Running from a traumatic past is one thing, but finding a team to stay on the track for is a whole new challenge.
Jason Reynolds introduces us to Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw, a seventh grader who has been running ever since the night his father chased him and his mother out of the house. He doesn’t think of himself as an athlete until he happens to watch an elite track practice and impulsively beats the team’s best sprinter while wearing his everyday jeans. Coach Brody, an ex-Olympic medalist who now drives a taxi, sees Ghost’s raw talent and recruits him for the Defenders. Ghost must learn to handle his anger and stay out of trouble at school to keep his spot on the roster. This book is the first of four in the collection, providing students with a consistent group of characters to follow across multiple stories.
This series is a fantastic fit for students who might find long novels intimidating. The voice is authentic and reflects the way middle schoolers actually speak, which makes the text feel real, accessible and immediate. With bold, modern covers and a fast-paced plot, the story addresses relatable hurdles like fitting in and dealing with family stress. Because the teammates from the first book appear in the following installments, readers build a sense of familiarity that helps them feel more comfortable picking up the next volume. This recurring cast allows students to grow their skills without having to learn an entirely new world every time. In a classroom, you might find a student who usually avoids reading asking for the next story because they have already bonded with the characters on the sidelines.
**Total Books in Series:** 4
**Best Starting Point:** Ghost
