A stunning and poignant account of a teacher's extraordinary efforts to break through a young student's self-imposed silence--from the internationally bestselling author of One Child. Torey Hayden had always worked with special needs children. Sometimes the challenge was easy, helping a child with ADD to function normally in a classroom, and other times the challenge was great, trying to connect with a child who has been severely abused in one form or another for much of his/her young life. BEAUTIFUL CHILD is the story of Venus, a seven-year-old girl. She refused to speak and communicated with no one. But Torey had never given up on a child and was determined to break through to Venus. And so the school year began, with Torey utilizing every technique at her disposal to connect with Venus. It would be a strenuous journey beset by seemingly insurmountable obstacles and darkened by terrible revelations--yet encouraged by sometimes small, sometimes dazzling breakthroughs--as a dedicated teacher remained committed to helping a hopeless' girl, and patiently and lovingly leading her towards the light of a new day. Told with compassion, sensitivity and humour, this amazing story is an inspiration to all who read it. 1. OVER ONE MILLION COPIES IN PRINT: There is a tremendous readership for Torey Hayden's books, especially in mass market. 2. A TIMELESS TALE: Issues of child welfare are constantly catching the headlines, and Torey Hayden's gripping and indepth tales of children overcoming their troubled pasts reach deep into the heart of readers of any generation. 3. A REAL STORY, WRITTEN BY A REAL HERO: Torey Hayden has worked with emotionally/mentally disturbed children for most of her adult life. This story, based on actual cases that she has dealt with, shows the healing effect of a little love, and a lot of patience and understanding.