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Ultra
A young ultra-marathon runner is pushed to the breaking point and beyond in this gripping tale of physical endurance and emotional healing.
Quinn has been called a superhero and a freak of nature. At age 13, he's an amazing distance runner. He takes on the second-hardest challenge of his life when he enters his first ultramarathon: a grueling 100-mile, 24-hour-long race that will push him to the very limit of his endurance.
While Quinn struggles to go on — up a mountain and through the night, as his muscles break down and he begins to hallucinate — we learn why the ultra-marathon is only the second hardest thing he has endured in his young life. And maybe this devastating event from his past is exactly what Quinn has been running from . . .
Framed as an interview with a media commentator after Quinn's newsmaking finish, this remarkable debut novel from ultra-marathon runner David Carroll reminds us that when we dare to challenge what is possible, the word impossible loses its meaning.
Quinn has been called a superhero and a freak of nature. At age 13, he's an amazing distance runner. He takes on the second-hardest challenge of his life when he enters his first ultramarathon: a grueling 100-mile, 24-hour-long race that will push him to the very limit of his endurance.
While Quinn struggles to go on — up a mountain and through the night, as his muscles break down and he begins to hallucinate — we learn why the ultra-marathon is only the second hardest thing he has endured in his young life. And maybe this devastating event from his past is exactly what Quinn has been running from . . .
Framed as an interview with a media commentator after Quinn's newsmaking finish, this remarkable debut novel from ultra-marathon runner David Carroll reminds us that when we dare to challenge what is possible, the word impossible loses its meaning.
203 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 1, 2013
About the author
David Carroll
116 books6 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 3, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed reading David Carroll's award-winning "Ultra". I have read that a successful writer writes about what he knows -- Carroll definitely knows about running! Being a runner (defnitely a back of the pack runner) and the mother of runners, I can relate to the characters in this story and some of the pain of running and the thoughts that Quinn voiced as he ran his 100 mile endurance run.
I can see why this novel captured the heart of young readers. Quinn is a relatively ordinary 13 year-old performing something extraordinary. Isn't that the dream of most 13 year olds? It's dangerous! It's almost insanity! What is the reward? But this story is more than simply relating how one 13 year-old ran a 100 mile race in under 24 hours. Carroll has weaved a wonderful story of love, caring, friendship, loss, forgiveness, grief, healing, endurance, and triumph.
Carroll captured the answer to the question often posed to me of "Why do you run? What do you think about? -- Quinn said it: "What if he's, you know, just running?"
I can see why this novel captured the heart of young readers. Quinn is a relatively ordinary 13 year-old performing something extraordinary. Isn't that the dream of most 13 year olds? It's dangerous! It's almost insanity! What is the reward? But this story is more than simply relating how one 13 year-old ran a 100 mile race in under 24 hours. Carroll has weaved a wonderful story of love, caring, friendship, loss, forgiveness, grief, healing, endurance, and triumph.
Carroll captured the answer to the question often posed to me of "Why do you run? What do you think about? -- Quinn said it: "What if he's, you know, just running?"
February 28, 2014
Thirteen-year-old Quinn has always been a runner. Ever since he was six years old he could be able to run insane distances without getting the least bit tired. this is because of a special condition he has that helps his heart pump more blood into his lungs putting Quinn in perfect cardiovascular condition. His father passed away shortly before Quinn's twelfth birthday. The two of them were training to run the "shin kicker 100", one of the hardest marathons to run. You have to run for twenty-four hours straight travelling a distance of about 100 miles all on foot. It tells about Quinn and all the challenges he faced during this run. I rated this book four out of five stars because it was probably in my top ten favorite books I have ever read. It was funny at times and made you understand the determination it takes to run one of these races. I recommend this book to anyone who needs an uplifting book that can make you feel like you can accomplish anything if you think about it!
December 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! It's a YA novel about a boy who loves to run and was maybe born to run. The tone is sweet and playful, I really liked that! And the imagery that appeals to a younger, less jaded reader, such as comparing the sunset to cantaloupe or watermelon.
Our hero Quinn takes on the challenge of an ultra marathon by running 100 miles through the woods. He is in contact with his family and friends for support throughout the journey, and meets some friendly runners along the way. There's also a bad guy!
This book inspires goal-setting and supportive friendships.
I'd love to see more books by this author, maybe one with the Holy Moly Goalie from Muskogie as the protagonist! Or maybe a non-fiction book about running.
