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The Santa Claus Girl
“Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus.” Yes, THAT Virginia—who became a teacher—encouraging students through the Great Depression, World War II, and the Polio epidemic. “The Santa Claus Girl,” a novel drawn from true events, imagines Virginia’s far-reaching influence and her exceptional gift of inspiration. Set in New York City, December 1952, the story uncovers how a remarkable woman sparks a band of humble do-gooders to overcome the odds stacked against them—and reach for an extraordinary goal.
New York City cab driver Ben Wilson was enjoying his drive to the airport that February morning in 1952. His passenger was his WWII army buddy, pilot Joe Martinez, who’d just formed a small air cargo company with two weathered C-47s, luck, and a prayer. With the best of intentions the men promise to stay in touch.
The year passes quickly, filled with extraordinary news events. The height of the polio epidemic spreads across America—with no vaccine available. Candidates spar in a Presidential election year. The Senate votes for sweeping immigration reform. Two US citizens remain jailed for conspiring with the Russian government. And July becomes the hottest month ever recorded for New York. A great year for news stories and a banner year for newspapers.
In December, a cocky young reporter named David Lindsey is assigned to interview “the Santa Claus Girl,” now a principal at P.S. 401 at New York General Hospital, where classes are held for children unable to attend traditional schools. After an eye-opening interview, David learns that a little girl was recently hospitalized with the onset of polio. The girl’s life depends on treatment in an iron lung, but because of the scale of the epidemic none are available. The reporter stumbles upon the story of Ben and Joe who've devised a daring plan to raise money to purchase the respirator for the young patient. Ben reveals they were inspired by their former teacher Virginia O’Hanlon—“the Santa Claus Girl.” Unaware of the story’s front-page potential, the rookie reporter unwittingly amplifies the plans of the humble do-gooders. David soon realizes that even if the money could somehow be raised, Ben must overcome a race against time, public fear of the disease, and demons from his past, to transport the life-saving machine to New York City. When a snowstorm threatens to close the airports, the cabbie’s colleagues mobilize to rescue the mission before it’s too late.
Armed with a new angle on his holiday story, the once cynical reporter discovers the power of the press is matched by the larger power of the people who unite for the greater good.
New York City cab driver Ben Wilson was enjoying his drive to the airport that February morning in 1952. His passenger was his WWII army buddy, pilot Joe Martinez, who’d just formed a small air cargo company with two weathered C-47s, luck, and a prayer. With the best of intentions the men promise to stay in touch.
The year passes quickly, filled with extraordinary news events. The height of the polio epidemic spreads across America—with no vaccine available. Candidates spar in a Presidential election year. The Senate votes for sweeping immigration reform. Two US citizens remain jailed for conspiring with the Russian government. And July becomes the hottest month ever recorded for New York. A great year for news stories and a banner year for newspapers.
In December, a cocky young reporter named David Lindsey is assigned to interview “the Santa Claus Girl,” now a principal at P.S. 401 at New York General Hospital, where classes are held for children unable to attend traditional schools. After an eye-opening interview, David learns that a little girl was recently hospitalized with the onset of polio. The girl’s life depends on treatment in an iron lung, but because of the scale of the epidemic none are available. The reporter stumbles upon the story of Ben and Joe who've devised a daring plan to raise money to purchase the respirator for the young patient. Ben reveals they were inspired by their former teacher Virginia O’Hanlon—“the Santa Claus Girl.” Unaware of the story’s front-page potential, the rookie reporter unwittingly amplifies the plans of the humble do-gooders. David soon realizes that even if the money could somehow be raised, Ben must overcome a race against time, public fear of the disease, and demons from his past, to transport the life-saving machine to New York City. When a snowstorm threatens to close the airports, the cabbie’s colleagues mobilize to rescue the mission before it’s too late.
