Patina

Patina Jones, nicknamed Patty, is a talented middle school track athlete who runs to win. She lives with her uncle and aunt while helping care for her younger sister, as their mother lost her legs to diabetes and can no longer be their primary caregiver. At her new elite academy, Patty struggles to fit in with her wealthy classmates while maintaining her spot on an elite track team. She must balance her responsibilities at home, schoolwork, and the demands of being part of a relay team that depends on her speed and dedication. The novel follows Patty as she learns to work with her relay teammates and classmates, facing challenges both on and off the track. Her determination to succeed as a runner intertwines with her need to protect and support her family. This second installment in Reynolds' Track series explores themes of adaptation, trust, and the power of letting others help carry the burden. The story speaks to young readers about family obligations, personal growth, and finding strength in teamwork.

Readers connect with Patina's authentic voice and realistic portrayal of a young athlete dealing with family challenges. The story's pacing matches the running theme, with short chapters that maintain momentum. Readers liked: - Natural dialogue that captures middle school dynamics - Strong female relationships, especially between sisters - Track team dynamics and sports scenes - Treatment of serious topics without becoming heavy Readers disliked: - Some found the narrative style choppy - A few felt the ending wrapped up too quickly - Younger readers sometimes struggled with the vernacular Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (800+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Reader quote: "Reynolds captures the voice of a 12-year-old girl perfectly - her attitude, her sass, and her heart." - Goodreads reviewer Parent review: "Great discussion starter about family, responsibility, and perseverance." - Amazon reviewer

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🌟 Reynolds wrote the first draft of Patina in just 12 days, drawing from his own experiences as a former track athlete. 🏃‍♀️ The book is part of a four-book Track series, with each novel following a different member of the Defenders track team. 📚 Jason Reynolds didn't read his first novel until age 17, which influences his writing style to be accessible and engaging for reluctant readers. 🎭 The character of Patina was inspired by Reynolds' observations of young athletes at the Penn Relays, one of America's oldest and largest track meets. 🏆 Patina received the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award and was named to multiple "Best Books of the Year" lists, including those by NPR and the New York Times.