Book Review: "Darius and Twig" by Walter Dean Myers

I'm always happy to read a new Walter Dean Myers book. The author has yet to disappoint me. His latest novel, "Darius and Twig" is stylistically familiar-- real, heartfelt and gritty, a bit less grit than usual. Also familiar is the thought I get when I read a Myers' story, the thought that reading this story could be so helpful and clarifying to some reader. I want to keep a spare copy in my purse or trunk so that I can whip it out when necessary and announce "Hello!! Please read this before you....

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

The Running Dream is a fantastic book, I loved it! Being a runner myself it seemed like a book that I would enjoy and I was right. This is a story about a girl, Jessica, who loves running and is a track star at her school. On the way home from a track meet she ends up losing her leg below the knee in a terrible bus accident. The author makes you feel like you are right there with Jessica when she wakes up in the hospital and begins her “new life” as an amputee. She also deals with what it is like being a teen with a handicap and wondering if guys will still like you. Jessica is a really lucky girl because she has a great family, friends, coach and teammates that support her. The most unlikely girl at school, Rosa, who has CP, and someone who is overlooked by Jessica and her classmates becomes an unexpected friend. This book is about overcoming obstacles. No matter what’s thrown at you in life you have to take it step by step and eventually you’ll get there. The dream lives on!
 -Iron Librarian