Petey

Petey is a historical novel set in Montana that spans from the 1920s to the 1990s. The story follows a boy born with cerebral palsy who is sent to live in a psychiatric institution after being misdiagnosed as mentally disabled. Through decades at the institution, Petey forms meaningful connections with staff members and fellow patients despite his physical limitations. His experiences reveal the harsh realities of institutional life in early 20th century America and the widespread misunderstanding of disabilities during that era. The narrative continues into the 1990s when new characters enter Petey's life, leading to discoveries about human connection and friendship. The story alternates between timeframes to build a complete picture of Petey's journey. This novel explores themes of perseverance, the power of human connection, and society's evolving understanding of disabilities. It challenges readers to examine their own assumptions while highlighting the importance of looking beyond physical appearances.

Readers connect emotionally with the story of Petey and Trevor's friendship, with many citing it as a powerful look at disability, discrimination, and human dignity. The book resonates particularly with young readers and teachers. Readers appreciated: - The authentic portrayal of cerebral palsy and institutional care - The message about looking past physical differences - Character development, especially Trevor's growth - Historical accuracy about treatment of disabled people Common criticisms: - Some found the writing style basic or simplistic - A few readers felt the plot was predictable - The ending struck some as unrealistic Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (350+ ratings) "This book changed how I view people with disabilities," wrote one teen reader. Another noted: "As a special education teacher, I appreciate how it shows the person behind the disability." Critical reviews often focused on writing style: "The message is important but the prose lacks sophistication."

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🔹 Cerebral palsy was frequently misunderstood in the 1920s, with many patients being wrongly institutionalized in psychiatric facilities rather than receiving appropriate medical care. 🔹 The author Ben Mikaelsen lives in Montana with a 750-pound black bear named Buffy, whom he has raised from a cub and uses as inspiration for many of his stories. 🔹 The book is based on the real life of Louis Telesford, who spent over 60 years in Montana state institutions after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child. 🔹 Montana's first institution for people with disabilities, featured in the book, was established in 1893 as the Montana Deaf and Dumb Asylum, reflecting the harsh terminology of the era. 🔹 The term "cerebral palsy" wasn't widely used until the 1940s, decades after the book's primary setting, when Dr. Winthrop Phelps coined the term to describe the condition.