K10: Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret

The Kidliterati Ten is an interview series with young readers. We ask them about a favorite book and hope that you enjoy their answers.

Tell us a little about yourself: what is your first name, how old are you, and what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

My name is Jack. I'm 10 years old. My favorite ice cream is strawberry.

What book did you read and why did you choose it?

I chose SMALL STEPS: THE YEAR I GOT POLIO by Peg Kehret.

Can you describe this book in one word?

Sad.

What was your favorite part of this story?

When she could walk again.

If you had a problem similar to the main character's problem, what would you do?

I would pray and do the same exercises she did.

What would you say to your best friend to convince them to read this book?

It's really sad but sometimes it could be funny.

What do you think about the book's cover?

It's simple but a nice picture of her. 

Would you want to read another book about these characters? Why or why not?

Yes, because I want to know what happened later in their life. 

Can you name another book that reminds you of this one?

No, this is different than any book I've ever read - and the saddest.

If you could ask the author one question about this book, what would it be?

What was it like to have to stay in bed and not move for a long time?

We reached out to Peg, and she was kind enough to answer Jack's question...

"It was scary to be paralyzed and to have to stay in bed for so long. I missed my family and my dog. The worst part was not knowing if I would ever get better."

Thank you to Jack and to author Peg Kehret!

SMALL STEPS: THE YEAR I GOT POLIO

In a riveting story of courage and hope, Peg Kehret writes about months spent in a hospital when she was twelve, first struggling to survive a severe case of polio, then slowly learning to walk again.