
I Can Jump Puddles is the poignant and inspiring autobiography of Alan Marshall, recounting his childhood in rural Victoria, Australia, around the turn of the 20th century. The narrative centers on his experience contracting polio soon after starting school and the subsequent physical and social obstacles he faced. Marshall's story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the human spirit, as he learns to adapt and thrive despite his debilitating disease and the prejudice he encounters, even later as an adult seeking work. It's an excellent book for discussing disability, empathy, historical context, and the importance of perseverance with children aged 4-11.