Blue

by Joyce Moyer Hostetter

Book Overview

A Parents' Choice Silver Honor Book

With her father on the frontlines of World War II, a young girl gains strength by joining her community's battle against the 1944 polio epidemic

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590788354
• ISBN13: 9781590788356
• Release Date: August 2010
• Publisher: Calkins Creek Books
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Two Kinds of Cruel

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.

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!

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

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

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!