Our hero Quinn takes on the challenge of an ultra marathon by running 100 miles through the woods. He is in contact with his family and friends for support throughout the journey, and meets some friendly runners along the way. There's also a bad guy!
This book inspires goal-setting and supportive friendships.
I'd love to see more books by this author, maybe one with the Holy Moly Goalie from Muskogie as the protagonist! Or maybe a non-fiction book about running.
June 28, 2015
This is an amazing look at the experience of running an ultra marathon but it also teaches about perseverance, survival and emotional recovery. Good for grades 4+.
June 26, 2019
ultras green boys odiamo tutti⚡️⚡️
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February 15, 2021I think this book is a very ,very good book! It must be challenging running 100 miles in 24 hours! Very good book.
May 24, 2024
Gives a complete lookout of how ultra running is. Would recommend if you want to experience ultra running before doing it.
March 7, 2014
For anyone who doesn't know yet, Ultra is the winner of the 2013 Cybils Award for Middle Grade Fiction. I was a second round judge in this category and I have to admit that a book about running didn't appeal to me very much and I put off reading Ultra until it was the only one left to read. And then, I couldn't put it down. I was literally riveted and read the book in one sitting.
Told within the framework of a post race interview, Ultra tells the story of Quinn Scheurmann, 12, who has just competed a 100 mile race called the Shin Kicker 100, in which runners have 24 hours to complete a course that takes them through some pretty rough terrain.
Originally, Quinn and his dad were supposed to race together, but even though his dad isn't there, he decides to run the race anyway. His dad had gotten Quinn interested in running when he was 8 years old and discovered that Quinn had "superpowers" that enabled him to keep running long distances without getting tried the way most runners eventually do. Quinn's body doesn't produce lactic acid, the stuff responsible for the 'brun' you feel while exercising.
Quinn is running with the support of his mother, little brother Ollie, who is also Quinn's pacer, and best friend, Kneecap. His friendship with Kneecap has really been tested the past few months before the race, as Quinn withdrew more and more into himself, But she stuck by him anyway, even giving him her small, light cellphone at the beginning of the race, replacing his mother's old clunky weighty phone.
Along the race route, Quinn meets two people. First is an elderly man called the Dirt Eater (his t-shirt says Eat My Dirt on the back of it), who advises Quinn to drop out of the race. The other is a middle age lady cop named Kera, who tells him he is going to love running the 100 mile course. Two very different people who ultimately impact Quinn's race.
But along the way, what goes on in Quinn's head is what will keep you reading. Conversation with his absent dad, regrets about things done to hurt Kneecap, hallucinations of all kinds.
And as Quinn begins to wonder what he is running to or what he is running from, his real work, the work of healing, of coming of age, of coming to terms, unfold. It all comes together at mile 97, when Quinn reaches The Shrine. The Shrine is a pile of rocks containing a metal box that says:
For runners left behind,
And for those who give us courage,
We give thanks at The Shrine.
That Quinn finishes the race is already known, but how it happens is well worth the journey with him.
I had never heard of a 100 mile race before I read Ultra, but David Carroll is an experienced ultra marathoner, so he definitely knows what he is talking about as far as the details of the race is concerned. Yet, as prepared as Quinn was for his race, all kinds of unexpected things go wrong and Carroll has so carefully detailed these things that you know if either happened to him on a distance run or he witnessed it happening to a fellow runner. Either way, it gives very realistic ambiance to the novel.
At the beginning of each chapter, we are told the mile that Quinn has reached so we never lose our sense of bearing in the story, as we track Quinn's progress. The interview that frames the story breaks into Quinn's narrative intermittently, providing not just more information, but also some relief from what could become overwhelming emotionally.
Ultra is David Carroll's debut novel and he has done a wonderful job of it. It is unfortunately not the easiest book to find for US readers. It is published by Scholastic Canada, and sadly, Canadian books are not always as widely distributed in the United States as American books are in Canada, which means we miss out on a lot of good books. However, you can order Ultra from Amazon.ca and I get nothing for posting this other than the satisfaction that someone may buy this really worthwhile Cybils winning middle grade book.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was provided to me by the Cybils award
This review was originally posted at Randomly Reading
Told within the framework of a post race interview, Ultra tells the story of Quinn Scheurmann, 12, who has just competed a 100 mile race called the Shin Kicker 100, in which runners have 24 hours to complete a course that takes them through some pretty rough terrain.
