The Running Dream

The Running Dream

By Wendelin Van Draanen

23 ratings 35 reviews 47 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 6 - 8Grades 2 - 8X4.160309
The acclaimed author of Flipped delivers a powerful and healing story that’s perfect for the millions who watch the Olympics or 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
ISBN-13: 9780375866289
ISBN-10: 0375866280
Published on 3/20/2012
Binding: Hardcover

Book Reviews (34)

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this is really great book you should read.

This book was really heart touching! Not a funny book but something that will sure touch all readers heart.

Cupcakefan9 Cupcakefan9

This is the best book ever!

Cupcakefan9 Cupcakefan9

This book makes you cry and laugh.

I luv this book. If any if you are looking for a book... This is an awesome book to read.:)

This very touching story talks about a teenage girl that loved to run. Until one day, because of a tragic accident, her dreams were crushed forever. As she tries to conquer her fear through a missing a leg, she meets Rosa, a person who leads her out and helps her find the right path.

I had to read this book for schools summer reading and I was not looking forward to it though. this book is sooooo good it is really inspyering to go for your dreams.

A very good read for 5th 7th graders

A beautiful and inspiring story. Amazing.

This book was so inspiring and encouraging! I can also relate to this book because i love to run too, and i have to push myself a lot.... So Jessica; the main character is the star of her school's track team. All she does is just run. But after a meet, she gets into a car crash which kills Lucy; one of her track friends and causes Jessica to lose one of her legs. Even though her doctors say she'll be able to run again, she's struggles to find her new identity without having one of her legs. The healing process takes a long time, but soon Jessica attends school again in a wheelchair. During school, her coach and her best friend: Fiona come up with an amazing idea so that Jessica can actually run again. Jessica also meets Rosa who has cerebral palsy, and Rosa always helps her with her math homework.

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