The Fastest Boy in the World

Description

Eleven-year-old Solomon loves to run! The great athletes of the Ethiopian national team are his heroes and he dreams that one day he will be a gold-medal-winning athlete like them, in spite of his ragged shorts and bare feet. When his grandfather announces that he's going to take Solomon to Addis Ababa, Solomon cannot believe his ears. A trip to the capital? It's unfathomable. Solomon's joy is increased when he realizes that the Ethiopian running team will be doing a victory parade through the city that day. Maybe he'll get a glimpse of Haile Gebrselassie or Derartu Tulu?! But Solomon's grandfather has other plans. As Solomon follows him through the big, overwhelming streets, 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 knows that getting help from his village is up to him. It's a twenty-mile run from the city to home, and grandfather's life hangs in the balance. Can the small bare-footed runner with the big heart do it?

Elizabeth Laird is the multi-award-winning author of several much-loved children's books. She has been shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal five times. She lives in Britain now, but still likes to travel as much as she can.

The author has created intensely believable characters and her writing is full of perceptive insights. * School Librarian * Spare, arresting story of love, secrets and hard-won speed. * Metro * As with anything [Elizabeth] sets in Ethiopia, a country clearly dear to her heart, this short novel draws the reader into its setting. She is a superb writer, a masterly storyteller. * Scotsman * A life-affirming story. * The Times * What a delightful gem this book is. Expert touches allow the reader to imagine the Ethiopian setting with ease... Gentle and powerful, this book is a classic tale which younger readers will enjoy and which could be used as an excellent class reader. * Armadillo Magazine * Inspired by Elizabeth's own experiences in Ethiopia comes an uplifting tale of family, friendship, hope and believing the impossible. * Ethiopian News * An endearing, eye-opening story about a brave boy whose dream to succeed will resonate with young readers from every walk of life. * lep.co.uk *