Loosely based on childhood experiences of the author's husband, this story offers both inspiration and useful information, deftly wrapped in an engaging narrative.” - Booklist “A strong sense of purpose, leavened by generous doses of humor and post-World War II period detail, drives this story of a resilient middle-grader who demonstrates that having one hand is an opportunity rather than a handicap. The book takes Norm through one year following the accident, showing how his gutsy optimism and sense of humor see him though the ups and downs of learning to live with only one hand. His main goal is to learn to play baseball again, even though Leon and Norm's family don’t think he’ll succeed. Though this sounds like a grim opening, the book is upbeat, dealing with Norm’s determination to be independent in spite of the loss of his left hand.
From that point on, Norm’s life will never be the same. While grinding meat for hamburgers, Norm lets his attention wander, and suddenly realizes his hand is caught in the grinder. Meanwhile, the day is dragging because Norm has to work in his father’s meat market. Since fireworks haven’t been allowed all through the war because of the blackouts, this will be a big occasion. Eleven-year-old Norm Schmidt and his friend, Leon, are making plans to set off fireworks that night.
World War II is over and things are starting to get back to normal.
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