
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with a sudden family tragedy or feels lost in the shadow of a sibling's success. It is an ideal choice for the adolescent who is struggling to articulate their grief and needs to see a model of resilience that isn't about moving on, but about moving forward through movement and self-discovery. Wing Jones is a biracial teenager living in the 1990s whose life is upended when her brother, the family's golden boy, is involved in a tragic accident. The story explores deep themes of cultural identity, the pressure of family expectations, and the healing power of physical discipline. It is a secular, realistic, and deeply emotional look at how a young woman finds her own voice and her own feet through track and field. Parents will appreciate how the book addresses the complexities of a multicultural household and the heavy reality of medical crises with honesty and eventual hope. It is best suited for readers aged 12 and up due to its mature handling of grief and systemic racism.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA sweet, age-appropriate first romance develops between Wing and her brother's friend.
Deals with a sibling in a coma and the intense grief of a family in crisis.
The book deals directly with life-threatening injury, the ethics of a family member's mistakes, and the reality of racism. The approach is realistic and secular, offering a hopeful but grounded resolution that acknowledges that some things can't be fixed, only lived through.
A thoughtful 14-year-old who feels like a 'sidekick' in their own life or a student-athlete who uses sports as an emotional outlet rather than just a competitive one.
Parents should be aware of scenes depicting the aftermath of a traumatic accident and instances of racial slurs directed at the protagonist. The book can be read cold but benefits from a follow-up talk about accountability. A parent might see their child withdrawing after a loss or social setback, or notice a teen struggling to balance their own needs with a family crisis.
Younger teens will focus on the 'hidden talent' and sports aspects, while older teens will resonate with the nuanced exploration of cultural identity and the burden of being the 'reliable' child.
Unlike many sports novels, this is a deep character study that blends 1990s nostalgia with a rich, multicultural family dynamic involving two very different grandmothers (Granny and LaoLao).
Set in the mid-1990s, the story follows Wing Jones, a biracial (Black and Chinese) teenager who has always lived in the shadow of her older brother, Marcus. When Marcus is involved in a horrific car accident that leaves him in a coma and a victim of his actions, Wing’s family is thrust into a nightmare of medical bills and neighborhood hostility. Amidst the chaos, Wing discovers she has a natural, elite talent for running. As she trains, she navigates her first love, her dual heritage, and the crushing weight of her family's grief.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.