Title: The Running Dream
Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 11, 2011 (ARC)
Date Read: January 2 - 4, 2011
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary
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.
Review
Really enjoyed it! I've never read a book about an amputee before and my knowledge of amputations is generally limited to Terry Fox, so it was really eye-opening. The book seemed incredibly realistic both with her romance, her injury and subsequent physical therapy/prosthetics, and schooling. I didn't really have any expectations but either way Wendelin van Draanen definitely delivered.
Recommended: A Time for Dancing (Davida Wills Hurwin), Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes (Chris Crutcher), Soul Surfer (Bethany Hamilton).
This sounds great! Thanks for the review :)
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