Running Girl: The Diary of Ebonee Rose - Hardcover

Mathis, Sharon Bell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152006745 ISBN 13: 9780152006747

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1997

Synopsis

A young girl writes in her diary about her concerns and hopes, along with thoughts of her heroes, in the two weeks before the All-City Track Meet, where she will be competing in four events.

About this title

From the Author

It was a thrill to imagine the world of a young sprinter.
Never a fast runner, it was a thrill to imagine the world of a star sprinter on a track team. Ebonee Rose (and Queenie)were delightful characters to create. Oh, if only I could run as fast as they! There was much to learn about the track and field sports; I researched facts and was amazed by the incredible skills of world-class sprinters. At times, while I sat at my computer, I almost felt the rush of wind against my face. It was as if I, myself, had the power to run with these incredible athletes.

I interviewed young runners on school track teams and listened to them explain what it was like to an important race. The children on these teams exclaimed repeated, 'It's fun, Mrs. Mathis. It's just fun, fun, fun!" None wanted to lose races but most said, "I just wanted to do my best for the team."

There were other thrills during the writing of this book. I was able to talk with Alice Coachman, the first African American woman to win a gold medal (London, 1948). The king of England placed the Olympic medal around Ms. Coachman's neck. Such a thrill!

I was watching ESPN-TV the night Loretta Claiborne, Special Olympics sprinter, was awarded the 1995 Espy award for "Athlete of the Year." Ms. Claiborne's speech was wonderful. I listened to her speak of her struggles and tears began to flow from my eyes. I am so happy that she had not become discouraged and kept running.

Writing RUNNING GIRL: THE DIARY OF EBONEE ROSE was a joy. I was sorry when the manuscript was finished and all of my notes were filed away. The rush of imaginary wind against my face had ended. It was time to let the children read the finished book. Now, a year later, I am thankful that the children are reading the book and enjoying the book. Booklist Magazine lists RUNNING GIRL as one of the "Ten Top Sports Books for Youth" (September '97 through August 28, 1998).

I am thrilled!

Edition details

• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0152006745
• ISBN 13: 9780152006747
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 60