Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace is a middle-grade novel about friends-turned-rivals training for a half-marathon and rethinking what it means to win and what they mean to each other. Grace wants to beat Jonah's GPA to be named top scholar, but when he beats her, she questions what matters to her. The novel is engaging and heartfelt, exploring the value of winning and failing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2024
Publisher: Abrams

"Keeping Pace" is a poignant middle-grade novel that delves into the dynamics of friendship, rivalry, and personal growth. The story revolves around Grace, a determined eighth-grade student who has been tirelessly working to surpass her former friend, Jonah Perkinss, in academic achievements. Her sole goal is to secure the title of top scholar, driven by her desire to impress her father and prove her worth.

However, when Jonah beats Grace to the top spot, she feels a sense of emptiness and disappointment. It dawns on her that her academic accomplishments alone were not enough to secure her desired outcome. The wide, empty summer ahead looms, leaving Grace without any planned activities or goals. She desperately seeks something to occupy her days and decides to sign up for a half-marathon race that she and Jonah had once talked about running together.

Jonah is also participating in the race, adding an extra layer of competition and tension to their relationship. Grace hopes that by beating Jonah on race day, she can regain her sense of self-worth and feel okay again. However, as she begins training with Jonah and ticks off goals on her new summer checklist, she starts to question the true value of winning and the people who matter most to her.

"Keeping Pace" is an engaging and heartfelt tale that explores the complexities of wanting to win at all costs and the importance of learning from failure. Through Grace's journey, the reader witnesses her growth and self-discovery as she navigates the challenges of friendship, rivalry, and personal aspirations. The novel sheds light on the importance of valuing relationships, pursuing goals that align with one's values, and finding meaning and fulfillment in life beyond superficial achievements.

In conclusion, "Keeping Pace" is a captivating middle-grade novel that offers a poignant exploration of the human experience. Through its relatable characters, engaging storyline, and thought-provoking themes, it encourages readers to reflect on the values that guide their actions and the relationships that shape their lives. This book is a valuable addition to any library, particularly for children and adolescents who are navigating the complexities of friendship, competition, and personal growth."

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 212 x 148 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419768750