The Running Dream

by Wendelin Van Draanen
The Running Dream cover
Good Books rating 3.12
Contemporary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5571
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9780375896798
  • Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
  • Published: 2011-01-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen is a heartwarming tale of a high school track star who loses her leg in a car accident. Jessica's world is shattered when she's told she'll never run again, but with the support of her family, friends, and a new friend named Rosa, she learns to see beyond her disability and dreams bigger than ever before. The book explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of community, making it a must-read for anyone who's ever faced adversity. Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award, this novel is a testament to the human spirit and the ability to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Reviews
deerfieldlibrary.org · Unknown · 2025-10-24
inspiring 4.50

The Running Dream is a heartwarming and inspiring story about a teenage girl who loses her leg in a car accident but refuses to give up on her dream of running. The book explores themes of resilience, determination, and the power of friendship, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a story that will leave them feeling uplifted and motivated.

The Running Dream is a beautifully written novel that follows the journey of Jessica, a high school track star who loses her leg in a car accident. Despite the odds stacked against her, Jessica refuses to give up on her dream of running again. The book is filled with moments of triumph and setbacks, but Jessica's unwavering determination and the support of her friends and family make it a truly inspiring read. The author does an excellent job of exploring the emotional and physical challenges Jessica faces, making the story feel authentic and relatable. The Running Dream is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can achieve our dreams if we never give up.

Quick quotes

    The Running Dream is a story about resilience and the power of friendship.

    Jessica's determination to run again is truly inspiring.

    The book is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that will leave them feeling uplifted and motivated.

readrunwrite.org · Unknown · 2018-12-10
mixed 2.50

The reviewer finds Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' amusing but overly self-mocking and lacking in enjoyable content. They question the authenticity of Bryson's experiences and find the book's portrayal of the Appalachian Trail unappealing.

The reviewer appreciates the humor in Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' but criticizes its excessive self-mockery and lack of enjoyable content. They question whether Bryson's portrayal of his experiences is authentic and find the book's depiction of the Appalachian Trail unappealing. The reviewer also notes that the book's humor is not unique and that Bryson's style is not particularly original. Overall, they find the book entertaining but not particularly insightful or inspiring.

Quick quotes

    Most long-distance walk stories skip over the boredom and the really miserable bits. Bryson is determined to avoid this mistake. Instead, he skips over all of the bits that are even slightly enjoyable.

    That's assuming there are some enjoyable bits of the Appalachian Trail.

    So yes, you can write an amusing book about the 'tedious, mad, really quite pointless business of stepping over every inch of rocky ground between Georgia and Maine

Eru Books and Recs · 2017-11-22
inspiring 4.50

This is an award-winning and inspiring novel about a young girl who overcomes a tragic accident. The story is about resilience and learning to dream bigger.

This novel is a powerful tale of resilience and determination. The protagonist, Jessica, faces a life-changing accident but finds the strength to rebuild her life. The story is filled with moments of hope and inspiration, making it a compelling read. The supporting characters add depth and show the importance of community in overcoming adversity. It's a story that will inspire readers to face their own challenges with courage and resilience. The narrative is well-crafted and emotionally engaging, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting story.

Quick quotes

    An award-winning and inspiring novel.

    When Jessica's dreams are shattered, she puts herself back together—and learns to dream bigger than ever.

    It's a beautiful read about overcoming hardships and inevitables.

theinsidecoverblog.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2017-04-14
frustrating 1.00

The reviewer found the book frustrating due to the author's smug and superior attitude, which made for an unpleasant read. They struggled to find the humor and charm that the book is known for and ultimately wished the author had stayed home.

The reviewer was disappointed by the book, finding the author's attitude to be smug and superior. They struggled to connect with the humor and charm that the book is known for and found the author's criticism of his companions and the Parks Service to be frustrating. The reviewer ultimately wished the author had stayed home and not written the book. The reviewer also found the book to be a poor representation of hiking and nature, with the author and his companions making poor decisions and not being prepared for the challenges of the trail. The reviewer found the book to be a funny travelogue, but ultimately not a great representation of hiking and nature.

Quick quotes

    I'm halfway through, and - like the author on the daunting trail - am unsure as to whether or not I can finish my task.

    Bryson sounds, to put it mildly, a real jerk.

    I wish he'd stayed home.

Appears in Lists