Peg Kehret makes medical recovery relatable by highlighting the humor in hospital life and the thrill of regaining small physical abilities. Her memoir balances the urgency of a sudden diagnosis with the deep friendships formed during rehabilitation. Books in this family share an honest internal narration and focus on characters overcoming significant health challenges through resilience.
Reach for this memoir when your child is facing a significant physical challenge, a long recovery, or feeling overwhelmed by a situation that feels out of their control. Peg Kehret shares her true story of contracting polio at age twelve, moving from a typical school day to being paralyzed in a hospital bed within forty-eight hours. It is a masterclass in resilience that validates the heavy emotions of illness while focusing on the power of small, incremental victories. While the medical setting can be intense, the narrative remains grounded in Peg's voice, making it accessible for middle-grade readers. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes the history of the 1950s and provides a bridge to discuss empathy for those with disabilities. It is an ideal choice for fostering a growth mindset, as it emphasizes that progress is often measured in tiny, hard-won steps rather than overnight miracles.
