Running Scared

by Beverley Terrell-Deutsch

tagged: death & dying

Description

Gregory loves numbers — they don't change and he can count on them, literally.
Numbers also keep Gregory's mind off his father who died in a car crash. Ever since, Gregory has not been able to return to the accident scene despite the fact that it lies directly on the way to school. It has become an obstacle of the heart and mind, a physical space that he avoids at all costs. But his new route to school holds other obstacles — even a big terrifying dog. So finally, when circumstances start to push him back to that tragic location, Gregory must figure out a way to face his problems.

With the support of some new friends, maybe Gregory can find a way to use his love for numbers and math to help overcome his fear — and start the process of healing.

About the Author

Beverley Terrell-Deutsch is an elementary school teacher turned psychologist. She taught in Simcoe County, Ontario for several years, then returned to university and attained her doctoral degree in psychology. She practiced as a school psychologist in the Peel District School Board, working with children and their families, for over twenty years. She is an avid gardener, an animal lover, and performs regularly in an English handbell choir. She has been writing for most of her life, has had short stories published in educational anthologies, and is a two time Judges' Choice winner of the Toronto Star newspaper Short Story Contest. She lives near Toronto with her husband and her Toto look-alike Cairn Terrier.

Age:: 9 to 12
Grade:: 4 to 7

Editorial Review

"Terrell-Deutsch writes with simplicity and a compassion for her characters that will resonate with readers. The promotion of math as fun stands out as an added bonus. Insightful and sensitive, a solid character study."
— Kirkus Reviews

"Beverley Terrell-Deutsch creates an assortment of characters who become a community of allies, helping and taking help as given, all without looking fragile or debilitated. Problem-solving, whether with numbers or issues, is the means by which fear can be alleviated or at least by-passed. Gregory had the right idea all along. He just forgot that, as in math, reciprocity can lead to balance and progress."
— CanLit for Little Canadians

"Terell-Deutsch does an excellent job of pulling the reader inside Gregory's head, outlining his thought- process and showing the impact of his father's shocking death on his current state of mind. Her writing is clear and concise, and the story moves at a quick pace. The characters are well-developed, and the dialogue, especially between Gregory and Teisha, is fun to read.
Rated "G" for Good"
— Resource Links Magazine

"Recommended."
— CM Magazine

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