Title: I Was Born to Run
Author: Angelina Charles
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media, LLC
ISBN: 979-8-89174-311-3
Pages: 35
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Gabriella Harrison
Hollywood Book Reviews
Author Angelina Charles’s illustrated children’s book I Was Born to Run tells the motivational story of young James, who was born with one leg shorter than the other. He was born in Mexico but moved to America when he was eight years old. James loves to run. Unfortunately, doctors tell him he cannot run like his friends because of his disability. Sometimes, he sits and watches his friends running, moving him to tears. However, with words of wisdom and encouragement from his grandmother, he starts running daily – despite how challenging it is. In America, he receives compassion and support from his classmates, who don’t make fun of him because he is slower than them. Along the way, he makes friends with Daniel, who also loves running. They challenge and encourage each other to do better.
The book begins with a bright and energetic depiction of James running. From this illustration, readers can see that he is a go-getter who will not allow his challenge to hold him back. The sentences are short, direct, and adequately spaced, with illustrations helping to create breaks and enliven the story. It is a short book of only thirty-five pages and a great story to tell children to get them motivated and ready to act. It also shows the value that can be gained from having the right support system through his grandmother, parents, siblings, friends, classmates, and the gym teacher who encourages him to join the school’s track team.
It is essential for children to have people who believe in them and will motivate them to keep trying around. His parents support his dream to race and allow him to train every Saturday with his friend, allowing him to improve and get noticed by his gym teacher. This helps him build his confidence and compete on his school’s team, winning a nice prize.
A lovely addition to the book is a page for self-expression in the form of coloring and another page for a fun word search. These activities will be nice to keep children engaged after telling them this inspiring story and discussing its lessons with them. It is a lovely addition to a child’s library. Every child should be encouraged to pursue their dreams, irrespective of disabilities.
I Was Born to Run is an illustrated children’s book that tells the inspiring story of how a young boy achieves his dream despite his challenge.