Blue

Bakers Mountain Stories, Book 1

By: Joyce Moyer Hostetter

Narrated by: Kate Forbes

With her father away at war to fight Hitler, a young girl gains strength by joining her community in battling polio in this Parents' Choice Silver Honor Book based on the 1944 epidemic and the "Miracle of Hickory" Hospital in Hickory, North Carolina.

Ann Fay Honeycutt accepts the role of "man of the house" when her father leaves because she wants to do her part for the war. She's doing well with the extra responsibilities when a frightening polio epidemic strikes, crippling many local children.

Her town of Hickory responds by creating an emergency hospital in three days. Ann Fay reads each issue of the newspaper for the latest news of the epidemic. But soon she discovers for herself just how devastating polio can be. As her challenges grow, so does her resourcefulness. In the face of tragedy, Ann Fay discovers her ability to move forward. She experiences the healing qualities of friendship and explores the depths of her own faithfulness to those she loves—even to one she never expected to love at all.

©2022 Joyce Moyer Hostetter (P)2022 Recorded Books

Priceless historical fiction

The author’s research clearly shows in the story; I felt like I was transported back in time. Her storytelling was excellent, and the main character’s voice was so immersive that after listening for an hour I had to remind myself that I was not Ann Fay Honeycutt. (Kudos to the reader of the audiobook as well as the author!) That’s all good, but I say it’s priceless because I have found no other children’s novels that even touch polio, and certainly not the Miracle of Hickory. These are things children should have opportunities to learn about, and what better way than through accurately researched & beautifully “painted” fiction? Only in this way can they come close to witnessing and experiencing such events. For homeschoolers & traditional students alike, this book would make excellent supplementary reading for any history program addressing the 1940s.

Loved the note from the author

Love the backstory and information at the end and the overall storyline and of course performance from the wonderful narrator.

more emotional than I remember!

I read this book when I was a kid, and remember loving it so much. I loved the narrator for this book, the southern accent really adds to the authenticity of the story. I grew up close to hickory, nc so this book holds a special in my heart!

From there

Listening to this book made me miss home. I am from Hickory and my Grandparents and Great Aunts and Uncles lived through this time. The men fighting in the war and the women home taking care of everything. We have a large mural in downtown to honor the Miracle in Hickory. Listening to this made me remember back to sitting with my Grandmaw and her siblings and listening to their stories. I highly recommend!!