Small steps : the year I got polio

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 20 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: What do you learn about Peg's ordinary life before she gets very sick, and why is that important to the story?
2. Chapter 2: How do Peg's first symptoms change the mood of the story, and what clues show that her illness may be serious?
3. Chapter 3: How does Peg react when she learns more about what is happening to her body, and what would you have wondered if you were in her place?
4. Chapter 4: What is Peg's first impression of the hospital or ward, and how does the setting affect her feelings?
5. Chapter 5: Choose one new or important word from this chapter, such as a medical word. What does it mean, and how does knowing it help you understand the chapter?
6. Chapter 6: How do the treatments Peg receives challenge her, and what do they show about her courage?
7. Chapter 7: How do Peg's relationships with other patients help her handle being away from home?
8. Chapter 8: Which adult in this chapter makes a difference for Peg, and what actions show that person's character?
9. Chapter 9: What does Peg learn about polio or recovery in this chapter, and how does that knowledge affect her attitude?
10. Chapter 10: Peg's progress is not always easy or fast. What is one small success or setback in this chapter, and why does it matter?
11. Chapter 11: What prediction can you make about Peg's recovery after the events in this chapter? Use details from the chapter to support your prediction.
12. Chapter 12: How does Peg show determination during therapy or exercises, even when things are painful or frustrating?
13. Chapter 13: How does Peg deal with homesickness or missing her family, and what does this reveal about her personality?
14. Chapter 14: What problem does Peg face as she tries to become more independent, and how does she work toward solving it?
15. Chapter 15: How does Peg's idea of a normal life change during this chapter?
16. Chapter 16: What sad, scary, or surprising event happens in this chapter, and how does Peg respond to it?
17. Chapter 17: How does coming home or thinking about home bring both happiness and new challenges for Peg?
18. Chapter 18: What does this chapter show about the importance of patience when someone is healing?
19. Chapter 19: The title Small Steps has a special meaning. How does this chapter connect to that theme?
20. Chapter 20: After finishing the book, what lesson do you think Peg Kehret wants readers to remember, and why?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 4: What is Peg's first impression of the hospital or ward, and how does the setting affect her feelings?

Peg's first impression is that the hospital feels strange, serious, and a little frightening. She is away from her family and surrounded by sick children and medical routines she does not understand yet. I think the setting makes her feel lonely and worried because she cannot just go home when she wants to. At the same time, it helps the reader understand how brave she has to be.

Chapter 12: How does Peg show determination during therapy or exercises, even when things are painful or frustrating?

Peg shows determination by keeping on trying even when her body does not do what she wants it to do. She has to work hard at exercises that may seem small to other people, but they are huge for her. I think she feels frustrated sometimes, but she does not give up. Her effort shows that courage can mean practicing again and again.

Chapter 19: The title Small Steps has a special meaning. How does this chapter connect to that theme?

This chapter connects to the title because Peg's recovery happens little by little instead of all at once. Each small improvement, like moving better or doing something more independently, is important. I think the title reminds readers that big goals can be reached through many small steps. Peg's story shows that even tiny progress can be worth celebrating.