The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

The story I chose was "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen. This book is realistic fiction. Freak accidents, especially ones causing injuries or deaths to nearby people, are possible in the real world. The main character in this book is Jessica and she is the narrator. She loves to run. In fact, she is on the track team. One day during track, a horrible freak accident involving a bus changes Jessica's life forever. Her leg is severely injured and must be amputated, and she fears she'll never be able to run again. Jessica stays in the hospital, sad as can be, for a few months. Eventually, she gets her prosthetic leg, then she goes back to school. However, things are not the same. Now everyone looks at her oddly or reacts to her differently, not knowing what to say. She is still getting used to her new life. Over time, Jessica starts getting the hang of moving around and doing daily things with her prosthetic leg. She meets a girl named Rosa, who has cerebral palsy. Rosa may have cerebral palsy, but that doesn't stop her from doing anything. The two become friends. One of Jessica's track team friends shows her a prosthetic leg, made just for running. Together with her track team and her friends, Jessica tries to earn enough money for this special leg. Will Jessica be able to do it? Even if she gets it, will the leg work, and will she be able to adjust to it and run the way she used to?
I really enjoyed this book! I loved it because the plot was sad at times, but also had heartwarming and upbeat moments. Some heartbreaking moments were at the beginning of the book, such as Jessica's time in the hospital. There were also parts that showed her daily struggles of every day life. The positive parts when her track team reunites with Jessica and follows her each step of the way. Another reason why I recommend this book is because it had some good messages to follow. For one, never give up and keep trying, even through the most devastating tough times. This story also teaches that people with physical or mental disabilities can be just as strong as other people around them. A third reason why I would recommend this book is because there is much detail describing each scene and moments are drawn out to further evoke emotions from the reader. For example, the author slowed down the moments when Jessica was struggling to go up the stairs and get into the bath tub with her prosthetic leg. I could feel the pain Jessica was feeling. Overall, I recommend "The Running Dream" to kids who enjoy running track (because this book features lots of track-related moments), or anyone! This book was interesting and worth a read!

-Danielle D.