Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio (Signed!) [L0056]

1996 - signed HC in Excellent condition. Multiple awards including: 1996 Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction, 1999 Sasquatch Reading Award Master List (Washington State), 2000-2001 Iowa Children's Choice Awards Master List, 2001 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Master List (Illinois), 2001 Young Hoosier Book Award, 2015 Bluestem Book Award Master List. Peg Kehret was stricken with polio when she was twelve years old. At first paralyzed and terrified, she fought her way to recovery, aided by doctors and therapists, a loving family, supportive roommates fighting their own battles with the disease, and plenty of grit and luck. With the humor and suspense that are her trademarks, acclaimed author Peg Kehret vividly recreates the true story of her year of heartbreak and triumph.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Small Steps has completely captivated my students. They cheered when Peg was able to move her arms; they giggled when Peg developed a crush on her doctor; they laughed when Peg tried the Hula; they told their family members, "you have to read this book!"; they went to the library and checked out other books written by Peg. Small Steps is a great way to open up some great dialogue with your student or child. Kids in the 9-14 age range will enjoy this book."; "I bought this book to read with my neices and nephews. I know it sounds a little weird for reading material with them, but sometimes I think it is good for them to realize that they take a lot for granted in life. Their grandmother had polio as a child so it does hold more significance to them because of that. This book is descriptive enough to keep even the 4 year old's attention a chapter at a time. The author didn't have an easy time of it but the way she shares her story you know she is one of those strong people that overcome so much and yet are able to see the glass as half full."; "The author's writing style is smooth, crisp, and vivid, and it draws me into the story, and her bright personality, wit, and sense of humor shine throughout the book. Themes and insights presented in this book are subtle, such as the author's increasing kindness and generosity, and being aware of the hardship of others, while being honest about being resentful of them at first. Despite being an adult, and not necessarily the intended audience, I found the book informative. At 179 pages it was a quick read because it is a compelling story. I particularly like it because it's a book about a terrible disease that always feels like it's aiming at the positive- rather than wallowing in the horror of the disease."