Thoughts On . . . The Running Dream

The Running Dream

Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Publisher: Random House 
ISBN: 978-0-375-86628-9
Published: January 2012  
genre: teen (friendship, social skills, sports, special needs)
per School Library Journal: Grades 7+
332 pages

format available: hardcover, trade paperback, ebook, audio

author's blog | Twitter

Grade:A

Back of Book:
What would you do if you lost the one thing that mattered most?

Sixteen-year-old Jessica is a runner. It's not just what she does, it's who she is. So when a tragic accident causes her to lose one of her legs, she is shattered--inside and out.

Though the doctors say she'll be able to walk with a prosthetic limb, recovery is slow and full of pitfalls. Jessica wonders if the girl who died in the accident didn't get the better end of the deal. But as she struggles to reclaim her life, Jessica get to know Rosa--a girl with cerebral palsy whom she and her friends had always overlooked. Not only does Rosa come to Jessica's rescue in math, she also help her reach for a future that is full of unexpected opportunities.

And Jessica starts to wonder: Is it possible not only to walk again, but to run?


My Thoughts:
Wow. This is one of those "I laughed, I cried, I wanted to slap someone upside the head" type books.  ;-)

I didn't bother reading the back again before I read the book. Just jumped right in and we're at the hospital after surgery. Jessica is understandable depressed but I've seen Amy dance (Dancing with the Stars) so I'm thinking Jessica needs a small slap/wake up. On the other hand, I don't believe I'd be doing as well.

It's a little "High School Drama" but Jessica is on a high school track team. There is the cute popular boy she likes. The Rival's head games that she finally works around. The girl on the team only because a team sport will look good on a collage application-and the track team doesn't cut.  But this is so much more than a book about a teen who want to run again. It's not about the stares or the mean girls. It's about teamwork, family, and growing up. About friendship and never giving up. She's got family, a terrific best friend, a great coach, and Rosa.

Oh, man. Rosa becomes like a secret weapon.

This is a book about becoming a better person, even if you have help.

Vanessa's mom gets it but I don't know if Vanessa ever will.

edit: You might want to have tissues handy before starting to read. I cried all over my shirt because I didn't want to put the book down.

Disclaimer: This book was from my private library. I'm sure someone posted something to interest me by I do not remember who or where. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of amazon.com and the book itself. 
 

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