The Chicken Pox Papers

by Susan Terris, Gail Rockwell (Illustrator)

When she contracts a case of chicken pox, a ten-year-old writes a series of letters that express her frustrations.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Izze Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good! I liked how Augusta was so determined to sneak out of the house that she tried a total of 3 times. Augusta shows persistence and bravery by doing this.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I picked up when I was a child that my mother probably bought. I still remember it vividly, however, especially the hair, all the letters she was writing, the desk with the secret compartment, and the ninja outfit.

[Sara Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite teacher gave me a copy of this book when I was in 4th grade and I was *obsessed.* I’m so happy to find that it is so good, just as wonderful as I remember. The parts I read and reread as a kid still made me laugh and even tear up. Gussie is a fantastic character, and an epistolary novel works so well with her confinement on her birthday (due to…chickenpox). She’s able to express her frustrations through her letters with snarky charm and gains insight into the “long line of proud, strong-willed women” in her family. Plus, chopping off her own hair, a black velvet ninja suit, and a decades old secret in a pigeonhole desk? This book is perfection. 🥰

[Kip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gussie is stuck home from school with the chicken pox, and she cuts off all her hair, is forced to babysit Natalie, and finds a cool secret in an old desk. Read this when I was about nine, and it really stayed with me.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a kid, and I remember loving it. I'd like to get a copy for my daughter and read it again myself, but it seems to be out of print.