Dancing with Katya

A moving story of the transforming power of love and the 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 one summer, Katya is overcome by a high fever, and the doctor delivers a grim diagnosis: polio. Although she recovers from the lingering illness, Katya's legs are left weakened and twisted.

Now, Anna carries Katya to the meadow and dances alone for her sister. Together they dream of a time when Katya will be able to join her again. When Mama and Papa announce that Katya must go to a hospital in the city where doctors will try to make her legs strong again. Anna worries: Will the treatment and Katya's "pioneer spirit" allow her to dance once again?

In an afterword, author Dori Chaconas and illustrator Constance R. Bergum each offer true stories of their families' personal battles with polio.