FICTION

Runner

by Norma CHARLES
156p. Red Deer. Mar. 2018. pap. $12.95. ISBN 9780889955530.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–6—Harry Jerome, an African Canadian, was, for a period, the world's fastest man. Interviews with his family and individuals who knew him were used as inspiration for this novelized account of Jerome's life. Events leading up to his 1966 gold medal—win in the 100-yard dash at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games are detailed. While dialogue has been imagined, the biographical feel of the work is palpable. Canadian readers, in particular, will enjoy learning more about Jerome's legacy of advocacy. Those not as familiar with Canadian sports and history might be confused at times. For example, the racial epithet "coolie" is used without much context or explanation.
VERDICT This novel should find a home in most Canadian libraries or where fictionalized biographies are in demand.
Reviewed by Kristin Lee Anderson, Jackson County Library Services, OR , Mar 01, 2018

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