More Than A Pinch, Less Than A Bee Sting — C.A. Hartnell

Carol Ann worries about getting a polio vaccination, which her friend, Pete, describes as "more than a pinch, less than a bee sting." But the alternative contracting the dreaded disease itself, which could make you crippled like their crabby old neighbor, Mr. Chester is a thousand times worse. Concern over the nationwide polio epidemic is a major part of Carol Ann s 1950s world, which also includes regular Duck-and-Cover" drills at her elementary school to prepare for a possible atomic bomb. Can she muster up courage to face her fears?

More than a Pinch, Less than a Bee Sting uses a rich collection of '50s icons, which the author introduces to help readers learn about that legendary era which shaped the childhoods of most of today's Baby Boomers. Images such as Dan's Diner, a restored hot-rod, Betsy McCall paper dolls, wax-lipped candy, and monkey bars on the playground figure into the spell-binding story line, told from a child s view with humor, compassion, and authenticity.

Readers will stay riveted through the surprise ending, in which Carol Ann learns that friendship, family, and faith are important allies in tackling life's rough-and-tumble times.

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The '50s--what a great time to have been a kid! As I read Carol Hartnell's book, I had a flood of memories--the polio fear that swept the land, the love of fast cars, the Cold War civil-defense drills, and birthday parties. More than a Pinch gives the reader a loving yet accurate view of life in that era. A great book for young and old alike.

Dennis Griffith, Executive Director Teen Challenge of Southern California Teen Challenge USA Representative to Washington, D.C.