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54 pages 1 hour read

Petey

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Ben Mikaelsen

Petey

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1920s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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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.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Inspirational

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.6

5,378 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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.

4.6

5,378 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1920s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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