It Can't Hurt Forever

I was a very early reader and read this book multiple times in my elementary school library from 2nd to 5th grade, back in the 80s. Mostly I was interested in the medical/hospital setting and as I dealt with extreme fear and distrust of the medical establishment as a child (that hasn't changed as an adult, for good reason). So I got this book again, in my early 40s and reading it now with adult eyes...eww, what a disappointment. I would never allow my children or grandchildren to read this. All I got out of the book this time was the understanding that disrespect towards parents is acceptable and expected. Threw it in the trash where it belongs. Be mad, I don't care :)

When I was born, I had a heart murmer (what that girl had in the book) and when i was about 1 month it closed. This book has taught me a lot about the heart problem.

I read this book many times when I was about ten years old. It didn't pertain to anything in my life at the time but really loved it. Any child would like this book and give a realistic view of hospital life for a sick child. Its simple but I still remember it now, something like thirteen years later!

I read this book when I was younger, yet it left a lasting impression. This novel is a sensitive look at the anguish that is felt by a little girl facing heart surgery, yet it is also is very realistic in its portrayal of how a hospital runs, and what anyone can expect when faced with a lengthy stay in a hospital. I really reccommend this book for anyone of any age who is facing surgery, but especially for children.