Armed with a new angle on his holiday story, the once cynical reporter discovers the power of the press is matched by the larger power of the people who unite for the greater good.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2020
120 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 14, 2021
Due to the title, I was expecting a "feel good" Hallmark type Christmas story. Instead I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was a historical fiction book about the “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus” girl who eventually became the principal of a New York hospital school during the Polio Epidemic in the early 50s. It was one of those books where I ended up staying up late until I finished it. I will be looking for more books by this author.
December 28, 2022
3.5 stars
I’ve always enjoyed reading young Virginia O’Hanlon’s famous letter and the wonderful answer she received from The Sun newspaper. “The Santa Claus Girl” follows what happened in Virginia’s life after that editorial by Frank Church was published.
This was also historical fiction about a very frightening period in history. In 1952, a polio epidemic was becoming rampant, killing thousands. The “Iron Lung” was the only hope of survival for many struck down by the disease. At that time, most hospitals did not have access to this piece of life-saving equipment. The few that did, did not have enough to meet the needs of the polio victims as their numbers rose alarmingly. This was of course before the vaccine for polio was invented, and many doctors were rendered helpless in their fight against this crippling disease.
A must-read for historical fiction lovers.
I’ve always enjoyed reading young Virginia O’Hanlon’s famous letter and the wonderful answer she received from The Sun newspaper. “The Santa Claus Girl” follows what happened in Virginia’s life after that editorial by Frank Church was published.
This was also historical fiction about a very frightening period in history. In 1952, a polio epidemic was becoming rampant, killing thousands. The “Iron Lung” was the only hope of survival for many struck down by the disease. At that time, most hospitals did not have access to this piece of life-saving equipment. The few that did, did not have enough to meet the needs of the polio victims as their numbers rose alarmingly. This was of course before the vaccine for polio was invented, and many doctors were rendered helpless in their fight against this crippling disease.
A must-read for historical fiction lovers.
December 4, 2021
This wasn't exactly what I thought it would be, but it was so good!! It brought tears to my eyes several times.
July 3, 2021
I'm torn with this book. It's a true story but the book dragged on a lot. The actual story was awesome but I would have like it better as a short story.
February 7, 2024
Most of us have heard about the eight year old girl named Virginia, who wrote to her newspaper asking if there really was a Santa Claus. This story follows what happened in Virginia’s life after that editorial by Frank Church was published.
This historical fiction was about a very frightening period in history when the polio epidemic was becoming rampant, killing thousands. The “Iron Lung” was the only hope of survival for many struck down by the disease. Virginia is a grown woman working as a teacher in a hospital where many small children, who developed polio, were forced to stay in order to survive. The overall premise of the book was a delightful story, but at times, I lost track of the many characters and conversations, all happening at the same time. I did skim a few times along the way. Loved reading the actual editorial, written by Mr. Church, at the end.
This historical fiction was about a very frightening period in history when the polio epidemic was becoming rampant, killing thousands. The “Iron Lung” was the only hope of survival for many struck down by the disease. Virginia is a grown woman working as a teacher in a hospital where many small children, who developed polio, were forced to stay in order to survive. The overall premise of the book was a delightful story, but at times, I lost track of the many characters and conversations, all happening at the same time. I did skim a few times along the way. Loved reading the actual editorial, written by Mr. Church, at the end.
December 30, 2025
I’m beginning to favor the historical fiction holiday stories over all the cutesy cartoon covered holiday romances. This was so heartfelt, and historically interesting, and a highlight of the good humankind can do in times of a pandemic. 2020 Covid-19 could learn a lesson from this! This was a time period I don’t read about often: 1952 NYC during the polio pandemic. So many parallels to Covid but this highlights the good part of humanity. So happy I stumbled upon this book and waited for it via an interlibrary transfer!
December 3, 2024
Absolutely perfect book to read at the holidays - inspired by history, increased my awareness of polio, post traumatic stress and a child made famous by a newspaper editorial. Renewed my faith in mankind.
December 21, 2025
If you have ever wondered about the phrase "Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus" you need to read this book. One of the best holiday historical faction books I have ever read. Fellow nurses- great history on the Polio Epidemic and how it was treated back then.
