The Running Dream

The acclaimed author of Flipped delivers a powerful and healing story that's perfect for anyone who's ever thought that something was impossible. Readers will revel in the story of a girl who puts herself back together--and learns to dream bigger than ever before--after she's told she'll never run again.

Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She's not comforted by the news that she'll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run?

As she struggles to cope with crutches and a first cyborg-like prosthetic, Jessica feels oddly both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don't know what to say, act like she's not there. Which she could handle better if she weren't now keenly aware that she'd done the same thing herself to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she's missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her.

With the support of family, friends, a coach, and her track teammates, Jessica may actually be able to run again. But that's not enough for her now. She doesn't just want to cross finish lines herself--she wants to take Rosa with her

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award

Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: 01/11/2011
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.99lbs
Size: 8.53h x 5.61w x 1.27d
ISBN: 9780375866678
Audience: Young Adult

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.1
Point Value: 9
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 141591 / Running Dream


Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended
Award: Golden Sower Award - Winner
Award: South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award - Winner
Award: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award - Winner
Award: Grand Canyon Reader Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2011 pg. 128
Romantic Times 01/01/2011 pg. 54 - Excellent
Booklist 01/01/2011 pg. 98
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2010 pg. 1274
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2011
Voice of Youth Advocates 02/01/2011 - Recommended - Readable
School Library Journal 02/01/2011 pg. 121
Publishers Weekly 02/14/2011

About the Author
WENDELIN VAN DRAANEN recently ran her first marathon. She was struck by the people with physical handicaps who were also running and was inspired to write this book about overcoming adversity with courage and grace and strength.

Van Draanen was a teacher for many years before turning to writing full-time. She is the author of many beloved and award-winning books. For middle graders she's written Swear to Howdy, and the Sammy Keyes mystery series. For teens and tweens, there's Flipped, The Running Dream, Confessions of a Serial Kisser and Runaway. And for younger readers, check out The Shredderman quartet and the Gecko and Sticky. Wendelin Van Draanen lives in Central California with her husband and two sons. Find her on the web at WendelinVanDraanen.com or on Twitter: @WendelinVanD.