“I wipe away my tears and nod, because the pain in my leg is nothing compare to the one in my heart.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, The Running Dream
Background Information
Although books had always been a part of her life, Wendelin Van Draanen, the author of The Running Dream had never planned to become an author. The book is written in first person point of view and you have all the details of how Jessica feels inside. Draanen was always a tomboy as a child who ran around outside enjoying the nature and its beauty. She had never planned to be an author until she wrote a screenplay about a family tragedy. The process of writing that she used while writing her screenplay is what inspired her for writing books. And from there, her love for writing books for children progressed. Overall everyone has said that The Running Dream had inspired them as well as gave them more pulse to move forward in what they love. Some people have not liked the book because of the fact that it is about running and not everyone enjoys it, but those same people have also said that no matter what it is they love, this book has inspired them to keep fighting. The Running Dream wasn't meant for people who love running, but for people to see that hope is what takes them forward.