A moving, dramatic story of the transforming power of love and the strong bonds between siblings that even polio cannot weaken.
Anna loves to dance with her beloved sister Katya in the meadow of their family's Wisconsin farm. But during the summer in which Katya turns five she is suddenly overcome by a high fever. The doctor delivers a grim diagnosis: polio. Although she recovers from the lingering illness, Katya's legs are left weakened and twisted. Anna carries her to the meadow in a wheelbarrow now, and dances alone for her sister. Together they dream of a time when Katya will be able to join her in their ballerina game.
Then Mama and Papa announce that Katya must leave home and go to a hospital in the city where doctors will try to make her legs strong again. Anna misses her sister and worries: will the treatment and Katya's "pioneer spirit" allow her to dance once again?
In an afterword, the author and illustrator each tell the true stories of their families' battles with polio.