Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

Gr 2–5—With an introductory analogy from Helen Keller ("We the blind are as indebted to Louis Braille as mankind is indebted to Gutenberg"), author Jen Bryant reveals the teenage inventor who changed the world forever at the tender age of 15. With rich illustrations by Boris Kulikov and minimal animation, we are transported to the small French town of Coupvray in 1812 at the scene of an accident that led to Braille becoming blind at three years old. With a Debussy piano score setting the scene, the clever lad refuses to be held back by his disability, becoming a musician and adept student. When Louis learns there are no books for blind children, he is determined to make one. He achieves that goal with his domino-like twin columns of six dots and also invents a musical notation code for the blind, both of which are still in use today. Narrator Pete Cross has an abysmal French accent, but the story is charming and teaches perseverance. A "More About Braille" Q&A section has even more fascinating insights about this remarkable young man. Pair with The Black Book of Colors by Menena Cottin to further understand the challenges blind students face and overcome.