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Summary & Study Guide One Child by Torey Hayden
One Child is the story of a lost little girl and the extraordinary teacher who works to find her. Sheila has been forgotten by the system, her family, and society itself. She has been shuffled between relatives and institutions before landing in Torey Hayden's secluded annex classroom. Even the school does not pose the potential for a "home", since Sheila is only waiting to be transferred to the state hospital. Over the course of five months, Sheila transforms under Torey's care into a more self-assured and happy child, headed for the second grade instead of the state hospital.This study guide includes the following Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.
- GenresNonfiction
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2011
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290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 8, 2016
Đêm tối và ánh sáng - Torey Hayden
Khi đọc truyện, người đọc đi từ cảm xúc kinh ngạc (có phần ghét bỏ) đối với thái độ và hành xử kinh khủng của bé gái 6 tuổi đó đến đồng cảm sâu sắc với số phận của cô bé, để rồi trong cảm xúc của người đọc chỉ là còn sự thương xót, yêu quí và hi vọng những điều tốt đẹp sẽ đến với cô bé nhiều hơn.Truyện này làm mình liên tưởng đến số phận những đứa trẻ trong "Hãy tin tôi" của Lesley Pearse. Đáng lí những người nuôi dưỡng những đứa bé ấy phải chịu tránh nhiệm cho sự độc ác, vô trách nhiệm của mình vì đã khiến chúng trở thành ác quỉ thì lại phủi tay như thể họ vô can, như thể những đứa bé ấy tự làm nó như vậy. Hầu như chẳng ai thông cảm, dang tay ra cứu giúp khi chúng khó khăn mà thậm chí còn lợi dụng chúng để làm lợi cho mình và vứt đi khi chúng không còn giá trị gì nữa. Xã hội cũng vứt bỏ chúng vì nghĩ rằng chúng vốn sinh ra đã là ác quỉ. Cô bé 6 tuổi trong truyện thật may mắn khi đã được cứu vớt kịp thời nhờ tình thương, lòng kiên nhẫn vô bờ của cô giáo. Giá như nhà giáo dục nào cũng tốt bụng,kiên nhẫn, hiểu biết và giàu lòng trắc ẩn như cô giáo thì rất nhiều đứa trẻ sẽ được cứu giúp.
Khi đọc truyện, người đọc đi từ cảm xúc kinh ngạc (có phần ghét bỏ) đối với thái độ và hành xử kinh khủng của bé gái 6 tuổi đó đến đồng cảm sâu sắc với số phận của cô bé, để rồi trong cảm xúc của người đọc chỉ là còn sự thương xót, yêu quí và hi vọng những điều tốt đẹp sẽ đến với cô bé nhiều hơn.Truyện này làm mình liên tưởng đến số phận những đứa trẻ trong "Hãy tin tôi" của Lesley Pearse. Đáng lí những người nuôi dưỡng những đứa bé ấy phải chịu tránh nhiệm cho sự độc ác, vô trách nhiệm của mình vì đã khiến chúng trở thành ác quỉ thì lại phủi tay như thể họ vô can, như thể những đứa bé ấy tự làm nó như vậy. Hầu như chẳng ai thông cảm, dang tay ra cứu giúp khi chúng khó khăn mà thậm chí còn lợi dụng chúng để làm lợi cho mình và vứt đi khi chúng không còn giá trị gì nữa. Xã hội cũng vứt bỏ chúng vì nghĩ rằng chúng vốn sinh ra đã là ác quỉ. Cô bé 6 tuổi trong truyện thật may mắn khi đã được cứu vớt kịp thời nhờ tình thương, lòng kiên nhẫn vô bờ của cô giáo. Giá như nhà giáo dục nào cũng tốt bụng,kiên nhẫn, hiểu biết và giàu lòng trắc ẩn như cô giáo thì rất nhiều đứa trẻ sẽ được cứu giúp.
April 7, 2015
I'd only read two non-fiction novels, yet. And those two are included in my favorites! Apparently, One Child, is one of them. This was the only book yet that I'd read in just one sitting. I couldn't stop reading it!
Torey Hayden was amazing! She made me care for all the characters. And Sheila! The amazing girl that made me ashamed of my existence. Oops, sorry. I was just so amazed by how strong this girl was. My God, for a six year old, those difficulties were too much. Even I doubt if I could get through those as Sheila did. Thanks to Torey's amazing writing. It felt like I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to know what happens next to Sheila. What happens to the other children. I felt so attached to them that reaching the end of the book felt as heartbreaking as reading about Sheila's life awful experiences.
