Crossing the Finish Line

Thushanthi Ponweera, Maithili Joshi

$29.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

Sterling
01 October 2025

People & places (Children's&YA); Athletics & gymnastics (Children's&YA)

An inspiring nonfiction picture book about the courage and perseverance of 1964 Sri Lankan Olympian Ranatunge Karunananda, and the ways in which we define success.

Sri Lankan soldier Ranatunge Karunananda is the first runner to ever represent his country in the 10,000-meter race in the Olympic Games. Despite the lack of support and resources, Karu stands on the track in Japan, determined to represent Sri Lanka and his family well.

As the race begins and the other runners lap Karu time and again, he presses on despite objections, winning not the race but the hearts of the 70,000-person crowd, and inspiring people across the world to stay steadfast in the race for their dreams.

By: Thushanthi Ponweera
Illustrated by: Maithili Joshi
Imprint: Sterling
Country of Publication: United States [Currently unable to ship to USA: see Shipping Info]
Dimensions: Height: 260mm, Width: 264mm,
Weight: 535g
ISBN: 9781454950189
ISBN 10: 1454950188
Pages: 40
Publication Date: 01 October 2025
Recommended Age: From 4 to 8 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , Children / Juvenile
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Thushanthi Ponweerais a children's book author and poet from Sri Lanka. She is the author of I Am Kavi, a middle grade novel in verse, as well as the picture book My Best Friend's Bangles. Maithili Joshiis a South Asian illustrator and designer based in New York City. She grew up inPune, and she was drawn to the art of book making from a young age. Since graduating from the School ofVisual Arts, she has been working with various publishers to create illustrations for picturebooks, while also designing MG/YA novel covers with Scholastic, where she works full time.Her illustrated works include Rainbow Bangles by Thushanthi Ponweera, which was aJLG Gold Standard Selection. Maithili enjoys the sun, ice cream, and long city walks. She invites you to visit her online atmaithiliart.com.

Reviews for Crossing the Finish Line

""A great purchase, this is an ideal book to compare to other titles about sports, running, competitors and competition."" --School Library Journal--SLJ