If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small portion goes to Great Kid Books. The review copy was kindly sent by the publisher, Simon & Schuster. And I am especially grateful to Jason Reynolds for sharing Patina's story with us. I am deeply appreciative of all the work that teachers, librarians and parents do to create a safe space for our children. Sharing books like Patina help kids see that they are not alone. Our libraries and books can provide a refuge, a safe place during chaotic times-a chance for our students to regroup, reflect, and find sustenance.

We need to recognize the impact of trauma however, I also feel strongly one of the best things we can do is to keep operating with a focus on love, compassion and respect. In the midst of this turmoil, I wonder about the impact on our children and how we can best respond. This weekend, Berkeley and San Francisco were the site of further protests. In the United States, it's been a tumultuous August, with the violent conflict in Charlottesville and a pounding hurricane in Texas. While this novel does not have the same tension or suspense as Ghost, I loved the track and teamwork elements of this story, as the teammates learned to be in step with one another. Reynolds creates a strong, compelling cast of characters, authentically capturing a young girl's voice. She deserves to just be a kid, but she has to shoulder so much responsibility. She has lost so much in her life and tries to handle everything by herself.

Like Ghost, Patty must deal with a heavy load. Meanwhile, Patty has to juggle being responsible for her little sister, feeling out of place at her private school, and taking care of her mom who’s “got the sugar” (diabetes). Instead of just focusing on herself, Patty must figure out how to partner with three other girls, literally running in step with them. Seeing Patty pull away and fume inside, Coach assigns her to the 4x800 relay team. In the opening chapter, she's fuming that she has come in 2nd place in the Defenders' most recent race.

Patina track series