Award winner

As Fast As I Can
by Penny Tangey

From CBCA-shortlisted author Penny Tangey comes this funny, heartfelt novel about ten-year-old Vivian and her quest to one day become an Olympic middle-distance runner. Dealing with themes around chronic illness, persistence and acceptance.

A$16.99

(Paperback)

Available. Dispatched 2-3 business days

Overview

One girl. One dream. A few hurdles.

Ten-year-old Vivian is determined to win a medal at the Olympic Games one day. Problem is, she hasn’t found a sport she’s any good at yet. But everyone says if you work hard enough you can achieve anything, right? So when Vivian discovers she has a talent for cross country running, finally, her Olympic dream might actually come true.

But then a family illness is uncovered and all of Vivian’s plans begin to unravel. Can she keep her dream alive? Or will she be stopped in her tracks?

A funny, heartfelt novel about resilience, acceptance and dreaming big.

Details

Awards

Reviews

Allayne L. Webster

Author of Sensitive

‘Penny Tangey has delivered a charm-filled tale of hopes and disappointment, of courage and loss, and ultimately acceptance of one's limitations. Vivian stole my heart with her can-do attitude, and passion and drive to achieve her goals. As Fast As I Can will have you cheering from the sidelines from start to finish. It's a gripping read that speaks to the competitor – and the dreamer – in all of us.’

Nova Weetman

Author of Sick Bay

‘Funny, honest and really beautifully told. Perfect for kids aged 8+.’

Penny Tangey

Penny Tangey writes humorous books for young people. Her most recent book, As Fast As I Can, won the Readings Children’s Book Prize 2021 and The Griffith University Children's Book Award at the 2020 Queensland Literary Awards. Penny studied Arts/Science at Melbourne University majoring in Chemistry and Indonesian. While at university Penny performed stand-up comedy, including in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Penny now works as a researcher for television quiz shows Hard Quiz and The Chase, but is still terrible at trivia.