Beautiful Child: The True Story of a Child Trapped in Silence and the Teacher Who Refused to Give Up on Her Paperback – February 28, 2017

When I was a teenager long ago I used to go to the library and check out Torey’s books and read them instead of doing my school work. She inspired something in me that has always remained, through my own teaching experiences and parenting my children, especially my own autistic child. I haven’t read any of her books since high school but decided to look her up and found this one. I was glued! I found myself disagreeing with some her techniques now due to my own evolution and experiences with children. I don’t agree with punishment and reward systems and resonated with Julie’s kind and patient attitude when dealing with children. But Torey still is full of heart and dedication and that is what matters most.

I am just an aid for special ed kids, arriving at this career about 10 years ago at age 50. Thankfully, teachers have allowed me to sing with and to them. I have held them in my arms. I have made learning a game. I have danced with a child who could barely walk. I have had fleeting moments of joy and despair, and thought more than once I should write a book about it. Now I don't have to. Torey captured this gift she and I were both given. I say this not for bragging, but so kindred spirits may conceive of doing this undervalued but priceless work. Torey, you are a beautiful teacher. Well done.Lynn

Beautiful child indeed! As an educator it is difficult to find the right solution for every child and to speak up when “intuition” says one thing and actions say another. Educators like social workers are grossly underpaid and extremely overworked but it is up to those two groups to help every child. Will we win with each one? No! But to those of us working with these children, we refuse to give up.Torey Hayden - thank you for showcasing our special needs populations and the Billy’s of the world.

Torrey's well written book touches the heart as she goes through her days in the classroom with her special education students. She introduces each child and their needs, but especially Venus her most challenging student, who most people had given up on helping. Torrey's tenacity and concern for Venus worked small "miracles" in this troubled and abused child's life.There were times while reading the book that I couldn't put it down and read with a broken heart for Venus.I highly recommend this book for your reading. If you've ever spent time with children in an educational setting, you will especially enjoy Beautiful Child.

I was so delighted to discover that Torey Hayden had written a new book! I've been a fan since she wrote ONE CHILD and can't say enough good things about her stories. The important thing to know is that her books are about her true experiences as a teacher.BEAUTIFUL CHILD is the story of one school year in a classroom of children, aged six through nine, who have special educational needs. Torey Hayden is the teacher and her students include Shane and Zane, twin boys who are borderline retarded as the result of fetal alcoholic syndrome. There's a girl named Alice, who has a highly unusual way of speaking to others and often talks to her hand as if it were a person. Jesse suffers from Tourette's syndrome, which causes him to have several tics and obsessive behavior patterns. Billy's, a hyperactive boy who can't be still or quiet, and Venus, is a small girl who is mute, but can, at times, explode into violent rages. Each day of class is full of surprises and the way in which the teacher handles the individual problems is truly inspiring.I highly recommend BEAUTIFUL CHILD and all of Torey Hayden's books.

Author Torey Hayden , this book was an eye opener as to how teachers are limited to how parent to teacher liaison as it relates to advocating for their students even when they suspect abuse , wow Torey was on it I love how she followed each student. I was hoping to know Venus Fox’s diagnosis it’s not clear. I applaud Torey for hanging in there, Julie although she bumped heads with Torey as far as there teaching style what a great contrast. I enjoyed this story again an eyeopener.

The book was a great read and it arrived in good condition as well.

Torey is an inspiration , her ability to connect and help kids is heartwarming. The world needs more people like her and our schools too. I couldn't stop reading once I started and was glad she listed all the children at the end of the story with updates. This is the second book by Torey that I have read. First one was The tigers child , I was hooked after that and now set out to read them all. I did noticed and wonder why only 3 of her books are on Amazon for my Kindle. I hope the rest will be available soon for her kindle reader fans.

Good read. Good price. Fast shipping. Highly recommend

This is a beautiful and uplifting story. Torey Hayden is a wonderful gifted teacher. Love her books. I'm happy for all the children who attend her classes and succeeded because of her insights. Well worth the read.

An inspirational story from ToryThis story had me in tears , my hart was braking for Venus. I recommend anyone who works with children read this story and more !!!!!

I love all of Torey Hayden's books about her students. I am just collecting them again as I lost the full set of books that I bought one at a time much earlier when the first editions came out.

This is a beautiful and intriguing story where the behaviour of each character is accurately and sympathetically observed. The difficulties of interacting with physically, mentally and emotionally damaged children are described with skill, empathy and humour. The plot, if that is the correct term, is simply an account of a teacher's day to day experiences in the kind of classroom that very few people will ever encounter.The story of Wanda and Venus is dramatic in itself but is skilfully laid out by Torey Hayden and the final revelation of their relationship is unexpected and moving. The social implications of their story are graphically revealed but are not commented on They are left to speak for themselves.The friendships and loyalties that grow between child and child, child and teacher, grip the reader's attention. The stresses and strains of a teacher's life and the challenge to meet each child's needs provide tension in the story.Billy is different to the other children. His quick mind, frightening logic and clever use of words make him both a challenging sparring partner and a useful ally for Torey. It is no surprise to finally know that it is his dyslexia and not hyperactivity that is his main disability so that he later enters university.After reading the book one is left with feelings of sadness for what "differently able" children can suffer and of immense admiration for Torey's professional skills and deep humanity.