A great book. Great characters. Great and golden-hearted author! A great experience that I might not had if I hadn't read this book. So much thanks to Ms. Torey Hayden.
Torey Hayden was amazing! She made me care for all the characters. And Sheila! The amazing girl that made me ashamed of my existence. Oops, sorry. I was just so amazed by how strong this girl was. My God, for a six year old, those difficulties were too much. Even I doubt if I could get through those as Sheila did. Thanks to Torey's amazing writing. It felt like I didn't want this book to end. I wanted to know what happens next to Sheila. What happens to the other children. I felt so attached to them that reaching the end of the book felt as heartbreaking as reading about Sheila's life awful experiences.
A great book. Great characters. Great and golden-hearted author! A great experience that I might not had if I hadn't read this book. So much thanks to Ms. Torey Hayden.
May 14, 2012
This was the first book I ever read that made me enjoy reading!
June 1, 2021
Torey Hayden had a class room of abused children. They all had emotional problems that prevented them from going to a normal classroom. She had a full class but then ended up with a 6 year old Sheila. Sheila had all kinds of problems in her life; she was abandoned as a baby and abused as a child and she also lit a kid on fire. This girl had real bad emotional problems.
The story's theme is never giving up. Tory Hayden the teacher never gave up on Sheila. She didn't give up on Anton either, Anton was a helper in her class. By the end of the story Sheila told Torey that she was going to be a good girl and she really meant it. Torey finally got through to Sheila by the end of the story. On page 219 Sheila said “I didn't mean it when I said I would be bad I'll be a good girl.” she looked up solemnly, “”for you.”
Even though I don't like reading, I especially didn't like this book. I didn't like the way she worded the book. It seemed fake to me. It wasn't really that interesting and it didn't catch and hold my attention. She didn't really describe how Sheila abused other students; it would have made the book more interesting if she did. She did describe how Sheila tortured the goldfish in the classroom. On page 31 “She had apparently caught the goldfish one by one and poked their eyes out with a pencil.”
I would recommend this book if you are going into Special Education or if you are going to take care of children. However, if you are not interested in teaching, this book would not be for you.
The story's theme is never giving up. Tory Hayden the teacher never gave up on Sheila. She didn't give up on Anton either, Anton was a helper in her class. By the end of the story Sheila told Torey that she was going to be a good girl and she really meant it. Torey finally got through to Sheila by the end of the story. On page 219 Sheila said “I didn't mean it when I said I would be bad I'll be a good girl.” she looked up solemnly, “”for you.”
Even though I don't like reading, I especially didn't like this book. I didn't like the way she worded the book. It seemed fake to me. It wasn't really that interesting and it didn't catch and hold my attention. She didn't really describe how Sheila abused other students; it would have made the book more interesting if she did. She did describe how Sheila tortured the goldfish in the classroom. On page 31 “She had apparently caught the goldfish one by one and poked their eyes out with a pencil.”
I would recommend this book if you are going into Special Education or if you are going to take care of children. However, if you are not interested in teaching, this book would not be for you.
February 22, 2018
I read "One child " in a few hours this afternoon .While I loved what Torey does with these kids and she is a special person ,all the while reading the book was thinking is this all the social services could do for a seriously abused kid and the corporal punishment at the school .The book was written 38 years ago ,I read the 2004 addition ,hopefully things have changed today .
April 14, 2018
I loved this book. Torey is a spec ed teacher for very emotionally disturbed children. i loved reading how she sought to understand the children and how she taught them. This book focused on the children in her classroom and one in particular Sheila.
October 22, 2019
I could not put this book down. It was amazing. It was captivating from the very beginning. I have chosen a career in Psychiatry and reading this book further encourages me because if you really care you can male a difference in a person's life. Thos teacher is what we need more of.
July 4, 2022
This novel is filled with love, tenderness, delicacy and teaches us the sweet sound of taming. This child is filled with wounds and pain. We all necessarily recognize ourselves a little in it. Just beautiful
January 12, 2023
I read this many years ago and it was unlike any child abuse book I had ever read. Taken from the Psychologist / teachers perspective it was a real eye opener. Not normally a genre I would read but I went on to read almost all of her books
June 2, 2017
This was a wonderful story of hope and the ability to never give up on a child.
