Could you run 5 miles to school everyday?!

The Fastest Boy in the World

Written by: Elizabeth Laird @EMRLaird

Published by: Macmillan Children’s Books @MacKidsBooks

Published on: June 2014

Price: £6.99

First line: In my dreams I’m always running, running, running.

Genre: Sports/Travel/Contemporary

Age: 9+

What’s it all about? Solomon lives happily at home in the Ethiopian countryside, until one day his Grandfather decides to take him on a trip to Addis Ababa for an unknown reason. Solomon is really excited because it just so happens the Ethiopian national team athletes are going to be arriving home while he is there so he might be able to see them! Solomon loves to run, so this is a dream come true! However, Grandfather has other plans and slowly Solomon starts to find out more and more about his Grandfather and what an amazing (but hidden) life he has led.

Why should I read it? A beautifully written book, calmly immersing you into the life and culture of Ethiopia. Solomon is such a sweet character who only lives to do good in the world and do the right thing. He slowly grows in front of your eyes into a mature, responsible teenager who cares for his grandfather all by himself. This is a story about family at its heart and not judging a book by its cover. Who can Solomon trust in the big city – many children will relate to not understanding this and Solomon falls into a few traps in his journey, but shows you that there are wonderful people out there? His determination to never give up at all costs is inspiring and makes the reader feel like they could run a marathon…well, perhaps almost!