Petey, a young adult novel written by Ben Mikaelsen, is a touching story about the life of Petey Corbin, who was born in 1920 with a severe case of cerebral palsy, resulting in traumatic physical deformities. Although the medical community did not know it, his intellectual abilities were well intact.
Petey – A Plot Overview
Reflecting the limited medical knowledge in the 1920’s, the doctors in the story use words like “feeblemindedness” and “idiot” to describe Petey’s condition to his parents. His medical needs soon become more than they could handle, so they admit Petey to the Warm Springs Insane Asylum in Warm Springs, Montana, in 1922. Chapter by chapter, Petey outlines the daily monotonous routine of a young boy’s life in an insane asylum, and later, as an old man in a nursing home.
Despite Petey’s physical challenges and difficulty communicating, people around him are drawn to his positivity, friendliness and appreciation for life. The first half of the book details Petey's relationships with some of his key caregivers at the Warm Springs Insane Asylum who, despite what the doctors said, know Petey could feel understanding, friendship and love.
The last half of the book describes Petey's life after he was transferred to Bozeman Nursing Home in 1977, and his friendship with Trevor Ladd, an eighth grader at a nearby school. Loss after loss had taken a toll on his spirits, and Petey had become withdrawn and resistant to getting close to anyone. He and Trevor develop a special bond, and have more of an impact on each other's lives than either of them could have imagined.
Petey - Strengths and Weaknesses
Petey is an inspirational story and well-written book that covers a span of over 60 years, and Ben Mikaelsen keeps the young reader interested by moving the plot along quickly but with detail. He develops a strong connection between the reader and Petey.
Mikaelsen creates a likeable character in Petey, one that is easy to get to know, root for and sympathize with. Mikaelsen describes a real person trapped in a deformed body, which helps young people to empathize with or have a greater understanding of those born with cerebral palsy.
Through Petey’s many transitions, frustrations and losses, he remains optimistic, thankful and positive. He is an excellent example of someone who can make the most of what they have, find the silver lining in even the most grim situations, and be grateful for the smallest things in life that most people take for granted.
About Ben Mikaelsen - The Author
Ben Mikaelsen’s novels have won state Reader’s Choice Awards, the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writer’s Golden Spur Award. Some of his novels have been optioned for screen use, and several of his articles and photos have appeared in world-wide magazines. He lives in a log cabin outside of Bozeman, Montana with a black bear he adopted over 25 years ago.
Petey is loosely based on a true story. It is a fictional account of the life of Clyde Cothern, whom Mikaelsen met, and whose spirit he tried to be true to as he wrote the book.
Sources:
Mikaelsen, Ben. Petey. Hyperion Paperbacks for Children, 1998.
Laurie Zinn - Laurie Zinn is a freelance writer and Topic Editor for the seniors/grandparents section at Suite 101. After earning her ...
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