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High School Runner
Meet Sherman Leopold Kindle, aka K1, a ninth grader beginning his high school journey as a talented but apprehensive member of the cross-country team. Over the course of the season, he learns to rise to the challenge of the work through self-discipline, teamwork, and most importantly, empathy.
Sherman’s often hilarious, sometimes pathetic, and ultimately inspiring coach mentors all of the runners—whether veteran or rookie, braggart or slacker, star or dud—in less-than-conventional fashion. Despite his life falling apart, Coach Viddstein molds his team and leads them to their greatest success.
Written in the warm, nostalgic style of John L. Parker, Jr.’s classic ONCE A RUNNER, this novel is about the value of self-discipline and training, and how athletic skills strengthen character. As Sherman learns to conquer his own limitations, he discovers the lessons that Coach Viddstein instills in him are essential to understanding his conflicted feelings for his family, teammates, classmates, and the grueling sport that has chosen him.
HIGH SCHOOL RUNNER (FRESHMAN) demonstrates that while individual races may be won or lost, the real sense of triumph comes from knowing how to pace oneself in this mad dash we call life.
“If you’re a runner, this story is a must-read. If you’re not, read it anyway. Very funny.”
-Mark Hentemann, Executive Producer/Writer Family Guy
“Funny, inspiring, distinct of character, and rich in detail, HIGH SCHOOL RUNNER rightly belongs in the canon of other fine tales of the track. Kenley more than lived up to my standard with such books: it made me want to go out and run—fast.”
-Neal Bascomb, author of THE PERFECT MILE
Sherman’s often hilarious, sometimes pathetic, and ultimately inspiring coach mentors all of the runners—whether veteran or rookie, braggart or slacker, star or dud—in less-than-conventional fashion. Despite his life falling apart, Coach Viddstein molds his team and leads them to their greatest success.
Written in the warm, nostalgic style of John L. Parker, Jr.’s classic ONCE A RUNNER, this novel is about the value of self-discipline and training, and how athletic skills strengthen character. As Sherman learns to conquer his own limitations, he discovers the lessons that Coach Viddstein instills in him are essential to understanding his conflicted feelings for his family, teammates, classmates, and the grueling sport that has chosen him.
HIGH SCHOOL RUNNER (FRESHMAN) demonstrates that while individual races may be won or lost, the real sense of triumph comes from knowing how to pace oneself in this mad dash we call life.
“If you’re a runner, this story is a must-read. If you’re not, read it anyway. Very funny.”
-Mark Hentemann, Executive Producer/Writer Family Guy
“Funny, inspiring, distinct of character, and rich in detail, HIGH SCHOOL RUNNER rightly belongs in the canon of other fine tales of the track. Kenley more than lived up to my standard with such books: it made me want to go out and run—fast.”
-Neal Bascomb, author of THE PERFECT MILE
- GenresYoung Adult
273 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2015
2 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Bill Kenley
5 books22 followersBill Kenley earned a bachelor's degree from Miami University and a master's degree from Ohio State University. Twice voted the most inspiring and influential teacher at his high school, he’s taught creative writing at the college and high school levels. He’s got a 2:47 marathon P.R. and a 50-miler under his belt.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 14, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL RUNNER is the rare book that offers up pleasure and wisdom on every page. It's funny and tender, yet gritty enough to feel true to the experience of growing up and figuring out who you are. Ultimately, this novel is a love letter to coaches, to running, and to being on a team, the family that we make. I can't wait for the next installment.
June 12, 2015
Being a former cross country coach, I completely "got" this book and had fun connecting the various references the author made since it was based on the area where I am from. That aside, the book was hilarious but also had several poignant moments as well. Hard to put down, I looked forward to reading about the next adventure or the next challenge the characters faced. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
May 20, 2015
Great book with hilarious characters. If you were a high school runner, it take you back to the glory days. If you weren't, it will remind you of those weird skinny kids who roamed your high school halls. High School Runner (Freshman) is like a good run should be, fast and fun.
August 17, 2015
Humorous, well written and interesting----and I'm not a runner! Having taught freshmen boys, I laughed constantly throughout the book as Mr. Kenley totally gets them.
May 16, 2017
I loved this book! The diverse characters, the setting, the competition, but mostly the humor were entirely enjoyable. It had some serious laugh-out-loud moments. The teens relationship with their coach went from amusing and interesting to heartfelt and inspiring by the end. As a runner, of course, I loved the races and training aspects, but even non-runners would enjoy the plot. High School Runner is unique and refreshing.
October 27, 2025
Read this to my kids at bedtime! Really good- had to omit a few things here and there or change words because it was probably written for a little older audience but my kids didn’t. I love that they got to see behind the scenes of an XC team!
August 19, 2024
Bill Kenley. Cool guy.
January 6, 2026
Amazing revolutionary work of literature. Written by the best, about the best. 10/10
February 28, 2017
As a freshman runner, I can say that this book is more relatable than any other book written on running. The team is diverse and hilarious, and the lessons were beautiful. It made me want to go race, even though I read it in the off season.
July 24, 2022
I enjoyed this novel more than I expected. I picked it up from a used bookstore because I had Bill Kenley as a teacher in high school. Far from being a cash-in or derivative because of his nature as a creative writing teacher, Kenley's novel is enjoyable and holds some genuine surprises.
What caught my attention most was his fantastic grasp of the teenage mind (no doubt a result of his years spent teaching teenagers). I also spotted many thinly-veiled similarities to Noblesville High School, where Bill Kenley lives and works, and where I grew up. These helped bring me more into the world, and into the mind of the narrator, making the reading experience a rare comforting one.
My enjoyment of the novel was most definitely from the nostalgia I experienced from the book, but it's humor and heart made me care for the characters and the consequences of actions beyond a trip down memory lane. The novel is simple, heartfelt, and honest. I can't really ask much more than that.
What caught my attention most was his fantastic grasp of the teenage mind (no doubt a result of his years spent teaching teenagers). I also spotted many thinly-veiled similarities to Noblesville High School, where Bill Kenley lives and works, and where I grew up. These helped bring me more into the world, and into the mind of the narrator, making the reading experience a rare comforting one.
My enjoyment of the novel was most definitely from the nostalgia I experienced from the book, but it's humor and heart made me care for the characters and the consequences of actions beyond a trip down memory lane. The novel is simple, heartfelt, and honest. I can't really ask much more than that.
August 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The author takes us into the life of a young boy who is starting high school and beginning what we are led to believe his high school career in running. While the story centers around the characters of the cross country team and the team's performance, there are also several underlying themes about a young boy's understanding of what it means to become a man. I really enjoyed the various characters and the narrator's wit in the telling of the story. Easy and entertaining read, great for adults and high school kids as well.
October 25, 2016
4Star—Maybe it's just because I am a Runner
I enjoyed this book a lot, written from the voice of the young boy, (K1), a freshman. Making the sometimes dumb stories easier to believe—enjoy. Easy read finished it in a couple days!!
I enjoyed this book a lot, written from the voice of the young boy, (K1), a freshman. Making the sometimes dumb stories easier to believe—enjoy. Easy read finished it in a couple days!!
September 1, 2015
Loved this book - couldn't put it down!
July 15, 2016
Loved this YA novel!! It will be my first "book talk" with my incoming freshman.
July 19, 2016
Read with my son who is a hs sophomore! Life lessons and hs boy locker room talk! He enjoyed it and he hates to read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews