Set in a diverse neighbourhood in Scarborough, Ontario, this book follows Michaela as she goes from a solitary runner to an athlete who contributes to the success of her cross-country team. Discouraged by an incident at her mostly-white summer camp, Michaela comes into her own as part of her racially diverse school track team. Focusing on themes of persistence, friendship and overcoming rivalries, this book illuminates traits of connection, empathy and forgiveness.
Lone Runner, the latest in Dirk McLean’s sports series for Young Adults, tells the story of a Scarborough highschool student as she competes for a spot on the cross-country running team. Dirk joins us to share this story and to tell us why he was inspired to write it.