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by Lydia Weaver, Lynda Weaver

In the summer of 1952, Betsy and her friends worry about contracting polio, a mysterious disease for which Betsy's mother and other researchers are creating a vaccine. By the author of Child When Talkies Came to Hollywood.

Genres: Historical Fiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1993

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read (53 pages), tells the story of the polio outbreak in 1952 through the eyes of fifth grader Betsy. Through the course of the story, Betsy observes how adults like Leticia's mom try to protect their children from getting polio and learns about how scientists, like her mother are working on a polio vaccine. When her friend gets polio, Betsy visits her and finds out about some of treatments polio patients recieve to help them recover.

Provides a good brief introduction. For a more in depth story, I liked fiction "The Giant-Slayer" by Iain Lawrence (gr 4-6)
"Chasing Orion" by Kathryn Lasky (gr 6-10)
nonfiction "Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio" by Peg Kehret (gr 4-6)

[Miss Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read (53 pages), tells the story of the polio outbreak in 1952 through the eyes of fifth grader Betsy. Through the course of the story, Betsy observes how adults like Leticia's mom try to protect their children from getting polio and learns about how scientists, like her mother are working on a polio vaccine. When her friend gets polio, Betsy visits her and finds out about some of treatments polio patients recieve to help them recover.

Provides a good brief introduction. For a more in depth story, I liked fiction "The Giant-Slayer" by Iain Lawrence (gr 4-6)
"Chasing Orion" by Kathryn Lasky (gr 9-12)
nonfiction "Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio" by Peg Kehret (gr 4-6)

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting take on polio in 1952 from the view of a child. i remember reading this as a child and even as an adult it provides a quick look at how people felt about the threat of polio.

[Mrs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terribly written. Everything that was going on in 1953 is jammed into one book. Simplistic characterizations. Propaganda for vaccines. Very didactic.