The Running Dream

Wendelin Van Draanen
May 16, 2016

When Jessica loses her leg in a car accident, she thinks her life is over, she is told she will never be able to run again. As she struggles to cope with crutches and a new prosthetic, she befriends a girl with cerebral palsy named Rosa. With the support of her friends and family, she may be able to find a way to run again. But now, not only does she want to cross finish lines herself, she wants to take Rosa with her.

For me, what makes this book amazing is how real the story was told. This story is an emotional one and actually Wendelin van Draanen can easily exploit the story to make us, the readers, sob and cry and feel sorry for the character. But, she didn't do it.
She told the story as it is, nothing less and nothing more. It was told as it would happen in reality.

What happens to Jessica can happen to any of us. It's just a matter of bad luck. Through this book we took a journey with her through her despair, anger, humiliation, hope, perseverance, and dream.

Another thing that I like is how Jessica reach the end of the book with the helps of many people. Without her family, Fiona, Rosa, Coach Kyro,the team, and all other people, she definitely couldn't have done it. It's a group effort. I get the sense that all of these people helped because they really care and definitely not because of pity. It's a triumph of human kindness. Do yourself a favor and read this book- your life will be better for it.

I think all runners can relate, even those who can't, will want to read this book.

Written by
Olivia from Leawood Pioneer Library YAAC

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