. They are so inspiring.

shows how hard some teachers have to work

there is some technical jargon but the story line is quite nice and interesting. if you want to learn teaching strategies I'd check it out

Touching

In Torey Hayden’s sixth book BEAUTIFUL CHILD young Venus doesn’t speak and only reacts when her space is invaded. Her violent responses threaten her placement in school. Venus and four difficult boys make for a challenging class especially with a passive-aggressive aide who thinks she knows better than Hayden.

Torey displayed nearly unending patience with Julie, her aide. I would have written her up or insisted on a new assistant much sooner. Not only was Julie noncompliant, she tacitly sabotaged Hayden’s work.

Hayden displays a better understanding of boundaries with the kids and communicates effectively with her supervisors and social services. When she suspects abuse, she goes to her boss rather than investigating, so she’s learning and growing professionally.

Venus’s story is a testament to the resilience of children, not that they ought to need to be as strong as Venus. Her story is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Compelling story, insightful

The experience of the author and the way she told this story held my attention, and proved entertaining and educational.