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Run Far, Run Fast

Publication Information

Author: Decker, Timothy

Illustrator: Decker, Timothy

Title: Run Far, Run Fast

Date: 2007

Publisher: Front Street

City: Asheville, N.C.

ISBN, paperback: 13-978-1-59078-469-3

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL: Yes

Family:

Young Adult:

Picture: Yes

General Information:

Book Type(s): historical fiction

HSE Descriptor(s): social studies

Summary:

When a mother tells a young girl in 14th C Europe to "run far, run fast" to escape the pestilence, the girl discovers that she cannot outrun the plague but is helped by a friendly man. The exquisite pen and ink drawings are integral to the story. The only drawback is the script of the text which may be difficult for some beginning readers.

Teaching Ideas:

This is one of those wonderful books in which the illustrations do not repeat the text but expand, raise questions, give hints etc. that should encourage further exploration. (What is the significance of the strange bird-like mask worn by the girl's protector?) Teachers should take time with the first page to figure out when and where the story takes place and who the characters are using the clues in the illustrations. Students might want to write an ending to the story. Research more about the Black Plague and the illustrations in this story. Read other books about this period of time and the plague. Compare this plague to other plagues. Search the database for other books about the plague.

Teaching Strategies: