Lu: Track, Book 4
Heartfelt ending to award-winning series on sports and life.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents meed to know that Lu: Track Book 4 is the last book in the critically acclaimed series by New York Times Bestselling author Jason Reynolds. The novel catches up with characters from the previous books in the series, but can be read independent of the series. Parents should be prepared to talk about what makes a family and team, the lure of drugs (particularly for athletes), and overcoming obstacles in sports and life.
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What's the Story?
In LU: TRACK, BOOK 4, Lu has swagger. He's a rock star track star, and now the co-captain of his track team. Lu is also an albino and has his own share of struggles, like his teammates Ghost, Patina, and Sunny. Gold chains, diamond earrings, and sunscreen are his armor. But as life on the track team evolves, Lu finds himself losing his armor bit by bit. When he discovers a terrible secret about his dad, he's angry enough to shed almost everything he uses to protect himself, but he gains so much more. Now the only question is whether the people in his life will take on their own closed-eyes leaps of faith. Will his dad man up like he teaches Lu to do? Will the Defenders win the championship? Will Lu conquer the hurdles? And what will he name his new baby sister?
Is It Any Good?
Author Jason Reynolds wraps up an outstanding series with heart, class, and bravery, much like the students highlighted throughout the four installments. Lu: Track 4 earnestly tackles important issues like bullying, regrets, family, and going for gold. Readers familiar with the series will love the wrap-up of all of the individual previous stories, while new readers will want to seek out the other three books as they fall in love with the characters.
Reynolds really captures what it is to be a teen right now and is phenomenal at capturing teens from diverse backgrounds. There's compassion in the conflict, vulnerability in the swagger, and humanity in the adults who seek to guide the characters. Kids and parents alike will love that Reynolds doesn't do stereotypes. Each character has depth no matter their age.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how addiction affects the characters in Lu. Why do some athletes turn to drugs?
How do teams become like families? And why is that important?
Did you find Lu a satisfying conclusion to the series? Why do you think book series are so popular? Does this series make you want to read other books by Jason Reynolds?
Book Details
- Author: Jason Reynolds
- Genre: Sports
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
- Publication date: October 23, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 17
- Number of pages: 224
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 15, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
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Patina: Track, Book 2
Girl learns teamwork on track, at home in engaging sequel.
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Sunny: Track, Book 3
Runner finds own way to grieve in unique series volume.
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Ghost: Track, Book 1
Poignant, smart look at track star running from his past.
For kids who love coming-of-age and sports books
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