Book Review by Mr. Tom Hinken
Oehrli Elementary Teacher
Montague, Michigan

Petey-Author; Ben Mikaelsen

I found Petey, the main character of this book to be a character of both incredible vulnerability and incredible strength.  This worthwhile book by Ben Mikaelsen spans the life of Petey, a cerebral palsy patient that is misdiagnosed as an idiot and sent to a number of institutions before finally ending up in a nursing home.  Throughout the book Petey is portrayed as a character that overcomes his physical limitations with an inner strength.  Even though he is forced to rely on others for even the most basic of needs, and is often frustrated and frightened, he remains positive and hopeful.  The description of institutionalized life and the treatment of the patients is mostly bleak and at times quite disturbing.  Several sympathetic characters come into Petey’s life only to leave him behind.  Most of the time, one gets the feeling that Petey is giving more to these characters than he is receiving.  In return for their companionship, Petey teaches those who come into contact with him the importance of courage, and living life to the fullest.   I was surprised when I became so invested in the main character.  Mikaelsen allows us to get to know Petey and to feel his pain, his frustration, his hope and his joy.

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