Mine for Keeps

MineForKeeps

Mine for Keeps is a children's novel written by Canadian author Jean Little, first published in 1962. The story revolves around a young girl named Sally Copeland, who has cerebral palsy, as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of her life, particularly focusing on her integration into a regular school. This novel is notable for its early representation of a protagonist with a disability in children's literature, offering readers insights into themes of acceptance, resilience, and the importance of understanding and empathy.

Plot Summary

Mine for Keeps follows the story of Sally Copeland, who, after spending years in a special school due to her cerebral palsy, returns to live with her family and attend a regular school. The narrative delves into Sally's experiences as she strives to find her place in this new environment, make friends, and confront the challenges posed by her disability. Alongside, the book explores the dynamics within the Copeland family and how they adjust to Sally's needs and aspirations.

Themes

The novel addresses several significant themes, including:

• Inclusion and Accessibility: Mine for Keeps highlights the importance of including individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society, particularly in education. It showcases the challenges and barriers to accessibility that Sally faces and her efforts to overcome them.
• Empathy and Understanding: Through its characters and their interactions with Sally, the book emphasizes the value of empathy and understanding towards individuals with disabilities.
• Resilience and Determination: Sally's journey is a testament to her resilience and determination, illustrating how she confronts and overcomes obstacles in her path.

Reception

Mine for Keeps has been praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of a young girl living with cerebral palsy. Jean Little's ability to create a relatable and inspiring protagonist in Sally has been lauded, making the book a valuable resource for both children and adults. It has contributed significantly to discussions around disability representation in children's literature.

Legacy

Jean Little's work, including Mine for Keeps, has played a crucial role in paving the way for more inclusive representations in children's books. The novel remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its pioneering role in addressing disability with honesty and compassion.

See Also

• Children's literature
• Disability in literature
• Jean Little