The Running Dream

Jessica Carlisle is a high school track star whose life changes after losing her leg in a tragic bus accident. She faces the challenges of recovery at the hospital and returning to school, wondering if she'll ever run again. During her adjustment period, Jessica forms an unexpected connection with Rosa, a classmate with cerebral palsy whom she had barely noticed before. Their friendship develops as Jessica navigates physical therapy, prosthetics, and the reactions of her peers and teammates. The story follows Jessica's journey as she works toward new goals with support from her family, friends, and community. Her evolving perspective on disability, perseverance, and what defines a person emerges throughout her experiences. This young adult novel examines themes of adaptation, friendship, and the human capacity to overcome obstacles. Through Jessica's story, readers gain insight into both the physical and emotional dimensions of disability and recovery.

Readers describe The Running Dream as an inspirational story that handles disability and recovery with realism and authenticity. The book resonates with both teen and adult audiences. Readers appreciated: - Realistic portrayal of physical therapy and recovery challenges - Development of friendship between main characters - Technical running details that runners found accurate - Math concepts integrated naturally into the story - Positive message without being preachy Common criticisms: - Some found the ending predictable - A few readers thought the protagonist's recovery happened too quickly - Minor characters could have been more developed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (30,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,000+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "Couldn't put it down. The main character's determination and attitude felt genuine." - Goodreads reviewer "As a runner who experienced injury, the emotions rang true." - Amazon reviewer "Perfect balance of hope and hard reality." - School Library Journal reader review

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper The story of a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy who finds her voice through technology explores themes of perseverance and acceptance in school.

Handbook for Dragon Slayers by Merrie Haskell A princess with a clubfoot discovers her strength through adventure and friendship while challenging perceptions of disability.

Rules by Cynthia Lord A girl learns to navigate family relationships and social expectations while advocating for her brother with autism.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio A boy with facial differences enters mainstream school for the first time and transforms his community's understanding of difference.

Accidents of Nature by Harriet McBryde Johnson A teenager with cerebral palsy attends summer camp and confronts society's perceptions of disability through relationships with other campers.

🏃‍♀️ Author Wendelin Van Draanen ran track in high school and completed her first marathon at age 45, giving her firsthand experience with the running world she portrays in the novel. 🦿 The prosthetic leg technology described in the book closely mirrors real advances in running prosthetics, including the development of the "cheetah" blade used by Paralympic athletes. 📚 The book won the Schneider Family Book Award in 2012, which recognizes authors for their artistic expression of the disability experience. 🎓 Before becoming a writer, Van Draanen worked as a high school computer science and math teacher for 15 years, which helped inform her portrayal of teenage characters. 💫 The character of Rosa, who has cerebral palsy, was inspired by a real student the author met while teaching, whose determination and positive attitude deeply moved her.