Run. David Skuy. Toronto, ON: DCB/Dancing Cat Books, 2017. 207 pp., trade pbk. & html, $12.95 (pbk.). ISBN 978-1-77086-488-7 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-77086-489-4 (html). Grades 8-12 / Ages 13-17. Review by Christina Pike. **** /4 Reviewed from Advance Reading Copy.

excerpt:

"Excellent, Tina," Ghaboor said. "Well done. Everyone turn to question seven. I want to go over surface area."

Lionel looked at the clock. Another twenty five minutes - more like twenty five hours - and this was only Wednesday. If he skipped tomorrow, it wouldn't be bad. Maybe he could even scam Friday off. It all depended on Ryder. He couldn't let her call his mom. Not his fault school sucked so much - or that his chest hurt all the time. He hated taking those anxiety pills, though. They made him tired and he felt spaced out. The pain was better. Probably something wrong with his head.

His mom had promised to order in pizza tonight from Big Ray's. He'd get the Italian sausage with a Vanilla Coke. Nick kicked him again.

Lionel swivelled completely to the right. Let him try to kick him now.

A note landed on his desk.

"It's for you, "the girl said to him.

Lionel opened it slowly.

You're a fat, sweaty lard ass ... and don't mess up the throw again.

Lionel didn't react. He looked at his book.

David Skuy's Run tells the story of Lionel, a grade eight student who is overweight, quiet with very few friends, and who just wants to be invisible. Nick, along with his group of friends, won't let this invisibility happen, and they poke fun at Lionel and make him the brunt of every embarrassing joke. They literally terrorize Lionel, and he lets it happen until one day he discovers running and with it, a group of friends. The question is whether Lionel can find it in himself to stand up to these bullies.

      Run is much more than a simple story. It explores what it means to like one's self regardless of whether the individual is in grade eight, like the main character, or older, like Lionel's mom. Run is about what makes a person feel good about him or herself and how others can impact this feeling. It is also about family relationships and friendship. Finally, it is about unconditional acceptance.

      A must-read for all.

Highly Recommended.

Christina Pike is the principal of Macdonald Drive Junior High in St. John's, NL.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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