Helen Keller

Gr 3-7–Prolific Rawlins is clearly a voice-of-choice for the ongoing “DK Life Stories” series which showcase “extraordinary historical figures”; this marks her (at least) 10th narration among the dozens of series titles, clearly repeatedly cast for her chameleonic vocal adaptations. Her performance here is youthful and bright, as the majority of the narrative highlights Keller’s life from birth (when she could still see and hear) to her debilitating childhood illness, her miraculous relationship with her teacher Anne Sullivan, and her Radcliffe graduation as a young adult. As Keller ages, Rawlins tempers her presentation slightly, but remains engaging throughout Romero’s brief overview of Keller’s remarkable accomplishments as a pioneer in seeing and hearing disabilities. “The simplest way to be happy is to do good” becomes the foundation of her inspiring legacy.