Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Recommended for students who have ever felt as if they didn't fit in for whatever reason:  lack of money, being different, family problems

As a fourth grade teacher, I have many male students who live for sports and anything related to athletics.  This book will be perfect for them.  It sends the message of doing what's right and working hard to overcome the hand that life has dealt you.

Ghost is a runner, but he has never participated in any type of organized sport.  When he shows off at a track team (of which he is not a member) practice one day, his talents are recognized by the coach. While Ghost is a talented runner, he has a lot to learn about the people and the world.  Through the support of many people, he learns to navigate his feelings and control his temper.

While I plan to recommend this book to several students, I have one student in mind who must read this book.  Ghost describes how his insides turn red whenever he loses his temper.  Last year, I had a student who often talked about the "big" coming out.  He and I worked quite diligently on learning to control his "big" and to be able to verbalize those feelings rather than act upon them.  This book is a perfect mirror for this student and for MANY other students who don't always find themselves in what they are reading.

Thank you, Jason Reynolds, for holding up a very important mirror with this book.  I can't wait to see what the rest of your Track series has in store for us.