The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen


The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

A tragic bus accident caused Jessica to lose the lower part of her leg.  Tragic in all circumstances, but Jessica is a high school girl on the track team.  She loves to run.  Because she is strong and fit, she recovers pretty quickly--physically.  She dreams of running again.  Amid family money problems caused by the accident, survivor guilt since one of her teammates died in the accident, feeling out of place at her hometown school, and missing running, Jessica finds out what is important to her and learns what it is to be different but want to be known for who you are, inside.

This book is on the Kansas William Allen White Book List for 2013-14.  It has been awarded a Schneider Family Book Award.  This book is pretty good.  It is a little sappy at times, but the determination of Jessica and the loyalty of her team and friends, and her openness to new experiences make it a worthy read.

Genre:  Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction

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