Lu

Darn you, Jason Reynolds! There was quite a lot of this book where I was not enjoying Lu's personality at all, and then somewhere in the middle he turns it around on me and I end up crying _again_ at the end of _another_ one of the track series books. Good writing. Great story. Fearless tackling of hard issues, like becoming a reformed drug dealer and trying to come to terms with the repercussions of your actions. Like hitting deep on the themes of bullying and unkindness and how to take our armor off, even when it leaves you vulnerable. Like how positive family dynamics can still cause bad feelings in a community, because not everyone has that good luck. Jason Reynolds. He just never slows down.

Lu Richardson is one of the newbies on the Defenders track team, and a good runner who's starting to learn hurdles. His parents have always told him he was like lightning - a miracle, since they weren't supposed to be able to have kids, and doubly surprising as an albino. But now, they have surprising news for him: he's going to be a big brother. Will he still be himself, the only Lu, now that maybe he isn't so special?

This was such a great wrap up to the series. Most of those can be read on their own, but this one has so many call backs to previous books that I think it really should be read at the end. Lu learns a lot about integrity, what it means to be "cool", and how long hurtful words can last, in this fabulous wrap up.

Lu was born to be cocaptain of the Defenders. Well, actually, he was born albino, but that’s got nothing to do with being a track star. Lu has swagger, plus the talent to back it up, and with all that—not to mention the gold chains and diamond earrings—no one’s gonna outshine him.
Lu knows he can lead Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and the team to victory at the championships, but it might not be as easy as it seems. Suddenly, there are hurdles in Lu’s way—literally and not-so-literally—and Lu needs to figure out, fast, what winning the gold really means.

Sweet conclusion to the Track series. I think Sunny's was my favorite voice overall, so I'm a little more lukewarm on Lu, but the storyline with his father and Coach was good. The ending was definitely moving but the setting and circumstance felt a little contrived, distracting from the moment. I was happy to see a little more of Whit's background and, in fact, would love more of the adults' backstories in perhaps a future project! (Long shot, I know.)

Lu was born to be cocaptain of the Defenders. Well, actually, he was born albino, but that's got nothing to do with being a track star. Lu has swagger, plus the talent to back it up, and with all that--not to mention the gold chains and diamond earrings--no one's gonna outshine him. Lu knows he can lead Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and the team to victory at the championships, but it might not be as easy as it seems. Suddenly, there are hurdles in Lu's way--literally and not-so-literally--and Lu needs to figure out, fast, what winning the gold really means.

I've read some of the other books in this series, and while it's not necessary to read them in a certain order (each works fairly well as a stand-alone), it does make for a more rounded read to have the background information from the books before diving into this one.

Lu is co-captain of the track team, the Defenders, and as so, at constant rub with the captain. But he takes everything more or less in stride. He also is an albino, which has caused problems in the past but has nothing to do with track. Add his diamond earrings and gold chains, and he isn't the shabbiest kid on the team. Plus, he runs well. At least, until it's time for him to run hurdles. Fear holds him back, but soon he learns that the physical hurdles on the track show more aren't the only thing he's going to have to learn to get past.

This is an easy read centered as much around Lu's family and social life as it is around track. There aren't any huge moments, but rather, a line of difficulties that force him to grow as a person and realign what the real important things are in his life. He does run track, and while his heart is in running, this story focuses more on the other aspects of Lu's life. None of which are earth-shattering, but problems which readers can relate to.

Lu has some fears to overcome, but learns that the people around him have their own hurdles to jump too. Some have made it, others are still struggling, and others will never get past them. It's a strong life lesson, but one that is wrapped up in an entertaining and, at times, thoughtful read.

Lu's family sits strong in these pages, one that is more supportive than the families in the books before. His mother especially holds lots of character, and adds a nice flair of fun and humor to the mix. The relationship with the parents is an inspiration while not leaving the realm of reality. It makes for a read, kids will easily see themselves in. And the message, while clear, is subtle in its own way. As to the end of the book—the last twist holds a surprise which allows those warm fuzzy feelings to remain long after the book is closed.

This is a wonderful addition to a lovely series.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less

diverse children's middlegrade fiction (albinoism, African American kids in an urban setting on a track team, drug usage and consequences seen in the community)
Loved this! Another great book in JR's outstanding series. Though it can stand alone, it would be better to read Ghost first as this alludes to his backstory. I really like how each character (even the side characters like Kelvin) have their own stories and complications, and I liked how Lu's voice was written in the vernacular--I think this will resonate with a lot of kids and will continue to recommend this excellent series.