I saw this one on a list of historical fiction books about polio. So many reviewers raved about it that I bought a copy on e-bay. It turned out to be a big disappointment. Not much of a story line at all; not about the war or polio. Seemed like more writing was done about Ruthie’s mother being a flighty and uncaring person than anything else. This one is going in the donation pile.
I'm an avid reader. I have been my entire life. I enjoy reading all different kinds of books. But this is hands down my favorite book I've ever read. I first read it when I was in elementary school. And I borrowed it so much from the local library I lost count. I finally was able to purchase it as an adult but it was very hard to find and very costly. But worth every penny. I now keep it in a safe place hoping to share it with my daughter this summer as she is now around the same age as I was when I first read it. She is nine and I'm now 38. Highly recommend this book.
I read this book in grade school and never forgot it. A few years ago I obtained an old library copy and pulled it off my shelf last night to re-read. Love this book.
This was the most impactful book of my life! I read this in 5th grade and related so much and as an adult - I am certain I read it 10 times. Greatest book ever!!
A forgotten favorite of my childhood - I remember checking this one out of the library several times. Reading it again on a lark years later, I found it was just as terrific as I remembered. And yet I don't know that anyone I've ever compared notes with has read it, which is sad. Then again, the book itself is also pretty sad, especially for a children's book, which might be why it's not more popular. Definitely recommended for anyone who likes historical and/or coming of age fiction, in any case.