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Diagnosed at the age of three with polio, Charlie has been homeschooled up until this year. His parents decide to enroll him into third grade at the local school. Even though polio is rampant in America at the time, the children at Charlie’s school still see him as an anomaly. Charlie decides to take up gardening during recess while his classmates run around playing baseball and tag. At first, gardening helps him not feel so alone during recess, but later, it also helps him connect with those around him. He amazes his classmates with his green thumb. They want to be like him and learn how to grow the bright orange California poppies, the purple hyacinths, and the Texas bluebonnets.
This story, set in 1929 in a small town in Texas, is inspired by the author’s father, who contracted polio at the age of three, like the character. There are several morals in this story that parents can discuss with their children, one being that everyone has a gift and should not be afraid to share it. Charlie really does want to make friends and is shown to be someone resilient and patient. That being said, another discussion that can be brought up is about bullying and how it’s wrong to ostracize those who are different than you. The author has created a book that not only entertains but also sparks numerous discussion points between children and adults. While the story is important in children’s books, illustrations are also a big factor, and this book’s pictures by Lauren Austin don’t disappoint. The flowers feel like they could leap right off the pages and into the reader’s own yard. Overall, this is a sweet story that will bring joy and hope to those who read it.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review