Heartbeat

Title: Heartbeat
Author: Sharon Creech
Recommended for: Grades 3-7

Annie loves to run. Better yet, she loves to run barefoot alongside (or in front of :) her best friend Max. Max, however, just wishes Annie would join the track team or that he had enough money to by himself a pair of running shoes. Annie has some wishes herself. Mainly, that the baby that is growing inside of her Mom's belly isn't an alien, that she can draw the picture of an apple in a way that is special, or that her grandfather's health improves. This story, written in free verse by one of the best authors when it comes to voice and characterization, is one that everyone should take just a little time to read.