A Perfect Holiday Gift for Middle-Grade Readers: The Boy Who Ran, Michael Selden’s Debut Novel
Industry: Books
Middle-grade readers will love The Boy Who Ran by debut author Michael Selden, a middle-grade novella about a Native American orphan trying to find his place in the world
Colorado (PRUnderground) November 27th, 2013
Michael Selden’s debut novel, The Boy Who Ran (Woodland Park Press, December 2013, $4.99 – Kindle, $12.00 – softcover), is a middle-grade novel about a Native American orphan trying to find a place in the world. Set six thousand years ago in the mid-archaic period of North American history, it is a story should to please audience both young and old alike.
Marauders creep quietly through the trees and tall grass, until they come upon a village provisioned with a large cache of food. With unabated ferocity, they attack the village and massacre all the villagers—save for one boy.
Adopted by a nearby village, few pay him much attention. The boy is deemed to be unexceptional and lacking in talent. But the boy could move through the forest in a way that seemed almost magical—and he could run very, very fast.
For the boy, running was what was best in life. Even wild animals took notice of him as he ran through the forest as he moved in absolute silence through the densest forest without slowing, his body seemingly defying gravity as he slid between trees and through brush as though they were not there—almost like a ghost. Running was his greatest pleasure and could life the weight of his long sorrow like nothing else. No one could run like the boy, and no on but the boy knew this—it was his most important secret.
As he grows up, he decides he wants to be one of The People, a tribe of hunters. As he seeks to achieve his goal, he encounters Raven, an expert hunter who educates the boy in the art of hunting. Along the way, he meets a young girl named Morning Song and a romantic relationship gradually emerges. So, too, does a jealous rivalry as another boy, Dark Sun, tries to win the heart of Morning Song. Through many trials and ordeals, the boy’s spirit and character are tested.
Does the boy have what it takes to become a hunter? Who will win Morning Song’s love? Will The People admit him into their tribe as one of their family? Or will he always remain an outsider without hearth or kin he may call his own?
A perfect holiday gift, Michael Selden’s wholesome and enjoyable story about the trials of growing up will delight middle-graders and even their parents.
Michael Selden has worked as a physicist and program manager on numerous scientific and engineering efforts. Mike always maintained a keen interest in literature. In July 2013, he moved from Maryland to Colorado—where he went to high school—to write and publish books. His website is www.michaelselden.com. He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
CONTACT INFO:
Book reviewers / bloggers, journalists, and other media professionals interested in reviewing THE BOY WHO RAN or interviewing the author should call GK Zachary 845-493-0468 or email him via his website at www.bookmarketing.com
About Michael Selden
Michael Selden has worked as a physicist and program manager on numerous scientific and engineering efforts. Mike always maintained a keen interest in literature. In July 2013, he moved from Maryland to Colorado—where he went to high school—to write and publish books. His website is www.michaelselden.com. He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
