Anyone can relate to Alan's story because it's not so much about a boy with polio as it is a story about a boy getting through childhood as we have all had to do. Annoying sisters, demanding parents, schoolyard brawls and spending as much time with your friends as possible. The Australian vernacular may be a little difficult with someone not familiar with the language but doesn't detract from the enjoyment of reading about one boys' adventures growing up in the turn-of-the-century Australian bush. It's heartwarming and inspirational but not overly syrupy or preachy. It's just the facts as he remembers them. A definite recommendation especially for young readers.

I read this book as a kid over twenty years ago, and I loved it. Now I'd like my son to read it. Isn't it surprising that it has not been published here recently?

This book was translated to Czech language and published in former Czechoslovakia in 1963. I read the book then and thought it was a wonderful, heartbreaking and triumphant story. It made me realize that person can overcome huge obstacles in life with the right attitude and positive thinking. I escaped Prague in 1968 during the revolution. I have been living in the USA for thirty years now. I recently found this book among my collection of Czech books. I read it again and only wish I could find this book in English so my two young boys could also read it. The surroundings in which we live have changed so much since this book was written and since I read this book but some things just never change.