Helpful Score: 8
I started reading this one evening and couldn't put it down. Fortunately, DH was away, so I could stay up reeaally late! I hesitate to say more for fear of giving away things that Ms. Hayden, the girl's teacher and the author of the book, only found out as the girl's problem slowly revealed itself, but there are some clues near the beginning of the story. Only, who could believe that such things could be happening in a small town way out in the country?
Helpful Score: 7
Wonderful, poignant story of the relationship between a Special Education Teacher and her 8 year old pupil who is an elective mute. This story was tragic, but beautifully written....
A must read for anyone
A must read for anyone
Helpful Score: 7
This book was amazing!! i read it and it is quite depressing to see the story of what the little girl went through, and it was also very well written i would never have know it was true if not for the note, that fills in the few gaps that there were in the story, at the end of the book. all in all i would recomend this to anyone, unless they are not in for a book that would make them sad at the beginning.
Helpful Score: 6
This is a heatbreaking true story that I could not put down and read from cover to cover in one sitting. This is a story that will cause the worst nightmares about the sadistic abuse parents inflict on a child and the saving grace of a determined teacher.
Helpful Score: 4
While well-written and gripping, this book was very disturbing to me. As another reviewer said, the things in this book are not things I want in my mind. I have also read Just Another Kid and One Child and I loved them both, but the images of abuse and violence are almost beyond what I could handle. I did however, stay up really late reading this entire book because I wanted to find out what really happened to Jadie. Warning to sensitive readers --this book is very graphic and the images and content, while true events, are extremely disturbing.
Helpful Score: 3
I love most of Torey Hayden's books, but this one, though well written and engaging, was extremely disturbing to me. The things that happened to that girl were not things I wanted in my mind. Of all her books this is the only one so far that I do not recommend.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a fascinating story that I stayed up late to finish in one night.
When a Special Education teacher begins to see clues that Jadie, one of her students, might be the victim of possible ritualistic sexual abuse, she digs deeper and ultimately must come forward with her suspicions.
This is a haunting, riveting read!
When a Special Education teacher begins to see clues that Jadie, one of her students, might be the victim of possible ritualistic sexual abuse, she digs deeper and ultimately must come forward with her suspicions.
This is a haunting, riveting read!
Helpful Score: 2
very good...but this has got to be one of the most disturbing stories I have ever read..
Helpful Score: 2
Fantastic story. I love pretty much everything by Torey Hayden, and have for a long time. Her stories are REAL, and can make you laugh, cry, or, if you're a special ed teacher, completely sympathize with her daily struggles to keep her sanity while trying to teach a class of severely disabled children.
Helpful Score: 2
Ultimately a testament to the powers of caring and commitment, this is the story of an traumatized eight-year-old who refused to speak due to sexual abuse and possible exposure to satanic rituals.
Helpful Score: 2
For those of you that are curious about the outcome of the children placed in Torey's class, she does have a website on which she writes about each of them (if they are still in contact). I'm not sure if this child was written about.
Helpful Score: 2
Quite disturbing in parts.
Helpful Score: 2
Torey Hayden is a remarkable teacher. Her true life stories of the children she works with are always interesting and mind boggling. It is amazing how she manages to work with these children to help them. This book is another one of her five star books.
Marty P.
Marty P.
Helpful Score: 2
Very good book!
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful book. It is very chilling but I could not put it down until I found out what had truly happened to this troubled child. Amazing story.
Helpful Score: 1
What a read, pretty unbelievable - did not have a solid solution, but it is amazing what this little girl went through at such a young age.
Helpful Score: 1
Incredible journey for Jadie. Although disturbing at times, I felt I owed it to these girls to read their story in support of them. Amazing!!
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting read. The book starts out a little slow, but quickly becomes a page turner. Not as compelling as the "Dave Peltzer" series, but still very engrossing.
Helpful Score: 1
Anyone who likes Torey Haydens books will like this one. Like all of her books this is about a girl that has many problems and Torey tries to help her. Torey has an excellent writing style, very interesting and keeps you interested throughout.
Helpful Score: 1
Very, very, VERY good read!! I could NOT put this book down. So sad that it's a true story.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. The subject is tragic, but the author keeps you wanting to read more.
Helpful Score: 1
Really interesting book, couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
Very moving and sad book. Started reading it at 9:00pm and didn't stop until it was done at 2:00am. Heartbreaking.
Helpful Score: 1
WOW!!! If you believe in ghosts this book is for you!
Helpful Score: 1
the true story of a child in peril and the teacher who saved her,
Fascinating read. True story of a child in desperation. The new teacher that came to the school is a strong woman, the children are a challange. Jadie needs this teacher and her heart tells her she can trust her. Couldn't put this book down and i will not forget these children and those like them, and this teacher. I learned alot from this book. Sad story but excellent read.
