Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio

This book provides a unique outlook of experiences that individuals went through when diagnosed with polio.

We read this for our family book group. What an amazing young girl during a very scary time. Written for kids but everyone can learn from this account of Peg and her story.

I read this to my 10 year old son because I wanted him to understand the importance of those irritating shots at the doctor. He LOVED it. Every day he asked me to read more to him. It is not every book that gets him that excited, and since this does not contain dragons or robots, I didn't expect such enthusiasm. He was extremely concerned early on that she would die of polio, and I had to give him the spoiler that it's an autobiography, therefore we know she lives - after all, she wrote the book. He was very relieved, and wanted to see pictures to prove it. That was his level of involvement with this book.Ultimately, this book is very accessible for people of any age, but especially kids. The language is simple but paints clear pictures of how Peg felt. She writes about the sadness of losing a favorite stuffed animal and the incredible joy of being able to drink a chocolate milkshake after being refused it for days. These simple things make it easy to relate to Peg and the other kids she writes about, even if we can't relate to her experience with polio.As a parent, I appreciate all the information included about the history of polio. I appreciate the lessons Peg learned and shares with us, including never giving up, the importance of family, and how small kindnesses can make a big difference. There are beautiful life lessons subtly woven into this book that can provide great topics of conversation.I recommend this book for any kid or family.

Grandson knew of the story and wanted the book. Was as expected. Written for children

This was amazing to read and it really helped me get through Covid when I had it. I really recommend it!

Incredible story . Heartwarming

As a teacher, I always look for books that do a couple things:1 - expose my students to unique and interesting experiences2 - create an opportunity for students to learn new vocabulary3 - make my student clamor for moreSmall Steps satisfies all three requirements! It opens up an opportunity for these kids, who have never experienced the fear of contracting polio, to see what it was like to be suddenly stricken with polio, and also what it was like to recover from it.It also has very robust vocabulary, and plenty of similes, metaphors, and era-appropriate references that make us stop and talk about it. "Who was the Lone Ranger anyway?" "What in the world is an Iron Lung?"Finally, 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 was 11 or 12. I had bulbar polio which could have landed me in anitinkung. I was told that the doctor said if my mother could get something down my throat, I could avoid the hospital. I remember things rolling out of my mouth. Apparently she got me to drink 7Up which I normally didn’t like. When I recovered, I was forbidden to tell anyone it was polio. I was in my mid- twenty before I told anyone. My school, etc., was told I had a bad flu.

The book is written from the point of view of a twelve year old girl. She finds herself suddenly sick and is told she has polio. What follows is her journey as she fights to recover. Should be read by everyone, specially young readers. Peg Kehret is an example of a strong yet sympathetic person.

loved it already read it