Overview

Harry Jerome is one of Canada's forgotten heroes. From a skinny little kid growing up in St. Boniface, Manitoba, he rose to become ""the fastest man in the world,"" a title he held for an incredible eight years. He achieved this, despite having to battle the prejudices he and his family had to overcome, on account of their African-Canadian heritage. In this engaging and inspiring novel, acclaimed children's writer Norma Charles has woven together Harry's fascinating life story from facts gathered through research, interviews with his family, friends and coach, and also from her own memories of his races at UBC when she was a student there. Runner is the story of one Canadian kid's determination and perseverance against enormous odds. As Norma explains, ""I hope it will serve as an inspiration to youth across Canada.""

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9780889955530

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Reviews

Although the author wrote this as a fictional account, she knew Harry during his racing days. Remembering his great persistence in the face of obstacles, she wanted her children and grandchildren to learn about the world's fastest man. Her research into many sources included interviews with Jerome's sister, best friend, and coach. The result is a very readable account. Frequent use of dialog in a simple narrative style makes the story accessible to middle grade readers. Perhaps pairing the story of Harry Jerome with that of Jackie Robinson will motivate today's youth to be more understanding than previous generations. Runner is an amazing story about the trials of racial inequality and the struggles to achieve dreams. It follows a young Harry Jerome as he grows up in an inhospitable environment. Overcoming tremendous obstacles, he finds his place in track and field, eventually reaching Olympic levels. This book is a quick, enjoyable read. Although it is intended for younger audiences, any reader would enjoy reading this inspiring book with the very clear message of ""try your best."" Harry Jerome, the main character, is a good role model, and his story is an important part of history.--Marla Unruh ""VOYA"" (4/1/2018 12:00:00 AM)

""Norma Charles has assured that his (Harry Jerome) memory will live on through the pages of her book. Hopefully, Harry's life story will encourage children and youth of today to take their passions to the highest level possible, to meet the challenges that they will face with courage and not give up because, with enough determination, success will be theirs. Thank you, Norma Charles, for sharing the life of this amazing man with all of us. Highly Recommended."" -- CM Magazine ""Although the author wrote this as a fictional account, she knew Harry during his racing days. Remembering his great persistence in the face of obstacles, she wanted her children and grandchildren to learn about the world's fastest man. Her research into many sources included interviews with Jerome's sister, best friend, and coach. The result is a very readable account. Frequent use of dialog in a simple narrative style makes the story accessible to middle grade readers."" -- VOYA Magazine

Although the author wrote this as a fictional account, she knew Harry during his racing days. Remembering his great persistence in the face of obstacles, she wanted her children and grandchildren to learn about the world's fastest man. Her research into many sources included interviews with Jerome's sister, best friend, and coach. The result is a very readable account. Frequent use of dialog in a simple narrative style makes the story accessible to middle grade readers. Perhaps pairing the story of Harry Jerome with that of Jackie Robinson will motivate today's youth to be more understanding than previous generations.--Marla Unruh VOYA (04/01/2018) This book is a quick, enjoyable read. Although it is intended for younger audiences, any reader would enjoy reading this inspiring book with the very clear message of try your best. Harry Jerome, the main character, is a good role model, and his story is an important part of history.--Savannah Withrow, Teen Reviewer VOYA (04/01/2018) Runner is an amazing story about the trials of racial inequality and the struggles to achieve dreams. It follows a young Harry Jerome as he grows up in an inhospitable environment. Overcoming tremendous obstacles, he finds his place in track and field, eventually reaching Olympic levels.--Ty Johnson, Teen Reviewer VOYA (04/01/2018)

Author Information

Norma Charles is an award-winning children's book author. Her works include the bestselling See You Later, Alligator, The Accomplish, which was nominated for the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize and All the Way to Mexico, winner of the Chocolate Lily Award. She lives in Vancouver. For more information visit www.normacharles.ca.

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