Torey Hayden

Torey Hayden is an American author and educational psychologist known for her work with children with special needs. She has written several books, both fiction and non-fiction, that explore the challenges and triumphs of working with children who have emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Early Life and Education

Torey Hayden was born on May 21, 1951, in Livingston, Montana. She attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where she earned a degree in biology. She later pursued graduate studies in special education and educational psychology.

Career

Torey Hayden began her career as a special education teacher, working with children who had severe emotional and behavioral issues. Her experiences in the classroom provided the material for her first book, One Child, which was published in 1980. The book is a non-fiction account of her work with a troubled six-year-old girl named Sheila.

Following the success of One Child, Hayden continued to write about her experiences in special education. Her subsequent books include Somebody Else's Kids, Just Another Kid, and Ghost Girl. Each of these works provides insight into the challenges faced by children with special needs and the educators who work with them.

In addition to her non-fiction work, Hayden has also written several novels, including The Sunflower Forest and The Very Worst Thing. These fictional works often draw on her experiences and explore similar themes of trauma, healing, and resilience.

Themes and Impact

Torey Hayden's books are known for their compassionate and insightful portrayal of children with special needs. Her writing highlights the importance of understanding and empathy in education, and she has been praised for bringing attention to the complexities of working with children who have experienced trauma.

Hayden's work has had a significant impact on the field of special education, inspiring educators and readers alike to approach children with patience and understanding. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be popular worldwide.

Related Pages

• Special education
• Educational psychology
• Child psychology
• Trauma-informed care