Dancing with Katya

by Dori Chaconas

A moving story of the transforming power of love and the bonds between siblings that even polio cannot weaken.

Anna loves to dance with her beloved sister Katya in the meadow of their family's Wisconsin farm. But one summer, Katya is overcome by a high fever, and the doctor delivers a grim polio. Although she recovers from the lingering illness, Katya's legs are left weakened and twisted.

Now, Anna carries Katya to the meadow and dances alone for her sister. Together they dream of a time when Katya will be able to join her again. When Mama and Papa announce that Katya must go to a hospital in the city where doctors will try to make her legs strong again. Anna Will the treatment and Katya's "pioneer spirit" allow her to dance once again?

In an afterword, author Dori Chaconas and illustrator Constance R. Bergum each offer true stories of their families' personal battles with polio.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

About the author

Dori Chaconas learned story pacing from an early age while entertaining her younger siblings. The author of such picture books as ON A WINTRY MORNING, ONE LITTLE MOUSE, and MOMMA, WILL YOU?, she lives in Germantown, Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Chloe :)]

This book was wonderful. The art was breathtaking and seemingly transported you into the story.
The author tells a tale of two sisters, one sick with polio, and another trying to make the best of an unpleasant situation. Their love for one another shines through, and the ending was sweet!

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a sweet bond of friendship between sisters. This is a book I can wholeheartedly recommend to all families who are trying to encourage more love and harmony between their children. I borrowed it from the library, but I want to own it for our own home library.

[Sierra McCorvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dancing with Katya by Dori Chaconas is a book about a beautiful friendship between sisters. Anna's younger sister, Katya is diagnosed with polio. Anna dances and encourages Katrina through the illness.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing with Katya is a book about a little girl who as Polo. Katya's sister tries to get her sister to dance because she knows that Katya loves to dance. This book shows how a strong bond between siblings can be and how even with polo you can do some of the regular things that other children can do.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very moving story about a little girl who is striken with Polio and her older sister who supported and encouraged her throughout her illness. The illustrations are beautiful and the story brought a tear to my eye as I read it to our girls.

[Alise Durkota · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is slightly depressing but, many girls love that the main character is a dancer. This book would be great for discussing children in the school who may have a disability and how we treat them. It may be good to keep on the shelf for those girls who like dancers nd the pretty pink cover.

[Ellie Dietzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

great book. shows a bond between sisters. one of the sisters is sick and has polio. the family works through the issues and nothing has happened to the relationship they formed before the illness.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the late 1920s, Anna tries to help her younger sister Katya regain her strength and joy in life after she becomes crippled by polio.

[Violet Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and inspirational I read it once when I was just a little girl and then read it again and again as I grew up.

[Melenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book