inspired by true events Hazel Cunningham was born to faithful, loving parents in Kalamazoo, Michigan in December, 1889. She had a severe curvature of her spine and one shortened leg, and there was some talk about why the Lord had allowed that to happen - or whether it was a curse. But Hazel saw no reason why she should be constrained by anyone's expectations, though the taunts from others were distressing. "Midget." "Cripple." "Willful." Stubborn." She had also heard "Brilliant." "Inspired." and "Brava " She adored applause, and she lived for it. Hazel yearned to be an independent, modern woman, and her opportunity came when she was sent away to Mineral Wells Texas to be "cured" of her congenital ailments. There she met Mildred Witherspoon, a generous new friend and confidante; JB Parker, a movie theater owner and mentor; Maria de Jesus, a suffragist; and Charlie Roberts, an awkward fireman nearly two decades older and two feet taller, who fell head-over heels in love with her. She was about to break all the rules with their help.
