The Fastest Boy in the World - Softcover

Laird, Elizabeth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1447267176 ISBN 13: 9781447267171

Publisher: Pan Macmillan, 2016

Synopsis

Eleven-year-old Solomon loves to run! The Ethiopian national team are his heroes and he dreams of being a gold-medal winner like themt. When his grandfather announces he's going to take Solomon to Addis Ababa, Solomon cannot believe his ears. His joy increases when he realizes that the Ethiopian running team will be in the city that day. But as Solomon follows his grandfather through the city, he learns something he cannot believe. The strict old man is a war hero who once risked his life to save a friend, and has been in hiding ever since. When grandfather collapses, Solomon must make a 20-mile run to home, his grandfather's life hanging in the balance. Can he do it?

About this title

About the Author:

Elizabeth Laird is the multi-award-winning author of such children's books as Kiss the Dust, A Little Piece of Ground, and Shahnameh. She has been shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal six times.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 3–6—Eleven-year-old Solomon loves to run; he always has. He fantasizes about becoming an Olympic runner and carrying the green, gold, and red flag of his beloved Ethiopia to glory. But his dreams will never come to pass, as he knows his simple life in a round hut in the tiny town of Kidame can never lead to Olympic glory. One day, Grandfather asks Solomon to accompany him on a trip to Addis Ababa, the capital city. Solomon is so excited to go, but it is a day's walk, and he worries about Grandfather being able to make the journey. Along the 23-mile trip, Grandfather falters more than once, but they are able to make it to the big, exciting city. When Grandfather takes Solomon to meet the son of one of his most cherished friends, Solomon discovers a family secret that changes his attitude about his grandfather and his life forever. On this same day, when his grandfather falls very ill, the boy also learns a profound lesson about true friendship and the enduring love of family. Laird writes with an obvious admiration of this often unfavorably depicted country and the proud history of its people. Peppered in the narrative of Solomon is a background story, rich with the history of Ethiopia's struggle for independence from Italy, its rule by Emperor Haile Selassie, and a true respect for the people who fought for its freedoms. VERDICT An excellent introduction to Ethiopian culture as well as a wonderfully written exploration of a boy's love of country and sport.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH

About this edition

• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1447267176
• ISBN 13: 9781447267171
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176