One Child by Torey Hayden | Summary & Study Guide

One Child is the story of a lost little girl and the extraordinary teacher who works to find her. Sheila has been forgotten by the system, her family, and society itself. She has been shuffled between relatives and institutions before landing in Torey Hayden's secluded annex classroom. Even the school does not pose the potential for a "home", since Sheila is only waiting to be transferred to the state hospital. Over the course of five months, Sheila transforms under Torey's care into a more self-assured and happy child, headed for the second grade instead of the state hospital.

This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.