January 30, 2020
Read when I was 12 and it was a book I will never forget. It inspired me to become a psychologist. Must read if you can handle horrible truths.
May 2, 2021
Read actual book.
August 13, 2023
Wow. Made me view people differently. PLS read this book so we can discuss
February 25, 2017
I read this book in 1983 when I was in the seventh grade. Torey Hayden's wisdom and compassion really touched my heart.
I read this so long ago that I can't give an honest review. However, I really love this book.
I read this so long ago that I can't give an honest review. However, I really love this book.
February 4, 2016
Torey Hayden wrote an amazing non fictional book about what it is like to be a teacher impacting a child's life. If you do not have anxiety, reading this book will probably cause it. However not in a bad way, the book is amazing and really keeps you on your toes. This book is about a six year old girl named Sheila and a teacher named Torey who teaches a special needs class in a small town. Torey had already had her hands full with all of her other students who needed her undivided attention, but when Sheila came into her life, that all changed. Sheila's mother abandoned her when she was just a young girl and this caused many behavioral issues for her. When she was very young she committed a horrible act of violence against a young boy. The courts were going to send her to a mental institution but, wanted to try things out in Torey's classroom first. In the beginning of their relationship things did not go too smoothly. Sheila was defiant and dismissed everything Torey wanted her to do. Over the months, however, you get to watch Torey and Sheila's relationship blossom. Sheila reaches a new level of love and courage that she never knew she had. I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to become a teacher or is a teacher. It really opens your eyes to the impact you can have on one child's life. (less)
December 1, 2014
This book was an experience. I had so many emotions running around in my head and my heart. I wanted to shout, shake and hug the characters, most of them I wanted to shout, shake and hug all at once, others I wanted to trip to make them fall then kick them until they cannot get up by themselves. I kid you not. It is a true story and like all true stories the true horror is the human disposition to doing the worse they possibly can.
I am not going to go into the story. I will leave that to you. I will say that the copy I have needs a bit of TLC regarding editing, formatting etc but even I, who usually after the second mistake by another author want to pull the hair from my head basically only brushed over the mistakes to make sure I read more, experience more. Did I cry? No. I was livid. Livid at the reality of this going on around us all and the fact that it is basically tolerated to a large degree cause we have no "right to get into another's business….."
Read this book. All of you. Ignore the genre, ignore everything. Simply read this book.
WaAr
I am not going to go into the story. I will leave that to you. I will say that the copy I have needs a bit of TLC regarding editing, formatting etc but even I, who usually after the second mistake by another author want to pull the hair from my head basically only brushed over the mistakes to make sure I read more, experience more. Did I cry? No. I was livid. Livid at the reality of this going on around us all and the fact that it is basically tolerated to a large degree cause we have no "right to get into another's business….."
Read this book. All of you. Ignore the genre, ignore everything. Simply read this book.
WaAr
Read
December 8, 2014In reading the book, One Child, it was a great source of inspiration for many people, especially those who may want to become special education teachers. This book takes you through a journey of One Child's violent lifestyle until someone steps into her life, Torey Hayden (her teacher). She is in charge of 8 violently disturbed children with one assistant to help her. Class is sometimes chaotic and very challenging, but with Torey's determination and belief in her students,they can accomplish almost anything. Then one day the receive a new child, Shelia. This one child brings a whole new setting to the classroom with her very violent self. After reading this book, it will inspire others who may want to become a special needs teacher to never give up, it will give them tips on how to handle the children, and teach others how to handle their feelings for their students.
February 1, 2014
I can't find One Child to add to this list, only this study guide. One child is about uncomfortable subjects that are upsetting to read, but when you've finished reading, you're glad you did. An incredible story about an incredible girl and an incredible teacher. I have loved all of Torey Hayden's books. Someone who made a difference to children's lives when they really needed it - if only there were more Torey Haydens out there. You come to care deeply for the girl whose actions at the start horrify you and you won't want to put this down. If you read this, you must read the follow up, The Tiger's Child.
January 13, 2015
This is one of my favorite books in the world. I read it in high school while I was volunteering for a therapeutic recreation program, and again in college. I'm now in my mid-40's and decided to read it again. I love it just as much - maybe more - than I did before. Torey Hayden has always been a role model for me - as a recreation leader, a special ed aide (briefly), and now as a parent. Her ability to care so deeply, see so keenly, and convey her experience with clarity and wisdom never ceases to amaze me. I will never part with this book.
