During the polio epidemic of 1940, four year-old Paddy finds himself ensconced for nineteen months in a "reconstruction home" far from his family. Since all the other children are at least twice his age, he is placed in a room, initially by himself, instead of one of the dormitories. Enduring aching loneliness, painful treatments, and lengthy, frustrating rehabilitation sessions, Paddy learns to overcome his fears and to prevail physically and emotionally through his interactions with a colorful cast of hospital staff-from the friendly giant orderly Johnny Cant and the lighthearted Nurse Kelly to the no-nonsense physical therapist Ma Gillick, an evangelical swimming instructor Mr. Cooney, and the imposing and frightening Dr. Strasburg and his mean assistant Nurse McCormick. ...