The Santa Claus Girl

When the polio outbreak of 1952 reaches New York City, a young WWII veteran must race against time, public fear of the disease, and demons from his past, to save the life of a little girl. Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus. Virginia grew up. Yes, that Virginia—who became a teacher—encouraging students through the Great Depression, WW II, and the Polio epidemic. “The Santa Claus Girl,” a novel drawn from true events, imagines Virginia’s far-reaching influence and exceptional gift of inspiration. Set in NYC, Dec 1952—the height of the polio epidemic—the story soars with the challenges faced by a young victim whose bright future is eclipsed by the disease, and the struggles of an army veteran whose need for atonement drives his efforts to help her. … intriguing … timely … The author shows an enviable ability to give voice to her characters’ deepest emotions … — Kirkus Reviews Goodin debuts with a warmhearted story of a community struggling to navigate an outbreak of polio … against the backdrop of 1952’s economic and political upheaval in America … Goodin handles these weighty topics with care and delicacy, evoking the terror surrounding the unknowns of a disease without a viable vaccine but also the community’s unwavering spirit as they unite to support the hospital’s work … Of course, Ben and company run into last-minute trouble on their heroic mission, but the story still builds toward a heartening ending. Along the way Goodin offers poignant coming-of-age moments for a local reporter interviewing Virginia, as well as insight into the era’s political undercurrents (some of which eerily mimic contemporary politics). Christmas comes early for the hospital, and Virginia’s words of wisdom ring true: “Take care of yourself, and help others along the way.” —booklife by Publishers Weekly New York City cab driver Ben Wilson was enjoying his drive to the airport that February morning in 1952. His passenger was his WWII Army buddy, pilot Joe Martinez, who’d just formed a small air cargo company with two weathered C-47s, luck, and a prayer. With the best of intentions, the men promise to stay in touch. The year passes quickly, filled with extraordinary news events. The height of the polio epidemic spreads across America—with no vaccine available. Candidates spar in a Presidential election year. The Senate votes for sweeping immigration reform. Two US citizens remain jailed for conspiring with the Russian government. And July becomes the hottest month ever recorded for New York. A great year for news stories and a banner year for newspapers. In December, a cocky young reporter named David Lindsey is assigned to interview “the Santa Claus Girl,” now a principal at P.S. 401 at New York General Hospital, where classes are held for children unable to attend traditional schools. After an eye-opening interview, David learns that a little girl was recently hospitalized with the onset of polio. The girl’s life depends on treatment in an iron lung, but because of the scale of the epidemic none are available. The reporter stumbles upon the story of Ben and Joe who’ve devised a daring plan to procure a respirator for the young patient. Ben reveals they were inspired by their former teacher Virginia O’Hanlon, the subject of David’s interview. Unaware of the story’s front-page potential, the rookie reporter unwittingly amplifies the plans of the humble do-gooders. But Ben must overcome a race against time, public fear of the disease, and demons from his past, to transport the life-saving machine to NYC. When a snowstorm threatens to close the airports, can the cabbie’s colleagues mobilize to rescue the mission before it’s too late? Armed with a new angle on his holiday story, the once cynical reporter discovers the power of the press is matched by the larger power of the people who unite for the greater good. www.thesantaclausgirl.com
ASIN: 0578776367
VSKU: BVV.0578776367.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Goodin, Patricia P
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item is very worn but is perfectly usable. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, worn and creased covers, folded page corners and minor liquid stains. All pages and the cover are intact, but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include moderate to heavy amount of notes and highlighting, but the text is not obscured or unreadable. Page edges may have foxing age related spots and browning . May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.