Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez

by Belen Medina, Natalia Rojas Castro (Illustrator)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781665931427
Publisher:	Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	06/11/2024
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	112,322
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

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.

Natalia Rojas Castro is an illustrator based in Bogotá, Colombia. Daughter of the Light-Footed People is her debut picture book.

Editorial 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

★ 05/01/2024

Gr 1–4—This is a striking introduction to ultramarathon runner, Lorena Ramírez, who belongs to the Indigenous Rarámuri people of Mexico. The book follows Ramírez as she runs 60 miles, all while wearing the traditional shoes and clothing of her people. As she runs, readers gain insight into her rural upbringing and lifestyle, as well as the intense physical demands of the race. 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—from her white rubber shoes to the clouds and birds soaring above her. Vibrant florals illuminate Ramírez's strength and persistence and add movement throughout the story. An author's note at the end expands on Ramírez's achievements, her community, and her pride in her heritage. Runners are depicted in a variety of skin tones. VERDICT An exceptional addition to all collections.—Lauren Strohecker

School Library Journal

2024-03-23
A Rarámuri runner’s strength and pride in her roots lead the way to triumph.

In 2017, Lorena Ramírez won the Ultra Trail Cerro Rojo, a 31-mile race. Since then, she’s won races all over the world, including ultramarathons that are more than 60 miles long. Running is an integral part of her heritage; Medina explains that the very word “Rarámuri” means “the light-footed people” or “those who run fast” and that the Rarámuri—Indigenous people who live in Chihuahua, Mexico—are known for their great endurance. Medina follows Lorena as she runs day and night across rugged terrain, against “hundreds from other countries.” She stands out because of her huaraches, which are “cut from rubber tires,” and her home-sewn skirt. Unlike the other athletes, Ramírez competes “without fancy gear or gadgets.” Swirling images of animals, flowers, and family members appear in the background, highlighting the grit and fire that fuel Lorena. When the dark-haired, brown-skinned runner crosses the finish line ahead of her competitors, her family is there to cheer her on, among her many fans. This tale of endurance, ancestral pride, and remarkable athleticism culminates in backmatter about Ramírez that provides more context for her accomplishments and information about her Rarámuri heritage. 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. (Informational picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews