The Fastest Boy in the World - by Elizabeth Laird (Paperback)

About the Book

An immersive and uplifting story, shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal.

Book Synopsis

From award-winning and beloved children's author Elizabeth Laird comes a stunning edition of The Fastest Boy in the World, with a cover illustration by Zeamanuel Abera. This must-read book is a modern classic, and was shortlisted for the CLPE Carnegie Medal.

Eleven-year-old Solomon loves to run; he dreams that one day he will be a gold-medal-winning athlete, in spite of his ragged shorts and bare feet.

When his grandfather announces that he's going to take Solomon to Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, Solomon cannot believe his ears. And he is even more excited to hear that the Ethiopian running team will be doing a victory parade through the city that day!

But then Soloman's grandfather collapses - and Solomon knows that getting help from his village is up to him. It's a twenty-mile run from the city to home, and his grandfather's life hangs in the balance. Can the small, bare-footed runner with the big heart make the journey?

This edition includes brilliant extra material, such as:
- An introduction by Elizabeth Laird
- Extra content from the author, including reading group questions

Review Quotes

"The author has created intensely believable characters and her writing is full of perceptive insights." --School Librarian

"Spare, arresting story of love, secrets and hard-won speed." --Metro

"As with anything [Elizabeth] sets in Ethiopia, a country clearly dear to her heart, this short novel draws the reader into its setting. She is a superb writer, a masterly storyteller." --Scotsman

"A life-affirming story." --The Times

"What a delightful gem this book is. Expert touches allow the reader to imagine the Ethiopian setting with ease... Gentle and powerful, this book is a classic tale which younger readers will enjoy and which could be used as an excellent class reader." --Armadillo Magazine

"Inspired by Elizabeth's own experiences in Ethiopia comes an uplifting tale of family, friendship, hope and believing the impossible." --Ethiopian News

"An endearing, eye-opening story about a brave boy whose dream to succeed will resonate with young readers from every walk of life." --lep.co.uk

About the Author

Elizabeth Laird is the multi-award-winning author of many much-loved children's books. She has been shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Jake's Tower, Red Sky in the Morning, Secret Friends, A Little Piece of Ground, The Garbage King and The Fastest Boy in the World. She lives in Britain now, but still likes to travel as much as she can.