When she was nineteen months old, Helen Keller (1880???1968) suffered a severe illness that left her blind and deaf. Not long after, she also became mute. Her tenacious struggle to overcome these handicaps ??? with the help of her exceptional teacher, Anne Sullivan ??? is one of the great stories of human courage and dedication. In her classic autobiography, the story of My Life, first published in 1903, Keller recounts the first 22 years of her life, her joy at eventually learning to speak, her friendships, her education at radcliffe, and her extraordinary relationship with Miss Sullivan. Completely devoid of self- pity, this deeply moving memoir provides an unforgettable portrait of one of the most outstanding women of the twentieth century, and beautifully captures the dynamism and verve of Helen Keller life and legacy. Abridged and retold, this book is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to an unforgettable portrait of a woman whose vision for innovation and progress will be an inspiration forever!.