I have read about women who ran in skirts because it was more modest. People who ran barefooted. And athletes who honor their religion by wearing a hajib. And yes, these things are controversial, but also amazing and inspiring. And Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez is also inspiring. Ramirez is from an extremely impoverished area of Mexico. But due to the life her people lead, they are able to build up the strength and stamina required to run marathons. And she runs in an outfit of her people and rubber sandals.
Belen Medin introduces us to Ramirez and how she inspired, won races and was always true to herself. Natalia Rojas Castro’s illustrations are colorful, bold, and capture the essence of things. There is not only the story itself about her, but extra information about her, the area and people as well. There is even a note mentioning that some of her family members have also raced against her and have beaten her.
Castro’s illustrations are really my favorite part of things. I have enjoyed other books they have illustrated, but while they are similar and there is a particular style, each one is their own look. Everything (illustrations and text) come together and make this a fun, interesting and clever read. It works for most ages, but best for the at least five and up reader and/or listener. It is not long, but it is not a short, quick read either. Though it is currently available, I read via an online reader copy.
I am not from Mexico or Ramirez’s people, but I hope a little bit of her strength is in all of us. That courage of never giving up.