The Running Dream Audiobook By Wendelin Van Draanen cover art

The Running Dream

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The Running Dream

By: Wendelin Van Draanen
Narrated by: Laura Flanagan
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The acclaimed author of Flipped delivers a powerful and healing story that’s perfect for anyone who’s ever thought that something was impossible. Readers will revel in the story of a girl who puts herself back together—and learns to dream bigger than ever before—after she’s told she’ll never run again.

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

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award

Accolades & Awards

Vermont Golden Dome Book Award
2013
Illness & Health Problems Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Literature & Fiction Growing Up Difficult Situations Heartfelt Disabilities Sports Fiction Inspiring Friendship Fiction Sports

Critic reviews

"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
Inspiring Story • Emotional Journey • Excellent Narrator • Empowering Message • Meaningful Values • Happy Ending

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This book shows that perseverance, dedication, and determination can get you anywhere you need to go this book is so empowering and I recommend it for all ages

OMG Best Book Ever

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I don't WANT to relisten to this immediately. I NEED to relisten to this immediately.

You'll love it if you like Out of My Mind.

9 year old rates this 15 stars

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This is the first audible book that I listened and bought having my 14-years daughter in mind. She has been learning English for 8 years and she could perfectly understand this audio book. Our whole family listened the book and we liked it a lot. The story is very interesting and very well told and the narrator is excellent - very clear voice, expressing all sorts of emotions and characters in a different way. I prefer stories about a real life that have some deeper values and meanings in it - this book is like that. Last but not least the story begins in a sad moment of a girls life but it has a happy ending.

excellent choice for my 14-years old daughter

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I loved it so much good jod it was amazing hi hi hi hi hi

it was good really good good job it was amazing

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loved it it was one of the best books I have ever read you should read it

loved it

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