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Description
Sunny, the Defenders' best runner, runs only for his father, who blames Sunny for Sunny's mother's death. With his coach's help, Sunny finds a way to combine track and field with his true passion, dancing. Book #3
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a story that mixes the thrill of track with the rhythm of dance, Sunny is a great pick. Sunny, the Defenders' star runner, feels the weight of his father's grief and blame after his mom's death, and that tension makes his home life feel heavy, even as he shines on the field. When his coach sees how his love of movement goes beyond sprinting, he nudges Sunny to bring his dancing into his running style, turning a painful secret into something that feels alive and true. The book captures the way a teen can juggle family expectations, personal passion, and the thrill of competition without being preachy, and the humor and heart make it a quick, satisfying read for middle graders. It's perfect for kids who love sports, anyone who's ever felt torn between what others expect and what they love, or fans of Jason Reynolds' other fast-paced, emotionally honest stories like Ghost. Parents will appreciate the sensitive handling of loss and the positive message that it's okay to forge your own path, even when the road feels rough.