Books in the series Track

Ghost by Jason Reynolds is an electrifying and deeply moving story that follows Castle "Ghost" Cranshaw, a middle schooler who has been running from his problems—and his past—for years. After a traumatic childhood event, Ghost has a lot of pent-up energy and a habit of getting into trouble. Everything changes when he impulsively challenges an elite sprinter and catches the eye of a track coach who sees his raw, natural talent. This book is perfect for children who love sports but also crave a story with significant emotional depth and relatable real-world struggles.

As Ghost joins the track team, he must learn to stop running away from his life and start running toward his future. Alongside teammates Lu, Patina, and Sunny, Ghost discovers the power of discipline, the importance of mentorship, and the value of true friendship. This novel is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about overcoming adversity and finding one's identity through athletics. It is a must-read for fans of contemporary realistic fiction who want a fast-paced, heart-pounding narrative that doesn't shy away from tough topics.

Highlights:

• A National Book Award Finalist that balances high-stakes sports action with emotional resonance.
• Features a diverse cast of characters with unique backgrounds and explosive personalities.
• Explores powerful themes of trauma, resilience, and the impact of positive mentorship.
• Written in Jason Reynolds' signature engaging and accessible prose, perfect for reluctant readers.

Patina is a powerful and heart-wrenching story about a young girl named Patty who is trying to find her place on and off the track. As a new member of an elite track team, Patty must learn that she can't do everything alone. This book is perfect for children who love sports stories and readers interested in deep, emotional journeys about family and resilience. It is a great choice for middle schoolers who enjoyed the first book in the series, Ghost, or those looking for a realistic look at the pressures of growing up.

Patty's life is complicated; she lives with her aunt and uncle because her mother lost her legs to diabetes, and she attends a fancy private school where she feels like an outsider. Jason Reynolds masterfully explores how Patty uses running to cope with her stress and her fear for her mother's health. When her coach puts her in a relay race, Patty is forced to rely on her teammates, leading to a beautiful exploration of trust and teamwork. This book is ideal for readers interested in diverse characters and stories that tackle real-world challenges with grace and humor.

Highlights:

• A compelling look at the world of competitive youth track and field.
• Deeply relatable themes of family illness, caregiving, and sibling bonds.
• Explores the transition to a new school and the feeling of being an outsider.
• Emphasizes the importance of teamwork and learning to trust others.

Sunny is the third installment in Jason Reynolds' acclaimed Track series, focusing on the "chillest" member of the Defenders team. While Sunny always has a smile for his friends, he carries a heavy burden: the belief that he is responsible for his mother's death during childbirth. His relationship with his father is strained, built entirely on Sunny's success as a runner—a sport he doesn't even like. This moving story follows Sunny as he makes the brave choice to stop running and pursue his true passion for dance, eventually finding a unique way to stay on the team through the discus throw.

This book is perfect for children who love sports stories but are looking for something with deep emotional resonance. Ideal for readers interested in complex family dynamics and the courage it takes to be yourself, Sunny explores how we can honor the past while forging our own path. It is a great choice for fans of the other Track books or anyone who enjoys realistic fiction that tackles tough subjects with heart and humor.

Highlights:

• A powerful exploration of grief, guilt, and the healing power of friendship.
• Unique perspective on finding one's own identity outside of parental expectations.
• Engaging sports-themed narrative that blends track and field with the art of dance.
• Written in a distinctive, rhythmic style that captures the protagonist's inner voice.

Lu is the electrifying conclusion to Jason Reynolds’ award-winning Track series, focusing on the swagger-filled co-captain of the Defenders. Lu was born to lead, and with his signature gold chains and diamond earrings, he certainly has the style to match his speed. However, being an albino track star comes with its own set of unique challenges, and Lu soon realizes that maintaining his "cool" exterior might be getting in the way of truly connecting with his teammates.

As the championships approach, Lu faces literal hurdles on the track and emotional hurdles in his personal life. He must learn to set aside his ego and discover what it truly means to be part of a team. This book is perfect for children who love sports stories and readers who enjoy deep, character-driven narratives about identity and growth. It is an ideal choice for fans of the previous books in the series—Ghost, Patina, and Sunny—who want to see how the Defenders' journey ends.

Highlights:

• A compelling exploration of identity and self-confidence through a unique protagonist.
• High-stakes sports action that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
• Heartfelt lessons about teamwork, humility, and the true definition of winning.
• The satisfying finale to one of the most celebrated middle-grade series of recent years.