Beautiful Child by Torey Hayden

() The basic premise of this book is based around a special education teacher and one of her students. The student is a young girl who never responds, even physically, to anything. Tests show she physically can, but won't. The teacher is passionate about her work and never gives up on her, including spending loads of personal time trying to initiate help in the family. She makes small breakthroughs with connecting and initiating rare responses from the child. Soon though, it becomes clear there is some form of abuse occurring in the home. The girl, Venus, is rushed unconscious to a hospital. I won't give away the ending, but it is a great read that is completely realistic in nature and inspiring in its tale.