Nicholson, Lorna Schultz. A Time to Run: Stuart & Sam. Part of the One 2 One series. 2018. 203p. ISBN 978-1-9883-4709-7. Available at FIC NIC on the library shelves.
Stuart was born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and in order to cope with his issues he has learned to run away. A member of the Best Buddy program at his school, Stuart was paired with Sam, who is the captain of the basketball team and one of the best player. Stuart was convinced to be the team manager, but he doesn’t really want to be there. When Sam’s heart stops during a tense basketball game, Stuart is besides himself.
Sam is thankfully revived, but with a new cardiac monitor in his chest he can’t play sports anymore. Goodbye athletic scholarship. Dejected, Sam really doesn’t want to deal with Stuart, but realizes that his commitment to his Best Buddy is important. When he hears that Stuart is getting in trouble, Sam decides to get involved again.
Meanwhile, Stuart is approached by Donnie a local thug and drug dealer who drives a fast car. Unable to see danger, Stuart begins to ride with Donnie and make drug runs for him. Sam notices Stuart getting in Donnie’s car when Stuart is pretending to be participating in track and field at school, he tells Stuart’s mother. With dangerous Donnie still hovering in the background, Sam convinces Stuart to actually join the track and field team, so he can put his running to good use. Stuart turns out to be really good at running, but there are times in life when you can’t run away from your problems.
Told in alternating perspectives, Sam and Stuart’s story provides a glimpse in the life of someone affected by FASD. If you like this book, you will enjoy Bent Not Broken: Madeline and Justin.
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