About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the pressure of high expectations or struggling to balance their own ego with the needs of a group. Lu is an engaging story about a track star born with albinism who has always used swagger as a shield. As he prepares for the championships, he must confront literal hurdles on the track and emotional ones at home, including a startling revelation about his father's past. It is a masterful exploration of integrity, the weight of secrets, and how true leadership requires vulnerability. Perfect for middle schoolers, it models how to apologize sincerely and how to redefine success beyond winning a gold medal.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
CONVERSATION: Be ready to discuss restorative justice and the long-term impact of past mistakes. Lu learns that his father and Coach stole something together when they were young. A parent might need to explain that people can change and grow, but that making amends (as the father tries to do) is a vital part of accountability. DISTRESS: A character is mocked and bullied for having albinism. Parents may want to discuss how Lu handles these insults and the impact of name-calling.
Ideal Reader
A 10 to 14 year old who presents as highly confident or 'cool' on the outside but struggles with the pressure of high family expectations or navigating social spaces while living with a disability.
Parent Prep
Read the chapters where Lu confronts his father about the 'shook-up' past to be ready for questions about honesty and parental fallibility. A parent might see their child withdrawing or acting out due to a secret they are keeping, or perhaps a child challenging a parent's authority after learning about that parent's own childhood flaws.
Age Experience
Younger readers will focus on the excitement of the track meet, Lu's confidence, and his transition to the hurdles. Older readers will resonate with the complex moral choices and the nuanced depiction of father-son dynamics.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many sports books that focus solely on the 'big game,' this concludes a four-book arc by focusing on the interior life of a leader learning to let go of his ego.
Read plot summary
Lu, the co-captain of the Defenders track team, is preparing for the championship while transitioning to the hurdles. Beyond the track, he navigates life with albinism and a vision impairment. The plot intensifies when Lu discovers that his father and Coach Whit committed a theft in their youth, forcing Lu to reconcile his image of his 'superhero' dad with the reality of his past mistakes. The story culminates in a championship race where victory is found in sacrifice and teamwork rather than individual glory.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Lu uses his 'swagger' and gold chains like a suit of armor. Why do you think he feels the need to protect himself in this way?
2
When Lu finds out the truth about his father and Coach Whit's past, his world feels 'shook up.' How does this change the way he sees his dad?
3
In the final race, Lu makes a choice that affects his individual gold medal. Why was that choice more important than winning?
4
How does Lu's relationship with Kelvin change throughout the book, and what does that teach us about forgiveness?
5
Coach tells Lu that 'you can't run away from yourself.' How does Lu finally stop running and face his hurdles?
