Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio

Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio Peg Kehret's memoir chronicles her experience with polio as a twelve-year-old girl in 1949. The narrative follows her journey from initial diagnosis through her time at two different hospitals during treatment. The book details the medical practices and hospital conditions of the era, including the use of iron lungs and physical therapy techniques. Fellow patients, hospital staff, and family members shape Peg's experience as she confronts the challenges of her illness. Through her personal account, Kehret documents both the physical and emotional impact of polio during a time when the disease affected thousands of children across America. The memoir provides historical context about polio's impact on individuals and communities in the mid-twentieth century. The story serves as both a medical memoir and a testament to human resilience, capturing a significant chapter in American medical history. Its straightforward narrative illuminates the realities of childhood illness and recovery in the pre-vaccine era.

Readers connect with the authentic first-person account of a 12-year-old's experience with polio in 1949. Many note that the book helps children understand the realities of living through a serious illness while remaining hopeful and age-appropriate. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Details about hospital life and physical therapy - Focus on friendships made during recovery - Historical context about polio epidemics - Inclusion of actual photos from the author's hospitalization What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few wanted more information about life after recovery - Parents noted some medical details may upset sensitive children Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (450+ ratings) Scholastic: 4.5/5 (200+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Makes history personal and relatable for young readers while teaching empathy for those with disabilities."

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🦠 The polio epidemic reached its peak in the United States in 1952, with over 57,000 cases reported that year. 👩‍⚕️ Peg Kehret went on to become an award-winning author of over 40 books, many focusing on animals and children overcoming challenges. 💉 The Salk vaccine, which helped end the polio epidemic, was developed in 1955 - just six years after Kehret contracted the disease. 🏥 The iron lung, a device mentioned in the book, was a large mechanical respirator that helped polio patients breathe when their chest muscles were paralyzed. 🎖️ The book won multiple awards including the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award and the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and has been used in many school curriculums to teach about the polio era.