(I couldn't find it here on Goodreads without the study guide - but I am speaking here only about the book; I've never seen the study guide.)
(I couldn't find it here on Goodreads without the study guide - but I am speaking here only about the book; I've never seen the study guide.)
August 13, 2012
WOW! This book was AMAZING! I have not been so moved by a book in a long long time. I read it over the weekend and just couldn't put it down. I have worked a lot with special needs children and this book came close to home. The way the teacher works is wonderful and amazing all the charcters are amazing. I can't seem to think of another word for it but amazing! I laughed I cried I felt joy when their was success and frustration when there was not. Knowing that it was a true story made it even more powerful. I would give this book 6 stars.
September 3, 2016
Good Author - ONE CHILD is Torey Hayden's story of her attempt to tap the unbelievable capacity of this tortured child.
Parts of this book - the savage sexual molestation - will enrage you. Parts of this book - Sheila's quiet description of her anger and fears and doubts - will make you cry. And parts of this book - Sheila's gradual realization of her own potential - may make you cheer.
Whatever your reaction, I think you will agree that it has been a long time since you have read a book with the sheer emotional impact of ONE CHILD.
Parts of this book - the savage sexual molestation - will enrage you. Parts of this book - Sheila's quiet description of her anger and fears and doubts - will make you cry. And parts of this book - Sheila's gradual realization of her own potential - may make you cheer.
Whatever your reaction, I think you will agree that it has been a long time since you have read a book with the sheer emotional impact of ONE CHILD.
January 31, 2016
Like the other reviewers, I am rating the actual book, not the study guide.
This book is one that will stick with me for many years. It is a required reading for a child psychology class I am taking and it really reinforced one of the reasons I want to go into teaching - to help children who get no help anywhere else and to give them hope. This book made me feel so many emotions; Torey Hayden created a masterful work that will make you smile and cry within the same chapters. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in education or psychology.
This book is one that will stick with me for many years. It is a required reading for a child psychology class I am taking and it really reinforced one of the reasons I want to go into teaching - to help children who get no help anywhere else and to give them hope. This book made me feel so many emotions; Torey Hayden created a masterful work that will make you smile and cry within the same chapters. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in education or psychology.
April 24, 2014
I'm seriously enjoying this book! I wasn't expecting anything amazing. This is seriously a book that has been hard for me to put down!
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Honestly all I can say is that this book is amazing !! ❤️ It got me teary and it was also so heart warming. I totally recommend this book!!
(It's the first book I've actually finished in quite some time)
.............................................................................
Honestly all I can say is that this book is amazing !! ❤️ It got me teary and it was also so heart warming. I totally recommend this book!!
(It's the first book I've actually finished in quite some time)
July 31, 2015
I read this book several years ago and it affected me deeply. I have recommended it to several of my family and friends and they all have raved about this book too! You can never understand why this little girl is this way, but you will not forget the love and compassion that this teacher showed her! I highly recommend this book!
December 16, 2014
This book is such an inspiration, especially for teachers. It really teaches you to never give up on anything or anyone. Whenever someone is struggling, just keep working with them and pushing them harder and harder. One child was a very touching book, but it shows you differences between children and how to deal with them.
December 16, 2014
I didn't really like this book. Maybe it's because I've never experienced this behavior and don't know what I would personally do in Torey Hayden's situation. The sequel to this book isn't any better. Even though I cried in the first book and had to finish it for a class, I almost quit the second book 6 times.
April 29, 2013
This is a really inspirational story. I completely adored the relationship between Torey and Sheila. I think that this book really shows that in difficult situations in our lives, what we really need is love from one another and feel loved by the people you care so much about.
September 3, 2014
One Child - what a moving, emotional journey. I have found this book addictive, not able to stop reading. Really sad story,playing on all different emotions, written with huge commitment. A must read!
December 11, 2014
The advantage of waiting 30 years to read a book is you can follow up with what the main characters are doing today. Great story and interesting where everyone is today. The events entertain, horrify, and make you thankful for what you have.
January 6, 2016
Amazing book, infact I've read All her books and everyone is Fantastic. Feel for all her characters, can really connect with them as it's such an easy read. Some terrible things happen so need a strong stomach, but well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews