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Daughter of the Light-Footed People
The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez
By Belen Medina
Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro
Table of Contents
About The Book
Meet Lorena Ramírez, an Indigenous Rarámuri athlete from Mexico who is internationally known for winning ultramarathons in her traditional skirts and rubber sandals, in this nonfiction picture book.
From the copper canyons of Mexico, her swift footsteps echo. Clip clap, clip clap.
Experience a sixty-mile run with Indigenous athlete Lorena Ramírez. She runs in the traditional clothes of the Rarámuri, “the light-footed people,” to show that her people and their way of life are alive and thriving—outpacing runners in modern, high-tech gear and capturing the world’s attention. Lorena’s career as an athlete is an inspiring real-life example of the power of perseverance that will encourage young readers to follow their own dreams.
From the copper canyons of Mexico, her swift footsteps echo. Clip clap, clip clap.
Experience a sixty-mile run with Indigenous athlete Lorena Ramírez. She runs in the traditional clothes of the Rarámuri, “the light-footed people,” to show that her people and their way of life are alive and thriving—outpacing runners in modern, high-tech gear and capturing the world’s attention. Lorena’s career as an athlete is an inspiring real-life example of the power of perseverance that will encourage young readers to follow their own dreams.
About The Author
(c) Lee Materazzi
Belen Medina, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, was born and raised in California’s Central Valley. She spent her childhood summers in Mexico with her grandparents and has been navigating two cultures her entire life. Still a Californian at heart, she now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Daughter of the Light-Footed People is her debut picture book.
About The Illustrator
Photograph (c) Natalia Rojas Castro
Natalia Rojas Castro is an illustrator based in Bogotá, Colombia. Daughter of the Light-Footed People is her debut picture book.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (June 11, 2024)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665931434
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
**A Horn Book Best Book of the Year**
**A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year**
★ "This is a striking introduction to ultramarathon runner, Lorena Ramírez . . . Peppered with figurative language, the spare text is lyrical, at times echoing the rhythm of Ramírez’s steadfast footsteps. The digital illustrations are rich, evocative, and thoughtful in composition; the art beautifully blends present and past and gives readers a view of the race from a variety of perspectives . . . An exceptional addition to all collections."
– School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
★ "Medina and Rojas Castro relate the story of Indigenous Mexican ultramarathon runner Lorena Ramírez (b. 1995) in this exuberant picture book, a double debut. . . Fluidly rendered digital illustrations showcase stunning desert colors with a bold palette . . . it’s a narrative that celebrates Ramírez’s determination, legacy, and grit."
– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
★ "Medina’s rhythmic text is punctuated with onomatopoeia and emphasizes Ramírez’s connection to the Rarámuri traditions . . . Castro’s richly colored digital images depict the flora and fauna of the desert terrain and feature floral motifs that surround Ramírez like a cloud of energy."
– Horn Book Magazine, STARRED REVIEW
"Brought to life by vivid illustrations and reverent, energetic prose, Ramírez’s story will delight readers. A vibrant homage to a celebrated athlete, her supportive community, and Indigenous resilience."
– Kirkus Reviews
"The narrative introduces [Lorena] as a child growing up in the canyon and, some years later, running a 60-mile marathon with her family cheering at the finish line. The back matter fills in the details of her intriguing story. Created with vivid colors, imaginative details, and a fine sense of movement, the illustrations capture the celebration of watching an Indigenous woman excel in the modern world."
– Booklist
Awards and Honors
- New York Public Library Best Books for Kids
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Daughter of the Light-Footed People Fixed Layout eBook 9781665931434
- Author Photo (jpg): Belen Medina (c) Lee Materazzi(0.1 MB)
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