December 24, 2022
The information and story in this book is enjoyable however that is way too much 'head hopping' in the text. A chapter break or new chapter would have better served the story.
December 23, 2022
I enjoyed the plot but the writing was very subpar for me. It was hard to get into and almost too many characters to follow. I did enjoy the historical elements as well.
December 13, 2022
This is an interesting book that takes you back to another time. It also resonates with our present times. I found myself wishing I could ask my mother what it was like to live during these times. I know she helped care for a relative (a baby) who passed away from polio. The book presents additional facts about the amazing real Virginia's adult life. While the book adds a fictional story to the basic facts about Virginia, it still adds a lot of information about people dealing with a pandemic. My only problem with the book was the addition of minor characters that didn't seem to add to the story and made it a bit difficult to follow the story. For someone who loves Christmas themed books, this book adds a different element to the genre from the traditional themes.
April 12, 2022
I liked the overall story, but there was a lot I didn’t like. Very wordy, swearing that was so unnecessary, could have been a shorter. I ended up skimming a lot of it. It jumped around a lot in the same chapters. I had higher hopes from previous reviews. This could have been a real sweet book!
December 20, 2023
At the height of the polio epidemic in the early 1950’s Vieginia Douglas, the grown up version of the little girl Virginia who once wrote the newspaper about Santa’s existence, was principal of a school for very sick children located in a hospital. Many years had passed since she was 8 years old and she was quite ready to let the notoriety of her famous letter die. But each year around Christmas local newspapers would resurrect the story for a feature. This particular Christmas was extra hectic as there were more polio patients than iron lungs. Enter a former student of Mrs. Douglas, a cab driver, who used his military connections to bring an iron lung to the hospital in the middle of a snowstorm.
I enjoyed this book. I thought the author did a good job capturing the feelings and attitudes of people in the early 1950’s when there was no defense against polio. There were a lot of characters and a lot of moving pieces to this story that I felt could have been edited out. Too much time was given to minor characters. And surprisingly, Virginia, the central character, remained one-dimensional and mysterious.
All in all, however, it was a sweet Christmas story.
I enjoyed this book. I thought the author did a good job capturing the feelings and attitudes of people in the early 1950’s when there was no defense against polio. There were a lot of characters and a lot of moving pieces to this story that I felt could have been edited out. Too much time was given to minor characters. And surprisingly, Virginia, the central character, remained one-dimensional and mysterious.
All in all, however, it was a sweet Christmas story.
January 3, 2022
I have no self control when I go to the library, so this was what I picked up the other day. I had never heard of it, but it sounded interesting.
The Santa Claus Girl is based on true events in 1952 but a fictional story. Virginia Douglas was a principal at a school in New York General Hospital for chronically ill children. This was when Polio was huge, so many of the children had Polio and were using an iron lung. Virginia wrote a letter to the editor when she was 8 asking if Santa Claus was real, where the name Santa Claus Girl came to be. The article got published year after year, and newspapers liked to continue to write about her at Christmas time. This book tells the story about people working together to do good things.
This was definitely a feel good story, and not something you necessarily have to read at Christmastime. It is a little frightening at similarities from 1952 to now, but I really enjoyed this book.
There are a lot of characters and things going on in this book. Sometimes I felt myself getting confused on who was who and what was going on in the book.
If you’re looking for a feel good story or enjoy historical fiction, you should definitely read this book.
3.75⭐️/5
The Santa Claus Girl is based on true events in 1952 but a fictional story. Virginia Douglas was a principal at a school in New York General Hospital for chronically ill children. This was when Polio was huge, so many of the children had Polio and were using an iron lung. Virginia wrote a letter to the editor when she was 8 asking if Santa Claus was real, where the name Santa Claus Girl came to be. The article got published year after year, and newspapers liked to continue to write about her at Christmas time. This book tells the story about people working together to do good things.
This was definitely a feel good story, and not something you necessarily have to read at Christmastime. It is a little frightening at similarities from 1952 to now, but I really enjoyed this book.
There are a lot of characters and things going on in this book. Sometimes I felt myself getting confused on who was who and what was going on in the book.
If you’re looking for a feel good story or enjoy historical fiction, you should definitely read this book.
3.75⭐️/5
November 14, 2023
I have always loved the timeless, endearing and brilliant editorial written by Francis P. Church in response to the young Virginia O'Hanlon so many years ago. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes. This wonderful tale brought tears to my eyes as well. It takes place in 1952 when the polio epidemic reached record numbers in the United States. It focuses on Virginia, now a principal of a school in New York General Hospital for the children who are too sick to otherwise attend school. But it also focuses on several other fascinating characters who come together in a race against time, the elements and adversity in order to save the life of a 5 year old girl. This is an inspiring, heartwarming, beautiful tale filled with the spirit Church so brilliantly put in words that continues to speak to our hearts through generations.
December 19, 2023
This is a historical fiction book that could be compared to recent events in today's world. Set in 1952, the U.S. faces a polio epidemic (COVID in 2020) and a shortage of iron lungs (respirators in 2020) and absence of a vaccine (same in 2020). A reporter tracks down the adult Virginia O'Hanlon at a local hospital to ask her about the famous newspaper editorial in 1897, "Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus." Virginia is a principal at the hospital school, designed to teach all the children confined to the hospital during their illnesses. The author combines all the different topics into quite a cohesive and inspiring story, where cabdrivers, hospital personnel, teachers, parents, and the general public help save the lives of sick children. A copy of the actual editorial is included at the end of the book, wrapping everything together in a nice bow. Very satisfying read!
December 19, 2025
3.5 pts I enjoyed this work based upon a true historic event. There are a few reasons I could not give it four points. One being that there were referred too many characters named in the story. It became very difficult to keep track of who was who. Many of them could have been eliminated or at least remained unnamed. Another reason I chose not to give this book 4 points was because it seemed to have too much description. I really didn’t need to know what color the shed was painted in the yard. It didn’t matter at all to the story. Likewise, it didn’t matter what an insignificant character was wearing or what color here they had. I found that to be slowing the story down and causing me to skim parts of the book.
December 16, 2021
Perfect nostalgic story
A perfect read in the middle of a spiking pandemic, political unrest, economic concerns and a Christmas that may once again be shared with family and friends. We forget the beauty of science that provided the polio vaccine, saved lives and saved people from permanent disability. All this through the Grace of our Lord. Be thankful and be grateful for the guiding hand of our Lord with the scientists who research and keep our lives healthy and robust. This story reminds us that kindness and going beyond for our fellow man is what Christmas is all about. God Bless and Merry Christmas!
A perfect read in the middle of a spiking pandemic, political unrest, economic concerns and a Christmas that may once again be shared with family and friends. We forget the beauty of science that provided the polio vaccine, saved lives and saved people from permanent disability. All this through the Grace of our Lord. Be thankful and be grateful for the guiding hand of our Lord with the scientists who research and keep our lives healthy and robust. This story reminds us that kindness and going beyond for our fellow man is what Christmas is all about. God Bless and Merry Christmas!
March 22, 2022
The story was not what I had thought it would be by the title, "The Santa Claus Girl." I didn't really feel like this was her story at all. "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" comes to mind when you see a book titled "The Santa Claus Girl." It makes one think this will be a Christmas story at a minimum. There was really very little about Virginia in the story. I kind of felt the story was more about Polio in the early 50's. A tragic tale in itself, but even more difficult in this time of Covid. Virginia did go on to make a good career for herself as a teacher and inspired her students to do better in this world. This book drug on for me. Sorry.
February 8, 2022
In 1952 in the midst of the polio pandemic in NYC, the community comes together to raise money for the hospital to purchase an iron lung for a critically ill girl.
