Run to You

Based on the title of this post, you may have found yourself instantly singing a Whitney Houston song. However the "you" referenced in this title is not some dashing prince or bodyguard, but YOU, YOURSELF! (Click on the book to purchase.)

Jason Reynolds has done it again! He has taken the concept of running and track to metaphorically speak about collaboration, family and ones internal conflict of running from and to "self."

I was already one of his fans, but after reading Ghost and now Patina, I am a number 1 fan!

Patina, follows a young teen as she navigates through the changes in her life. These include a mother who faces amputation due to diabetes, a new school, change in family, and a need to fit in. Many of these situations are ones that readers can connect with or have heard of before. As if the reader is training for a race, the book begins with readers learning the background of the character or a new skill. This is followed by watching her try and fail at making connections to her school and new family structure; similar to trying and failing at a new skill. It ends with growth; on all fronts and lanes! Another beautiful thing about how Reynolds crafts this story is with his use of symbolism and metaphors.

Teachers can certainly use this book to hone in on the themes of family and being oneself. Additionally, educators will find that the book is perfect for analyzing visuals (just the cover), and symbolism/metaphors related to legs, constellations, the waltz, batons, and colorful nails. I would certainly post a graphic like this to engage readers and set the tone. You will find that students beam with excitement as they read the book and discover the significance of each phrase or symbol highlighted.

The book ends as if it is unfinished, but that is simply Reynold's way of enticing readers to read the next book in this Track Series. Run and get this book soon!