
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with a significant loss of identity, whether through a physical injury, a failed dream, or a sudden change in life circumstances. It follows sixteen-year-old Jessica, a track star who loses her leg in a tragic accident and must navigate the grueling physical and psychological journey of recovery. This story moves beyond the typical sports trope to offer a profound look at how we view ourselves and how we see others who are often ignored by society. Parents will appreciate the realistic, secular, and deeply resilient tone that avoids easy answers while offering genuine hope. It is an ideal choice for readers aged 12 and up who are ready for a mature, emotionally honest exploration of disability and perseverance.
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Sign in to write a reviewA fatal bus accident is the catalyst for the story, though described in retrospect.
A teammate dies in the initial accident, which causes significant survivor's guilt.
Very occasional mild swearing consistent with realistic high school dialogue.
The book handles physical disability with direct, gritty realism. It addresses phantom pain, the logistics of using a stump, and the social stigma of being 'the girl with one leg.' The approach is secular and grounded in clinical and emotional reality. The resolution is hard-won and hopeful without being saccharine.
A middle or high schooler who feels defined by a single talent and is struggling with the fear of losing that identity. It is also excellent for students who want to understand the lived experience of peers with disabilities.
Parents should be aware of the early descriptions of medical procedures and the raw emotional pain of the first few chapters. It can be read cold, but discussing the 'invisible' nature of students like Rosa is beneficial. A parent might notice their child withdrawing after a sports injury or expressing frustration about being 'different' or 'broken' compared to their peers.
Younger teens will focus on the 'superhero' element of the running prosthetic, while older teens will more deeply process the nuance of the social hierarchy and the internal identity crisis Jessica faces.
Van Draanen excels at technical detail. This isn't a vague 'overcoming' story; it provides a fascinating, detailed look at the engineering of prosthetics and the physics of running, making the triumph feel earned and tangible.
Jessica, a dedicated high school runner, loses her leg below the knee after a bus accident. The narrative tracks her journey from the initial fog of pain and depression through the mechanical and financial hurdles of obtaining a running prosthetic. A central subplot involves her growing friendship with Rosa, a classmate with cerebral palsy who has been historically 'invisible' to Jessica and the rest of the school.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.