Crossing the Finish Line
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Crossing the Finish Line
Sri Lankan soldier Ranatunge Karunananda is the first runner to ever represent his country in the 10,000-meter race in the Olympic Games.
An inspiring nonfiction picture book about the courage and perseverance of 1964 Sri Lankan Olympian Ranatunge Karunananda, and the ways in which we define success.
Sri Lankan soldier Ranatunge Karunananda is the first runner to ever represent his country in the 10,000-metre race in the Olympic Games. Despite the lack of support and resources, Karu stands on the track in Japan, determined to represent Sri Lanka and his family well.
As the race begins and the other runners lap Karu time and again, he presses on despite objections, winning not the race but the hearts of the 70,000-person crowd, and inspiring people across the world to stay steadfast in the race for their dreams.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781454950189
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 05 June 2025
Country: United States
Imprint: Union Square Kids
Illustration: all in color
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Maithili Joshi
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 16.0mm
Width: 260.0mm
Height: 260.0mm
Weight: 540g
About the Author
Thushanthi Ponweerais a children's book author and poet from Sri Lanka. She is the author of I Am Kavi, a middle grade novel in verse, as well as the picture book My Best Friend's Bangles.
Maithili Joshiis a South Asian illustrator and designer based in New York City. She grew up inPune, and she was drawn to the art of book making from a young age. Since graduating from the School ofVisual Arts, she has been working with various publishers to create illustrations for picturebooks, while also designing MG/YA novel covers with Scholastic, where she works full time.Her illustrated works include Rainbow Bangles by Thushanthi Ponweera, which was aJLG Gold Standard Selection. Maithili enjoys the sun, ice cream, and long city walks. She invites you to visit her online atmaithiliart.com.
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