Originally, Quinn and his dad were supposed to race together, but even though his dad isn't there, he decides to run the race anyway. His dad had gotten Quinn interested in running when he was 8 years old and discovered that Quinn had "superpowers" that enabled him to keep running long distances without getting tried the way most runners eventually do. Quinn's body doesn't produce lactic acid, the stuff responsible for the 'brun' you feel while exercising.
Quinn is running with the support of his mother, little brother Ollie, who is also Quinn's pacer, and best friend, Kneecap. His friendship with Kneecap has really been tested the past few months before the race, as Quinn withdrew more and more into himself, But she stuck by him anyway, even giving him her small, light cellphone at the beginning of the race, replacing his mother's old clunky weighty phone.
Along the race route, Quinn meets two people. First is an elderly man called the Dirt Eater (his t-shirt says Eat My Dirt on the back of it), who advises Quinn to drop out of the race. The other is a middle age lady cop named Kera, who tells him he is going to love running the 100 mile course. Two very different people who ultimately impact Quinn's race.
But along the way, what goes on in Quinn's head is what will keep you reading. Conversation with his absent dad, regrets about things done to hurt Kneecap, hallucinations of all kinds.
And as Quinn begins to wonder what he is running to or what he is running from, his real work, the work of healing, of coming of age, of coming to terms, unfold. It all comes together at mile 97, when Quinn reaches The Shrine. The Shrine is a pile of rocks containing a metal box that says:
For runners left behind,
And for those who give us courage,
We give thanks at The Shrine.
That Quinn finishes the race is already known, but how it happens is well worth the journey with him.
I had never heard of a 100 mile race before I read Ultra, but David Carroll is an experienced ultra marathoner, so he definitely knows what he is talking about as far as the details of the race is concerned. Yet, as prepared as Quinn was for his race, all kinds of unexpected things go wrong and Carroll has so carefully detailed these things that you know if either happened to him on a distance run or he witnessed it happening to a fellow runner. Either way, it gives very realistic ambiance to the novel.
At the beginning of each chapter, we are told the mile that Quinn has reached so we never lose our sense of bearing in the story, as we track Quinn's progress. The interview that frames the story breaks into Quinn's narrative intermittently, providing not just more information, but also some relief from what could become overwhelming emotionally.
Ultra is David Carroll's debut novel and he has done a wonderful job of it. It is unfortunately not the easiest book to find for US readers. It is published by Scholastic Canada, and sadly, Canadian books are not always as widely distributed in the United States as American books are in Canada, which means we miss out on a lot of good books. However, you can order Ultra from Amazon.ca and I get nothing for posting this other than the satisfaction that someone may buy this really worthwhile Cybils winning middle grade book.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was provided to me by the Cybils award
This review was originally posted at Randomly Reading
December 11, 2013
I wasn't sure I was going to like this one at first because I'm not much of a runner and the whole book focuses on the running of a 100-mile ultra marathon. But I ended up liking it quite a bit. Quinn is a likable protagonist with a lot going for him. The idea of Quinn's physical quirks making him a 'superhero' I found quite appealing. The way the story gradually develops and the reader learns why Quinn entered the race and what led up to it keeps the story moving along at a nice clip and is sure to hold the interest of young readers.
The interview segments give the reader hints of what is to come along in the story and also provide a little extra explanation of certain things that Quinn experiences, although this format may not appeal to all readers. I did find the parts where Quinn is hallucinating rather weird, which I guess is the point, hallucinations by their very nature are weird. But interestingly, they also foreshadow a little bit the emotional struggles that Quinn has had over the last year. Quinn's relationship with his best friend, Kneecap, was both funny and touching at the same time, yet full of ups and downs like any relationship.
While the writing wasn't as detailed as I would have liked, I think it works well for the reluctant reader who so easily gets bogged down in too much detail. A book I can easily recommend to young readers, who should be able to relate to Quinn regardless of their interest in running.
The interview segments give the reader hints of what is to come along in the story and also provide a little extra explanation of certain things that Quinn experiences, although this format may not appeal to all readers. I did find the parts where Quinn is hallucinating rather weird, which I guess is the point, hallucinations by their very nature are weird. But interestingly, they also foreshadow a little bit the emotional struggles that Quinn has had over the last year. Quinn's relationship with his best friend, Kneecap, was both funny and touching at the same time, yet full of ups and downs like any relationship.
While the writing wasn't as detailed as I would have liked, I think it works well for the reluctant reader who so easily gets bogged down in too much detail. A book I can easily recommend to young readers, who should be able to relate to Quinn regardless of their interest in running.
