1. The Running Dream By: Wendelin Van Draanen
Jessica Uhls
Mrs. Gregory
Honors English I, 5th period
7 September 2016
Uhls 1
The Running Dream By: Wendelin Van Draanen

2. Synopsis
Uhls 2
Jessica is a sixteen year old runner who lost her right leg after a vehicle crashed into the school bus after a track meet. Through the help of the track team, they fundraised to buy Jessica a prosthetic leg. Jessica is determined to run again and that dream of running comes true.

3. Delineation Figurative Language Uhls 3 Literacy Devices Definition
Example in story
Page # of example
Cliché
A word or phrase that has become overly familiar or commonplace.
“no pain, no gain” (Van Draanen).
Page 278
Simile
A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as
“Even my colors feel light-like the sun and the sky floating above me” (Van Draanen).
Page 10
“Running was like eating and breathing”
(Van Draanen).
Page 157

4. Delineation Literacy Device Definition Example in story
Uhls 4
Delineation
Literacy Device
Definition
Example
in story
Page # of example
Simile
A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as
“Losing a leg was like having to learn to suck in air through the pores of my skin” (Van Draanen).
Page 157
Hyperbole
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
“Jessica’s family
is drowning in medical bills” (Van Draanen).
Page 242

5. Critical Thinking
Uhls 5
How does one example of figurative language help to reveal or develop the overall theme of the text?
An example of a metaphor from the book helps develop the overall theme. “I wipe away my tears and nod, because the pain in my leg is nothing compared to the one in my heart” (Van Draanen 4). The theme of the book is to keep pushing yourself towards your dreams no matter what comes your way.
2. How does figurative language help to create a mood?
Figurative language effects the mood by giving the reader a better illustration. For example, the authors utilizes personification.“But hope now feels so fragile” (Van Draanen 203) to construct a depressed, shocked, and worried mood.

6. Uhls 6
Critical Thinking
3. How does figurative language help develop characterization?
- Figurative language helps develop characterization by revealing more about the characters in a descriptive way. For example, “I admire his beautiful coat, the dark lines of his eyes, his pointy ears and droopy whiskers” (Van Draanen 209). This example of imagery helps describe characterization, the physical traits of Jessica’s dog, Sherlock.

7. Jessica Uhls
Mrs. Gregory
Honors English I, 5th period
6 September 2016
Uhls 7
Works Cited
Van Draanen, Wendelin. The Running Dream. Random House Children’s New York: 2011.