Torey Hayden has had some heartbreaking experiences and this one has got to be near the top of her list. Poor little Jadie is so damaged from the horrific abuse she has endured that it expresses itself in physical ways. When Torey first meets this little girl, Jadie is an "elective mute" and maintains her body in a hunched-over position, as if protecting her very soul from further abuse. The details of the abuse, which are revealed very gradually as Jadie learns to trust Torey, will turn the stomachs of even the most hardened reader of non-fiction books.
Along the way of this sad tale, the reader is introduced to some other precious children who, despite troubles of their own, show an inspiring determination and spirit.
My only disappointment was that the ending is not as neatly tied-up as I would have liked (i.e., case proven and culprits jailed for life), but true-life is often untidy and Torey, herself, acknowledges that. A fascinating tale for those interested in these types of social/societal issues.
Along the way of this sad tale, the reader is introduced to some other precious children who, despite troubles of their own, show an inspiring determination and spirit.
My only disappointment was that the ending is not as neatly tied-up as I would have liked (i.e., case proven and culprits jailed for life), but true-life is often untidy and Torey, herself, acknowledges that. A fascinating tale for those interested in these types of social/societal issues.
"The true story of a child in peril and the teacher who saved her"
Haunting story... very well written. Excellent author. Five stars.
A testement to the power of love and commitment of a special education teacher. wonderful read for anyone who loves children and is interested in special needs education.
Wow - a haunting and disturbing story. Couldn't put it down though. I read it in one day.
Another engrossing Torey Hayden book. Perhaps less satisfying than others I have read, because of its inconclusive ending, but nonetheless well worth the read.
THIS BOOK WAS DIFFERENT,IT WAS HARD TO READ[NOT THAT IT WASN'T INTERESTING]IT JUST BROKE MY HEART.BUT ALSO BLESSED IT TOO,TO KNOW THERE ARE HAPPY ENDINGS IN SOME CASES.
Torey has one girl who doesnt speak.. when she finally does.. Torey finds out all kinds of evil unspeakable things happening..
WARNING: If you are a spiritual person, you may really find this book disturbing.
I know this kind of thing is out there, but it seems that at time Ms. Hayden sensationalizes these kid's lives.
I love her writing, and feel like I'm part of her therapies.
I know this kind of thing is out there, but it seems that at time Ms. Hayden sensationalizes these kid's lives.
I love her writing, and feel like I'm part of her therapies.
OUTSTANDING book. Well written. I read this book in one day, just could not put it down.
This is a very good book. It's hard to believe this kind of thing happens in life.
It was an interesting story of a teacher trying to help a mute uncover secrets.. but I like more of a closed ending
This book was disturbing beyond my wildest imagination. Since it is apparently based on a true story, that made it all the worse. It was well written, but made me exceptionally uncomfortable, which I suppose, is exactly what it was meant to do. Don't think I'll be reading any more of this author's stories.
First I've read of this author and probably the last.
It's a heartbreaking story of a little girl with an obvious problem and with the help of Hayden it brought forth an investigation into abuse, sexually and mentally. I didn't finish it but by half way thought it was just repeating over and over and skipped to the back to read the ending pages.
You kind of have to have a strong stomach to read this.
It's a heartbreaking story of a little girl with an obvious problem and with the help of Hayden it brought forth an investigation into abuse, sexually and mentally. I didn't finish it but by half way thought it was just repeating over and over and skipped to the back to read the ending pages.
You kind of have to have a strong stomach to read this.
Book Description
Jadie never spoke. She never laughed, or cried, or uttered any sound. Despite efforts to reach her, Jadie remained locked in her own troubled world--until one remarkable teacher persuaded her to break her self-imposed silence. Nothing in all of Torey Hayden's experience could have prepared her for the shock of what Jadie told her--a story too horrendous for Torey's professional colleagues to acknowledge. Yet a little girl was living in a nightmare, and Torey Hayden responded in the only way she knew how--with courage, compassion, and dedication--demonstrating once again the tremendous power of love and the relilience of the human spirit.
Jadie never spoke. She never laughed, or cried, or uttered any sound. Despite efforts to reach her, Jadie remained locked in her own troubled world--until one remarkable teacher persuaded her to break her self-imposed silence. Nothing in all of Torey Hayden's experience could have prepared her for the shock of what Jadie told her--a story too horrendous for Torey's professional colleagues to acknowledge. Yet a little girl was living in a nightmare, and Torey Hayden responded in the only way she knew how--with courage, compassion, and dedication--demonstrating once again the tremendous power of love and the relilience of the human spirit.
Not what I expected. Pace was excruciatingly slow and ending was a let down from what I'd hoped to find out.
The book I have shows a different cover. It was a very good read and was hard to put down.