“Braille is knowledge, and knowledge is power.” (Louis Braille)
Content Qualities
| Author: Russell Freedman |
| Illustrator: Kate Kiesler |
| Genre: Biographical |
| Age Interest Range: 5+ (ANYONE) |
| Optimal for Grades: 3 – 6 |
| Guided Reading Level: S |
| Lexile Level: 1000 |
| Publisher: Houghton Mifflin |
| Overall Tone: Inspiring; Hopeful; Motivational |
| Scariness: 0 Note: Sensitive children may be upset by the part of the story that explains how Louis Braille became blind due to an accident and infection. But this is a very minor part. The story’s focus is on Braille’s subsequent achievements despite his blindness. |
| Questionable Content: (e.g. Profanity, Violence, Sex, Drugs) Not Present |
Themes
- Disability awareness
- Inventions
- Braille
- Blindness
Summary
In 1824, the Frenchman Louis Braille invented the braille system of reading and writing so that blind and visually impaired people all over the world could become fully literate just like everyone else. The letters are made of different arrangements of dots pressed onto paper that can be felt and read with the fingertips. Braille is used by sight impaired people in many countries and languages. It provides access to all kinds of materials that blind people once had no way to see including books, menus, newspapers, games, clocks, and the text on a computer screen or tablet.
The invention of braille quite literally opened up a whole new world for millions of sight impaired people around the globe. It gave them access to a life full of new possibilities such as the ability to live independently, hold a career, and contribute to society in powerful ways like never before. Who wouldn’t want to learn more about that? … Especially when you can do it through an engaging and inspirational story told in third person narrative style that is appropriate for children of all ages.
To learn more about Louis Braille and his amazing invention, consider reading the outstanding illustrated children’s book, Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille by Russell Freedman.
Why not download the audiobook to entertain and educate your kids during your next road trip or rainy Saturday afternoon? Otherwise, you can order the print edition from Amazon or AbeBooks for a special edition.
Thanks for reading and remember to stay curious!