January 1, 2014
I read this book because I am going to be participating in the Forest of Reading with one of my elementary schools and it is one of the books nominated for the Silver Birch Fiction Award.
First of all, this book is definitely appropriate for grades 3 to 6, but I think the interest level is probably more toward the 5's and 6's.
I was skeptical when I started this book because I had never read anything like this before; I had never even heard of an ultra-marathon. This book focuses on Quinn's journey as he attempts to complete an ultra-marathon. The format is sort of like an interview, with Quinn being featured on a television show, but all of his flashbacks are in story form. It becomes obvious right away that Quinn has had a pretty rough year, but the story behind that is revealed slowly throughout the entire book.
The book was funny, a little sad, and also made heart-warming by the telling of Quinn's family memories he recalled while running the marathon.
As for the author, this is his first novel and I really enjoyed his writing style. It flowed well and was pretty basic. In the Author's Note it said he has run five ultra-marathons, so he's definitely the right person to be writing about them.
This is a quick read, made even quicker by the desire to find out what happened to Quinn over the past year.
First of all, this book is definitely appropriate for grades 3 to 6, but I think the interest level is probably more toward the 5's and 6's.
I was skeptical when I started this book because I had never read anything like this before; I had never even heard of an ultra-marathon. This book focuses on Quinn's journey as he attempts to complete an ultra-marathon. The format is sort of like an interview, with Quinn being featured on a television show, but all of his flashbacks are in story form. It becomes obvious right away that Quinn has had a pretty rough year, but the story behind that is revealed slowly throughout the entire book.
The book was funny, a little sad, and also made heart-warming by the telling of Quinn's family memories he recalled while running the marathon.
As for the author, this is his first novel and I really enjoyed his writing style. It flowed well and was pretty basic. In the Author's Note it said he has run five ultra-marathons, so he's definitely the right person to be writing about them.
This is a quick read, made even quicker by the desire to find out what happened to Quinn over the past year.
February 1, 2014
Even if you don't like running, you will love this book. Quinn's body is built for running and he enters his first ultra-marathon, a 100 mile 24-hour race. A race his dad has run in the past. Not only does the race test Quinn physically, but it is even more challenging mentally. My favorite quote from the book is by Kern - a runner Quinn meets while running. Kern states, "They don't know if they're running to something, or running from something." Quinn replies that maybe people just run to run. Kern then says, "Then they're blessed." Quinn doesn't reply, but this conversation replays in his head again and ultimately helps him deal with whether to finish the race and make some sense of a terrible situation he hasn't come to terms with yet in his young life. All in all a great book for the older middle grade set.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a judge for the Cybils awards. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a judge for the Cybils awards. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2015
This book was good. I liked Quinn's determination throughout this book and not ever give up let alone be left a lone with a DNF. But the whole thing about his dad was confusing is he alive or not?? Like when Quinn called Ollie his pacer at the shrine they said he died in Afghanistan but before that he was sitting at the rest stop with him. The whole thing about the hallucinations were so crazy (they are hallucinations so I guess they aren't supposed to be normal). Especially the one with the train trestle and the whale. Quinn's relationship with "Kneecap" is very well unique and definitely hit its rocky patches throughout his run. I wish the parts with just too much information would be just left out it was just not a good thing to but in a book and more than once too....This is about 13 year old Quinn running a ultra marathon 100 miles in under 24 hours and his adventures from the start line and the finish if he can ever get there..I would recommend this book.
November 26, 2014
Ultra was a great book. I really enjoyed it. My favourite part of this book was at the beginning when Quinn's dad asked if he would like to come for a run with him. Quinn said he would go even though it would be boring. Once they came down Quinn said that he wanted to go again his dad said "really?" they went up and down about 7 times. Quinn's dad was tired but Quinn sure wasn't. I also enjoyed reading the part where Quinn was on a run with a bunch of old men and one of them said "it is to dangerous for a young kid like you to be running with us". But Quinn just kept running. Overall it was a fantastic book that I would mind reading a second time.
September 27, 2014
Over the past year, I've become very interested in long-distance running - despite the fact that the furthest I can run in from the couch to the fridge. "Ultra" provides a compelling glimpse into the world of endurance runners, by focusing on the experience of a young man competing in his first 100-mile backcountry race. Through his real and imagined experiences, we come to know his internal and external world, as well as the people who sustain him and carry him through the challenges in his life.
