54 pages • 1 hour read
Ben MikaelsenPetey
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.