When Wendelin Van Draanen 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.
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
series. Wendelin Van Draanen lives in Central California with her
husband and two sons. Find her on the Web at WendelinVanDraanen.com
or on Twitter at @WendelinVanD.
"I read The Running Dream on my way to the World Championships. I
nearly missed my flight for reading it and inhaled it before I
touched down. It's a truly touching story that feels very
real."--Katrin Green, Paralympic Gold Medalist
"This heart-touching story is a helpful reminder that we must
appreciate each day and each blessing. When I go around "Rigor
Mortis Bend" and think of Jessica, my legs do not feel nearly as
tired anymore."--Jordan Hasay, four-time USA Track & Field Jr.
Women's Champion
"Van Draanen's extensive research into both running and amputees
pays dividends--readers will truly feel what's it like to walk (or
run) a mile (or 10) in Jessica's shoes."--Booklist
"Inspirational. The pace of Van Draanen's prose matches Jessica's
at her swiftest. Readers will zoom through the book just as Jessica
blazes around the track. A lively and lovely story."--Kirkus
Reviews
"Van Draanen delivers an abundance of interesting medical detail
and emotional authenticity in this accessible and inspirational
novel."--The Horn Book Magazine
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