54 pages 1 hour read

Ben Mikaelsen

Petey

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Petey by Ben Mikaelsen follows the life of Petey, a man with cerebral palsy who is misdiagnosed as intellectually disabled and confined to a state hospital in the 1920s. Over several decades, Petey endures institutional life, finds friendship, and experiences love and loss. In 1990, he befriends an eighth grader named Trevor, who becomes his advocate and enriches his later years. The narrative addresses historical mistreatment and misdiagnosis of individuals with disabilities.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Mixed reviews for Ben Mikaelsen's Petey praise its emotional depth and compelling portrayal of disability, making it a moving read for many. Some critiques highlight predictable plot elements and occasional clichéd writing. Overall, the book effectively delivers a heartfelt story, though it may not satisfy readers seeking complex narratives.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Petey?

A reader who enjoys stories of friendship, overcoming adversity, and emotional growth would appreciate Petey by Ben Mikaelsen. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper, which also explore the lives of individuals with disabilities, will find Petey equally moving and inspiring.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Education

Topics

Disability

Mental Illness

Health / Medicine

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Identity: Disability

Emotions/Behavior: Hope

Period

Post-War Era