October 28, 2014
This book is amazing. Quinn is a runner. After his dad dies in the war Quinn decides to enter the Shin Kicker 100 which is a 100 mile race in the mountains. Quinn is only 12 so he has a serious disadvantage. He soon meets a police officer named Kara who is also in the race. Quinn describes some of his life stories with his dad and some memories from school in a TV talk show. He gets hallucinations, runs out of water and gets tons of blisters on his feet but Quinn keeps running. In the end he has to dig down to come in first ( which he does ) for his dad. This book was very motivational.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2014
Ultra was a great book and not what I expected! Quinn enters a 24 hour race that will push him past his endurance. In this book is an amazing story about aboy who is the youngest in the race but finds some friends along the way. This book is a great book for anyone looking for a fun but suspenseful story. Will Quinn finish the race or will he fall under the 24 hour mark. You will have to read to find out.
April 15, 2014
Not everyone likes sport books, but this book is for all readers. Quinn who was born to run, is running the shin kicker-100. He has always trained to run the race with his dad, but unfortunately his dad doesn't show up. So with the support of his team. His mom, his brother, and his best friend Kneecap what could go wrong. Well mind the fact of his crazy tiredness and wacky haullouinations. Join Quinn and his team in David Carroll's ultra. 5 STARS
April 24, 2015
David Carroll demonstrates his knowledge and love of long distance running, in his debut novel, Ultra. Twelve-year-old Quinn challenges himself to complete a 24-hour 100 mile ultra marathon, something that his father was passionate about. Quinn’s father is present, but missing throughout the novel, but readers learn his story through Quinn’s amazing difficulties during his race.
Short-listed for the 2015 MYRCA.
UPDATE: Winner of the 2015 MYRCA.
Short-listed for the 2015 MYRCA.
UPDATE: Winner of the 2015 MYRCA.
November 30, 2014
This book was a super nice novel to read. It contained some emotional parts which is always good in this kind of book. I loved how Quinn never stopped running and when he did he called his pacer Ollie to tell him a joke to ease his mood. I could not believe how somebody so young could run 100 Miles in 23 hours 59 minutes and 32 seconds!! Overall this book was amazing and I hope to read it again soon.
January 21, 2014
A fast-paced read about a young boy named Quinn who decides to run the Shin Kicker 100, an ultra marathon that has felled many a grown man. Framed within the context of a post-race interview, Quinn reflects not only on the experience of running amidst fatigue and dehydration, but on the deeper reason behind his commitment to run.
February 18, 2014
This a book is a good book. Quinn is going into his first ultra race it is where you have to run 100 miles. Quinn has to over come alot of obstacles on the way. Quinn and his dad were going run the race together but sadly he died a year before the race. This book is a uplifting story it is a great book.
April 2, 2014
Bravo, David Carroll! I wanted to give this book three stars, but I couldn't pull my punch. Carroll has created a rock solid read. Mystery, suspense, color, and gritty authenticity, all in a voice that pushes the limits of kid lit in a way that's richly real and warmly honest. More than liked it!
April 14, 2014
I liked Ultra thoroughly, although I am more of a fantasy person this book consistently kept me entertained. This book is about a boy named Quinn who is going to run a one hundred mile race properly named the "Ultra Marathon" (Hence the name of the book). It is a tough challenge to run the race. Overall I give this a five out of five stars.
February 1, 2015
I LOVED this book. so far i read it twice once in grade 4 and once in grade 6.But i enjoyed it the second time. but spoiler alert; his hallucinations were bit confusing so that was the only bad thing about the book. but on a surprising note the author is an ultra marathon runner two. all and all this is one of my favorite books!
February 10, 2014
Quinn has ability to run for very long distances, a trait he shares with his father. Readers will enjoy the charming an quirky characters he meets along the race. As he battles the pain in his body, we slowly begin to understand the pain in his heart.Very touching ending. ,
October 11, 2014
This one surprised me! Of my stack of eight Battle of the Books book, this was left until last, then left some more... I finally picked it up and couldn't put it down! Great story telling and any book that can bring me to tears is great writing in my book! Always lovely to be surprised by a book!
March 8, 2014
It was funny. It was sad. It was suspenseful. Very much enjoyed it.
November 30, 2013
Loved the book. Clean language, suitable for age-group, teaches perseverance and making goals.
January 8, 2014
I adore this book. If I didn't have such a pile on my nightstand I would pick it right back up and reread it now!! Can't wait to get it on the shelf!! More, please, Mr. Carroll.
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April 21, 2014This book was a perfect fit. It is about running so I could really relate to it. It was really interesting following his story and I really enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews