Small Steps (edition 2000)

Summary:
When Peg Kehret was twelve years old she was diagnosed with Polio. Throughout this book, she shares her struggles with coping with such an illness. She explains her fears, while mostly keeping a positive attitude about life. She talks about the friendships that she made and the bonds that she shared with other children who were also in therehabilitation hospital battling for their lives.

Personal Reaction:
This book really made me look at my life a little closer. After reading this book, I had to step back and think about all that I have been blessed with. These children are so courageous. Her story is not only inspiring, but it is life-changing.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. In an upper-level elementary classroom, I would have my students research about Peg Kehret or Polio. I would have them put together a presentation, in groups, about what Peg may have gone through.
2. I would have my students go out and find someone who is struggling, or living with a medical problem. I would have them interview the person if he or she was willing to talk openly about it.

This is a really great autobiography read for upper elementary as it focuses on the struggle Peg Kehret faced as a 12 year old after she contracted polio. Full of historical information but not a boring history text this would create great classroom connections to history and science lessons. I also love how Kehret points out her luck in not only the timing of her illness but in her family's ability to deal with the cost and time taken up by the illness especially in contrast to some of the friends she made in the hospital. The social issues reflected in this observation could make for really interesting discussion even in high school classrooms.

Small Steps is a wonderful autobiography and simply heart-warming. I couldn't put it down and was just so fascinated by how it was like to be diagnosed with polio. I would definitely recommend it! ( )

This is one of my favorite books. I would highly recommend it. ( )

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