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THE RUNNING DREAM [AUDIOBOOK]

Running Dream
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Van Draanen
Author's First Name: 
Wendelin
Publisher: 
Listening Library
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Narrated by Laura Flanagan. This story grabs you from the beginning. Jessica, a track star & junior in high school, wakes up in a hospital where she is recovering from a bus accident in which she lost her leg. Jessica's world is understandably turned upside down; healing - learning to put one foot in front of the other - takes time. The characters are engaging and the pacing of the reading is very well done. Performed by a single reader, it is fully voiced; female voices are very well-done, each one distinct and remains recognizable; male voices are less distinct. The few sound effects, mostly running or walking noises, are well-done. Recommended for grades 7-12. Audio. Rhonda Belyea.

From triumphant track star to school-bus-crash victim with a stump for a leg, Jessica struggles to re-define her life rather than let the accident define it for her. Flanagan’s narration embodies Jessica’s one step-at-a-time progress, perfectly paced to fit Jessica’s discoveries along the way. Surprising and inspiring without being cloying. 14+ 

Comments

Meeting Notes for October

by ladamson - 10/19/2011 - 11:23am
Meeting Notes for October 14:
 
Positive Comments:
  • The narrator captures the frustration and despair in this teenage voice.
  • The audio actually brings an excellent and compelling story to life.
  • The few occasions that the audio uses sound effects are not annoying.

Observations:

  • The story would be good for runners to hear.

Concerns:

  • None stated.

Meeting Notes September 23

by ladamson - 09/29/2011 - 10:25am

Meeting Notes September 23

  • Needs more listeners.