Small Steps

1996 Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction

1997 ALA Notable Books for Children

1997 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers

1997 Pen Center USA West Literary Award

1998 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award (Vermont)

1998-1999 Mark Twain Award (Missouri)

1998 Joan Fassler Memorial Book Award

1998-1999 Texas Bluebonnet Award, Runner-Up

1998-1999 William Allen White Master Reading List (Kansas)

1998-1999 Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award Master List

1998-1999 Sequoyah Book Award Master List (Oklahoma)

1998-1999 Volunteer State Book Award Master List (Tennessee)

1998-1999 NH Great Stone Face Children’s Book Award Master List

1999 Sasquatch Reading Award Master List (Washington State)

2000-2001 Iowa Children’s Choice Awards Master List

2001 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award Master List (Illinois)

2001 Young Hoosier Book Award

2015 Bluestem Book Award Master List



In a riveting story of courage and hope, Peg Kehret writes about months spent in a hospital when she was twelve, first struggling to survive a severe case of polio, then slowly learning to walk again.



Peg Kehret was stricken with polio when she was twelve years old. At first paralyzed and terrified, she fought her way to recovery, aided by doctors and therapists, a loving family, supportive roommates fighting their own battles with the disease, and plenty of grit and luck. With the humor and suspense that are her trademarks, acclaimed author Peg Kehret vividly recreates the true story of her year of heartbreak and triumph.