Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio facts for kids

Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio is a true story, also called a memoir. It's about author Peg Kehret's own childhood experience with polio. This book won the Golden Kite Award in 1997, which is a special prize for children's books.

What Is Polio?

Polio is a serious disease caused by a virus. It can make people very sick. Sometimes, it affects the nerves and muscles. This can lead to weakness or even paralysis. Paralysis means you cannot move parts of your body.

In the past, polio was a big problem. Many children got sick from it. Luckily, a vaccine was created. This vaccine helps prevent polio. Now, polio is very rare in most parts of the world.

Meet the Characters

This book tells Peg's story. Here are some of the people she meets:

• Peg: She is the main character and tells the story. Peg gets sick with polio. The book follows her journey to get better.
• Karen: Peg's best friend from school. She visits Peg and helps her feel less alone.
• Tommy: Peg's roommate in the hospital. He has polio too. Tommy needs an iron lung to help him breathe.
• Renee: Another roommate at Sheltering Arms. She gets to go home for Christmas.
• Shirley: A roommate at Sheltering Arms. She has a very serious case of polio. Shirley loves marshmallows.
• Alice: A roommate who has been at Sheltering Arms for ten years. Her parents could not care for her. She became a ward of the state. This means the state became her legal guardian.
• Dorothy: A roommate who really wants to go home. Her family builds a ramp for her. This helps her return home.
• Mrs. Crab: Peg's physical therapist at University Hospital. Peg does not like her. Mrs. Crab makes Peg do hard exercises. These exercises are called "Torture Time."
• Art: Peg's older brother. He is a college student. Dorothy really likes him.
• Dr. Bevis: Peg's doctor at University Hospital. Peg promises him she will walk again.
• Miss Ballard: Peg's physical therapist at Sheltering Arms. Peg likes her a lot. Miss Ballard is also good friends with Peg's parents.
• Kenny: A boy who helps Peg in a Christmas play. He is going home soon.
• Mom: Peg's very supportive mother. She is always there for Peg.
• Dad: Peg's supportive father. He also helps Peg through her illness.
• B.J.: Peg's dog. B.J. almost gets locked in the basement. This happens when Peg comes home for Christmas.

Where the Story Happens

The story begins in 1949. It takes place in a few important locations:

• Peg's school: This is where Peg's life was normal before she got sick.
• Peg's house: Her family home, where she longs to return.
• University Hospital: This is the first hospital Peg goes to. Here, she starts her fight against polio.
• The Sheltering Arms: A special place where Peg goes for more recovery. She meets other kids with polio here.