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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
Satisfying ending to a middle grade series with so much heart, authenticity, and humor. Reynolds' facility with language remains impressive and his messages here are delivered without being didactic. Guy Lockard did such a great job with the audio books, will miss listening to these.
Lu, like the other “newbies” on the Defenders, learns the valuable lesson of acceptance in this book, but even more important than that, he learns integrity. This was a glimpse into tough issues through the eyes of a teen trying to discover himself in a complex world. This was a satisfying ending to a short, well-written series.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I just adored this series and Lu felt like the perfect conclusion. Reynolds is effortlessly hilarious and consistently weaves so much tenderness into tough topics. Guy Lockard gave another flawless performance. The narration was spot on. Adore these books and will continue to recommend them for Middle Grade readers.
For some reason I could only find the audiobook on here but I actually read the book instead of listened to it. I just love all things Jason Reynolds! He has such a way with words and tells such authentic stories that give me all the feels. Great way to end the series
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Brilliant round up of the series of a track team that is essentially a family. Great to get to hear from Lu's perspective who is such a big character and see his relationship with the others we love. Jason Reynolds handles really difficult themes in here perfectly pitched for the audience, what we value, understanding forgivness and reflecting on our own behaviour. As well as tackling topics such as drugs and the affect on families and bullying. We also see representation of what it is like to be Albino.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Drug abuse, Racial slurs
Minor: Infertility, Medical content
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
In the final installment of the Track series, Lu is on the Defenders track team, but struggling to be successful at the hurdles. At home, he finds out his mom is pregnant (something that is unlikely because Lu himself is considered a "miracle"), and Lu is tasked with picking his little sister's name. His home life is pretty happy, his mom is a fruit sculptor and his dad works to get addicts the help they need. As the book continues, Lu learns more about his father's history as a teen and how Lu's current world intersects with his dad's teen years...all while also finding out the best way to be successful at hurdles.
A great story of discovery as Lu learns not only about his family, but about himself and his own strengths. Having read the entire series, this is a great culmination. While all can be read in any order, I appreciated the ending of Lu as a great wrap up to the whole series. Side note: my second favorite of the entire series.
A great story of discovery as Lu learns not only about his family, but about himself and his own strengths. Having read the entire series, this is a great culmination. While all can be read in any order, I appreciated the ending of Lu as a great wrap up to the whole series. Side note: my second favorite of the entire series.