Taking the Lead

From the Series Lorimer Sports Stories

  • Interest Level: Grade 5 - Grade 8
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

Jonas is captain of his school track team. He runs to win, and his specialty is the 100m sprint. Mistakenly entered in the 400m at a meet, Jonas is angry that he’s not guaranteed a win. When his team loses the relay race, Jonas unfairly turns on one of his teammates. Jonas’s coach strips him of his captaincy and kicks him off the team. Soon he meets Darren, a vision– and mobility–impaired teen who wants to run a 5k race. Jonas agrees to help Darren train. Through working with Darren, Jonas learns a new appreciation for his sport and what it really means to be a winner.

Distributed in the U.S by Lerner Publishing Group.

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978-1-4594-1463-1
$9.95
978-1-4594-1464-8
$55.99
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Interest Level Grade 5 - Grade 8
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre High/Low
Category Diverse Books: Physical Disability & Illness, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2019
Publisher James Lorimer and Company Ltd., Publishers
Imprint Lorimer Children & Teens
Language English
Number of Pages 128
Publication Date 2020-03-03
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV032210, JUV039050, JUV039220
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5 x 7.75
Lexile 520
Features Teaching Guides and eSource

Author: Karen Spafford-Fitz

Karen Spafford-Fitz is the author of five books for children and teens, including the Lorimer SideStreets novels Push Back and Saving Grad, both named Resource Links Magazine's Year's Best.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Lorimer Sports Stories

Realistic, action-packed sports stories for reluctant middle-grade readers. Each book covers a contemporary theme—like bullying, friendship or prejudice—set against the backdrop of a specific sport. The themes will appeal to kids who play sports, such as rivalry, teamwork, competition… View available downloads →