I enjoyed this heart-warming tale of the community coming together to help out those vulnerable in the midst of them. Although this book is well written, you can tell it's the author's first novel and that she typically writes in another style. So in some ways it feels a bit off, kind of like you're reading a newspaper sometimes. But overall the book's content was good.
I enjoyed this heart-warming tale of the community coming together to help out those vulnerable in the midst of them. Although this book is well written, you can tell it's the author's first novel and that she typically writes in another style. So in some ways it feels a bit off, kind of like you're reading a newspaper sometimes. But overall the book's content was good.
October 13, 2023
Set in NYC. 304 pp. Heart-warming story of a community that pulls together to get a piece of lifesaving medical equipment to a young girl. The book was OK, but not as engaging as I had thought it would be.
The Santa Claus Girl by Patricia P. Goodin
The Santa Claus Girl by Patricia P. Goodin
October 17, 2022
Caring and Love
This is one book that does not stop. Action is for you to try to keep up with. Megan's healing help so many. The action on saving a life it the goal of two men and the support of a large city. The conflicts are just what you want to win. I five stars for this book worth many more. I have already told a good number of others. We read this in our book club. Well liked by all.
This is one book that does not stop. Action is for you to try to keep up with. Megan's healing help so many. The action on saving a life it the goal of two men and the support of a large city. The conflicts are just what you want to win. I five stars for this book worth many more. I have already told a good number of others. We read this in our book club. Well liked by all.
September 3, 2024
Good news
When one thinks of the 1950's they picture families sitting down to dinner together or reading together or playing board games. They don't think of sick children, taxi cabs, hospital schools or polio. This is an excellent novel and although set in 1952, the similarities to the 2020 Covid pandemic are striking. From reading this novel, there are numerous parallel stories and one get the overwhelming sense that there's purpose in waiting.
When one thinks of the 1950's they picture families sitting down to dinner together or reading together or playing board games. They don't think of sick children, taxi cabs, hospital schools or polio. This is an excellent novel and although set in 1952, the similarities to the 2020 Covid pandemic are striking. From reading this novel, there are numerous parallel stories and one get the overwhelming sense that there's purpose in waiting.
November 19, 2024
This rather saccharine story features the now grown up Virginia who once wrote to the New York Sun in 1898 asking about Santa Claus. Now she is the superintendent of a hospital school which is treating children with polio in 1952. Of course in the end everyone pulls together together an iron lung, the girl gets the guy, veterans come through, everyone from cabbies to snow plow drivers work in harmony.
December 6, 2025
In so many ways this was not written the way I thought it would be. Yet in even more ways it was better. In my narrow view, I assumed it was going to be written to tell the story of Virginia before, during and after writing the letter to the editor. Wrong! It was written to prove everything in the response to her letter. What a powerful, uplifting story written about the height of the polio epidemic and Virgina’s time as a teacher at P.S. 104 in a hospital in New York.
December 23, 2023
So many characters! Were they needed? I don’t know, but I loved the story. Inspired by true events (but I’m not sure what was true and what was not) in the 50’s. Story involves Virginia Douglas (Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus girl) and her work as a principal in a hospital school in New York City. Really a nice read and tears flowed a few times.
December 5, 2021
This book incorporates two famous historical occurrences: the little girl who wrote to the New York Sun asking if Santa Claus is real, and the severe polio outbreak in the United States in 1952. It is an interesting read at this time of pandemic.
December 9, 2021
It was good to read about the polio pandemic and find some interesting similarities to the covid pandemic. Also good to learn the true story about Virginia Ohanlon . Heartwarming book about the innate goodness of people working together when times are tough.
December 10, 2021
Interesting story. Different than what I expected. Wondered how a book of that length could be filled by the question “Is there a Santa Claus?” Learned a lot about polio. Didn’t know all that was going on in 1952 ( I was 5 ).
April 18, 2023
Based on the true story of Virginia O'Hanlon, this historical fiction is a delight! Virginia grows up to be a NYC school teacher and finishes her career teaching at a hospital school for children disabled by the polio crisis. Wonderfully written!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews