Reviews

The Running Dream, by Wendelin Van Draanen

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haleyb11's review

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring

5.0

Such an inspiring book. It actually motivated me to run, every morning, so to get back in shape for soccer season! The author did a beautiful job with this book and shows what hard work and true dedication to something can be like. It shows how rewarding your life can be if you work for it. I absolutely loved it ad it definitely keeps you on the edge of your toes.

venation's review

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5.0

Inspirational and upbeat, The Running Dream is a frank look into the feelings of Jessica, a girl with a passion for running, after she loses her leg in an accident. Jessica is tormented by her inability to pursue her one passion in life, until hope appears in the form of a prosthetic leg. But the path there isn't easy either, money, insurance, disappointments all intervene. Ultimately, The Running Dream is a novel about hope for the future and beating the odds to pursue your dream.

The best thing about the Running Dream is how its not just an optimistic book about Jessica's struggle, but rather how her struggle manifests in others to help her. There's a ripple effect in kindness; after Jessica can walk again, she helps her wheelchair bound classmate Rosa too. Van Draanen shows the power of people to help one another and how we all can overcome struggles united. That, in my opinion, is just a beautiful theme. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. But Van Draanen's portrayal and style of storytelling is really what brings the story home.

Van Drannen uses effortless, short chapters to describe Jessica's panic and confusion about losing a leg. Her despair, her feelings are all so real, that I felt myself pausing over sections sympathetic to Jessica's battle. The writing is smooth, and undeniably talented; Jessica's distinctive teenage voice full of fears, passions and worries, in full galore, are presented as easily if Van Drannen was Jessica herself.

I definitely enjoyed this novel, and it's truly a book about overcoming odds and embracing your dreams. Nothing can stop you if you try hard enough!

mjp_reads's review

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4.0

Great young adult fiction. Great recommendation for female athletes!

bfullmer's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

rlwertheimer's review

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5.0

I enjoyed this more than I anticipated, as I wouldn't have expected to connect with a "sports book," but this novel is so much more. Very impressed with the discussion of disability, empathy, and inclusivity. Great model for how to go through difficult emotions and experiences in a resilient way. I would have devoured this in middle school. (Listened to the audiobook.)