When Josie Jensen, an awkward thirteen-year-old musical prodigy, crashes headlong into newcomer Samuel Yazzie, an eighteen-year-old Navajo boy full of anger and confusion, an unlikely friendship blooms. Josie teaches Samuel about words, music, and friendship, and along the way finds a kindred spirit. Upon graduation, Samuel abandons the sleepy, small town in search of a future and a life, leaving his young mentor behind. Many years go by and Samuel returns, finding his old friend in need of the very things she offered him years before. Their roles reversed, Samuel teaches Josie about life, love, and letting go. Deeply romantic and poignant, Running Barefoot is the story of a small-town girl and a Native American boy, the ties that bind them to their homes and families, and the love that gives them wings.
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There is a great deal of sensitivity, understanding and emotion in Tavia Gilbert's narration, creating appropriate voices for the two adolescents as they deal with the struggles of just being teenagers.
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SoundCommentary Starred Review