Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio

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.

This is a story of triumph. I read it many years ago as a child and enjoyed it just as much now as an adult.

Peg you did so good I did get the book. It is so good love it so so so so much you slay with your writing. I love your books. They’re so so so slay. You must keep on writing books. It’s probably your passionate and like I to be a flower

I had a sister who was 12 years older than me and I never knew what she went through so this was very helpful.

In the book Peg Kehret writes about when she got polio. Polio is a disease where you can get really sick and paralyzed. Peg Kehert did an amazing job with Small Steps. I liked her book because it inspired me to write more. It also made me a little scared like when she fell randomly. It was a good book. I hope that her book will inspire other people to write more. I hope more people will read her book to see how good she is at writing. I hope one day I can meet Peg Kehret. Because I read this book I found out my grandma had polio and was in an iron lung.

Book was in great condition! 😁👍

Very easy to read and informational for me as i grew up having to get polio shots in the 50’s. It brought back a few memories.

As a teacher, I always look for books that do a couple things: 1 - expose my students to unique and interesting experiences 2 - create an opportunity for students to learn new vocabulary 3 - make my student clamor for more Small 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.

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