“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
Schneider Family Book Award WINNER 2012
Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fischer Book Award WINNER 2013
Young Adult Services Division, School Library Journal Author Award WINNER
Maine Student Book Award SUBMITTED
Bank Street Child Study Children’s Book Award NOMINEE
Connecticut Nutmeg Children’s Book Award NOMINEE
Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award NOMINEE 2014
Indiana Young Hoosier Award NOMINEE
Kansas William White Award NOMINEE 2014
Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award NOMINEE 2013
Minnesota Maud Heart Lovelace Award NOMINEE 2014
Nebraska Golden Sower Award NOMINEE
New Jersey Garden State Teen Book Award NOMINEE 2014
Oklahoma Sequoyah Children’s Book Award NOMINEE 2014
Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award NOMINEE 2014
Texas Lone Star Reading List NOMINEE
Washington Evergreen Young Adult Book Award NOMINEE
California Young Reader Medal FINALIST 2014
Louisiana Young Reader’s Choice Award HONOR 2014
