Russell Freedman's Out of Darkness is widely praised for its compelling narrative and thorough research. Readers appreciate its vivid portrayal of key historical events and figures, although some feel the pacing is inconsistent. Overall, the book stands out as a well-crafted introduction to important themes in American history.

Readers who would relish Russell Freedman's Out of Darkness likely enjoy meticulously researched historical accounts and biographies. Comparable to fans of David McCullough’s The Wright Brothers or Candace Fleming’s The Family Romanov, these readers appreciate narrative non-fiction that combines rich details with engaging storytelling.

Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille, by Russell Freedman, details the life of Louis Braille, who lost his sight due to an eye injury in early childhood. Despite challenges, he excelled in school, learned to play the piano, and developed the braille system, revolutionizing reading and writing for blind individuals, ultimately making a lasting global impact despite dying young from tuberculosis. The book references outdated and offensive terms for intellectual disabilities.

Informative / Inspirational / Heartwarming

**Russell Freedman**  
A nonfiction writer renowned for his accessible biographies for children and young adults, whose works include historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt.

**Louis Braille**  
The inventor of the braille system who became blind at a young age and went on to create a simple, raised-dot alphabet to help the blind read and write.

**Captain Charles Barbier**  
A French army captain who developed a communication system of dots and dashes intended for use in the dark, which later inspired Louis Braille.

**Valentine Hauy**  
An advocate for the blind who founded the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, where Louis Braille was educated and inspired to develop his reading and writing system.

Russell Freedman

Middle grade

Biography

Nonfiction

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Out of Darkness Summary and Study Guide

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Chapters 1-3

Out of Darkness Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

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Out of Darkness Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

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Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Braille

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