The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen follows sixteen-year-old Jessica Carlisle, a promising track athlete who loses her leg in a bus accident, and her journey to adapt to life with a prosthetic limb, regain her passion for running, and embrace new and meaningful friendships, especially with her classmate Rosa, who has cerebral palsy. The book discusses trauma, loss, and disability.

Wendelin Van Draanen’s The Running Dream garners praise for its inspiring and realistic narrative of a teen amputee's journey to reclaim her life through running. Reviewers commend the well-developed characters and uplifting message. Some critique the predictable plot and occasional lack of depth, but overall, it is celebrated for its motivational and heartfelt storytelling.

A reader who would enjoy The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen is likely someone who appreciates heartfelt stories of resilience and personal triumph. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper will find the book's themes of overcoming physical challenges and embracing diversity especially compelling.

Wendelin Van Draanen

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Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Running Dream and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Running Dream Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-9

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-12

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 13-15

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 16-18

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 19-21

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 22-24

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 25-26

The Running Dream Part 1, Chapters 25-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 1-3

The Running Dream Part 2, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 4-6

The Running Dream Part 2, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-9

The Running Dream Part 2, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-12

The Running Dream Part 2, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-15

The Running Dream Part 2, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 1-3

The Running Dream Part 3, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 4-6

The Running Dream Part 3, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 7-9

The Running Dream Part 3, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 10-12

The Running Dream Part 3, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 13-15

The Running Dream Part 3, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 16-18

The Running Dream Part 3, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 19-21

The Running Dream Part 3, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 22-24

The Running Dream Part 3, Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 1-3

The Running Dream Part 4, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 4-6

The Running Dream Part 4, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 7-9

The Running Dream Part 4, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 10-12

The Running Dream Part 4, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 13-15

The Running Dream Part 4, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 16-18

The Running Dream Part 4, Chapters 16-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 1-3

The Running Dream Part 5, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 4-6

The Running Dream Part 5, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 7-9

The Running Dream Part 5, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 10-12

The Running Dream Part 5, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 13-15

The Running Dream Part 5, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Running Dream Character Analysis

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Themes

The Running Dream Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Running Dream Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Running Dream Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Running Dream Essay Topics

The Running Dream

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Running Dream?

Reading Age

Book Details