One Child

by Torey L. Hayden

Paperback, 1981

Status

Checked out

Series

One Child (1)

Genres

Publication

Avon (1981), 336 pages

Description

Biography & Autobiography. Family & Relationships. Nonfiction. HTML: Six-year-old Sheila never spoke, she never cried, and her eyes were filled with hate. Abandoned on a highway by her mother, unwanted by her alcoholic father, Sheila was placed in a class for emotionally disturbed children after she committed an atrocious act of violence against another child. Everyone said Sheila was lost forever, everyone except her teacher, Torey Hayden. Torey fought to reach Sheila, to bring the abused child back from her secret nightmare, because beneath the rage, Torey saw in Sheila the spark of genius. And together they embarked on a wondrous journey�??a journey gleaming with a child's joy at discovering a world filled with love and a journey sustained by a young teacher's inspiring bravery and devotion.… (more)

Rating

(258 ratings; 4.2)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Heather19

This book.... Wow. I've said it before, but I have to say it again. Torey Hayden is a very special woman. How can you not admire her? How can anyone *not* see her as some kind of amazing saint, after all the children she has helped?

From things that she said, in this book and others, I have a

feeling Sheila was a very special child to Torey, maybe her favorite. I can certainly see why. Throughout this book, no matter how frustrating the battle got, no matter how many obstacles were in the way, Sheila gives off this wonderfully charming character. Her stubbornness, her clingyness, everything about her made me want to hug her and hold her.

The subject matter of Hayden's books often leave me in tears, clutching the book and vowing never to read another one like it. That was the case here, as well, when I read what Sheila's Uncle did to her. I literally threw the book across the room, and had to force myself to pick it up again. It's hard to swallow, knowing someone could actually do that to a child.... But that was a small part of the book, and as usual the majority of this book reminded me that there are people out there who care about these children.

Show Less

9 more

LibraryThing member the1butterfly

All of Torey Hayden's books are wonderful, but in this book, I felt especially attached to the child the story focuses on (I think Sheila might be the general favorite out of all the students Hayden describes). Most of the students Hayden focuses on bloom and grow, but in this book Sheila really

does (and you expect her to go farther than she eventually does in The Tiger's Child). Sheila's the embodiment of everything you want to protect and nurture (and that doesn't change in The Tiger's Child). Hayden tells success stories- she admits that she doesn't help every kid, but she's reached this one, and it makes you wish that someone could reach every kid. How can anyone read this and not want to work with children?

Show Less

LibraryThing member technoseeker

Although recommended for high school English classes, I was disappointed in the story. I understand the book has received high praises, but I don't think I would elect to read it in a high school Eng. class. I feel the book would be better suited for adults studying to be educators specially going

into special education.

Show Less

LibraryThing member LibrarysCat

This is a must read for anyone who desires to become a teacher. The author tells of her own experiences with one child who desperately needed someone to care about her. This one teacher made the difference in the lives of her special children.

LibraryThing member stephxsu

I was lucky enough to read this for class. It's an easy read, and yet so powerful that it made me cry multiple times, and stayed on my mind for days afterward. Readers will find themselves immediately pulled into Torey's situation with Sheila, and laugh and cry with them at their triumphs and

setbacks. I know I will most certainly be picking up Torey Hayden's other books now.

Show Less

LibraryThing member HolyMan28

This is a book that everyone should read. Enough said.

LibraryThing member PKKingster

One Child is the story of a teacher who takes on a classroom of the "other children," those who can't be placed in mainstream classes. Specifically, it tells the tale of one specific girl, Sheila, and how the teacher and student grew throughout the year. I think this novel would be an incredible

one to share with a high school class, because of the perspective it would provide the students with. I've always thought it would be interesting to read a book on teaching with a group of students, and this is one of my favorites. I think students would be able to better appreciate what it is teachers are trying to accomplish, and I think it also explores humanity in its entirety, as well as empathy and how we form judgments of others. This novel is simply rich, and it's applicability as a true story only improves its stock among high schoolers.

Show Less

LibraryThing member CAL7014

This is one of Torey Hayden's best books. It follows the story of a Shelia who comes into her small group special needs class. Torey Hayden explains her struggles and triumphs to connect with this little girl.

LibraryThing member justablondemoment

This was a re-read for me. I had read a number of years ago as well as many of her other books. It's still just as sad but not nearly as powerful as some of her other books.Not my favorite by this author but still I would recommend it.

LibraryThing member bgknighton

Sheila has all the cards stacked against her, but Torey brings out the little girl in her.

Fewer