Helen Keller

It was when I was eight or nine years old, growing up in Canada, and I borrowed a book about her from my local library.

- Rain Newton-Smith chooses

When did you first hear about Keller? I was fascinated to learn how a teacher, Anne Sullivan, was able to connect with this deaf and blind child, and to teach her the basics of language - spelling out words such as 'water' on her hands - which unlocked a whole new world for her. I was also struck by the fact that Helen didn't just go on to live a long life but became an advocate for people with disabilities, as well as a speaker and author.