Blue

Young readers should find this novel illuminating on two levels, the medical and the social. Hostetter's story of a child's survival of epidemic polio offers a wrenching appraisal of parallel cruelties--crippled children at an orthopedic center where segregation relegates blacks to a tent city on the lawn.

The book is true to the Hickory Polio Camp & the accompanying times. It is a excellent portrayal of the great epidemic of 1944. It does not mention my most vivid memory. When visiting my brother, we went through a long corridor to his ward. There were iron lungs lined up as far as the eye could see, and as I recall, there was a nurse beside every iron lung. I also remember Dr. Dorothy Horstmann very well & feel she should be remembered on the same level as Jonas Salk & Sabin. This is an accurate historical novel that should be read by everyone young & old. Thank you Mrs. Hostetter for this wonderful story about The Miracle of Hickory.

Blue is a beautiful story of strength and courage in the midst of adversity. It is a wonderful portrayal of southern life and it's real-life struggles with Polio, WWII, and the racial divide. It is well worth reading and once you start you won't be able to put it down!

Blue is a compelling story. Hostetter brings out a full range of emotions in the reader. I truly felt for the characters, especially the protagonist, Ann Fay. I could identify so well with Ann's insecurities just as much as I celebrated her triumphs. The author uses metaphor like a master painter would wield the paintbrush. I love how she compares the fight against Hitler with the fight against polio. This is a must read if you are interested in the polio epidemic, WWII era, or just a profound story of perseverance through life's joys and sorrows.

What a well written book and also one that inspired me to do further research on polio and US History during that period. The author has a great writing style and character development, I could not put the book down until I was through it. Recommended for adults and teens!