The Running Dream
Read if you're interested in disability, overcoming adversity, or books for teen.
Buy on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
8.5
VerdictRecommended
Loading your rating…
Book Summary
Sixteen-year-old track star Jessica Carlisle loses her right leg below the knee in a devastating bus accident, shattering her dreams of competitive running. As she struggles through physical rehab and deep grief, an unexpected friendship with Rosa, a classmate with cerebral palsy, opens her eyes to the beauty of serving others and gives her a new purpose beyond running for herself.
ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
“Highly recommended for Christian teens and young adults. While not explicitly Christian, its powerful themes of compassion, serving others, honoring the dignity of those with disabilities, and perseverance through suffering resonate deeply with Biblical values like loving one's neighbor and bearing one another's burdens.”
Biblical alignment
- —Promotes profound empathy, humility, and the recognition of human dignity in people often overlooked or dismissed due to physical disabilities.
- —Models genuine sacrificial friendship, as Jessica shifts focus from her own loss to helping Rosa experience the joy of crossing a finish line.
- —Shows healthy, supportive community dynamics through teammates, family, and a dedicated coach rallying together in times of tragedy.
- —Portrays an honest, realistic journey through grief, depression, and emotional healing without trivializing severe suffering.
- —Teaches perseverance, discipline, and finding identity beyond athletic achievement or external performance.
Areas of concern
- —As a mainstream secular young adult novel, it lacks an explicitly Christian framework, prayer, or reliance on God during tragedy.
- —Mild teen language and brief moments of teenage angst or despair early in the healing process.
Written for
Discussion
Reader comments
Sign in to leave a comment.
Loading…