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Book Overview
With her father away at war to fight Hitler, a young girl gains strength by joining her community in battling polio in this Parents' Choice Silver Honor Book based on the 1944 epidemic and the "Miracle of Hickory" Hospital in Hickory, North Carolina. Ann Fay Honeycutt accepts the role of "man of the house" when her father leaves because she wants to do her part for the war. She's doing well with the extra responsibilities when a frightening polio epidemic strikes, crippling many local children. Her town of Hickory responds by creating an emergency hospital in three days. Ann Fay reads each issue of the newspaper for the latest news of the epidemic. But soon she discovers for herself just how devastating polio can be. As her challenges grow, so does her resourcefulness. In the face of tragedy, Ann Fay discovers her ability to move forward. She experiences the healing qualities of friendship and explores the depths of her own faithfulness to those she loves--even to one she never expected to love at all.
Format:Audio CD
Language:English
ISBN:170507779X
ISBN13:9781705077795
Release Date:November 2022
Publisher:Recorded Books
Weight:0.52 lbs.
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Two Kinds of Cruel
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Young readers should find this novel illuminating on two levels, the medical and the social. Hostetter's story of a child's survival of epidemic polio offers a wrenching appraisal of parallel cruelties--crippled children at an orthopedic center where segregation relegates blacks to a tent city on the lawn.
I lived through this epidemic & also survived polio.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
The book is true to the Hickory Polio Camp & the accompanying times. It is a excellent portrayal of the great epidemic of 1944. It does not mention my most vivid memory. When visiting my brother, we went through a long corridor to his ward. There were iron lungs lined up as far as the eye could see, and as I recall, there was a nurse beside every iron lung. I also remember Dr. Dorothy Horstmann very well & feel she should be remembered on the same level as Jonas Salk & Sabin. This is an accurate historical novel that should be read by everyone young & old. Thank you Mrs. Hostetter for this wonderful story about The Miracle of Hickory.
Beautifully Written Book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Blue is a beautiful story of strength and courage in the midst of adversity. It is a wonderful portrayal of southern life and it's real-life struggles with Polio, WWII, and the racial divide. It is well worth reading and once you start you won't be able to put it down!
Compelling
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Blue is a compelling story. Hostetter brings out a full range of emotions in the reader. I truly felt for the characters, especially the protagonist, Ann Fay. I could identify so well with Ann's insecurities just as much as I celebrated her triumphs. The author uses metaphor like a master painter would wield the paintbrush. I love how she compares the fight against Hitler with the fight against polio. This is a must read if you are interested in the polio epidemic, WWII era, or just a profound story of perseverance through life's joys and sorrows.
Great for all ages
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
What a well written book and also one that inspired me to do further research on polio and US History during that period. The author has a great writing style and character development, I could not put the book down until I was through it. Recommended for adults and teens!
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