Cotton, Patina’s friend, likes Lu, who is one of the other runners.Also…no…gross…stop it…right now…seriously.” Patina thinks, “Was Sunny checkin’ me out? If he was, now was not the time. They stretch together at practice and Sunny stares at her legs. Patina’s story emphasizes one of the really beautiful parts of life: no one is ever really alone. Track fans and non-sport readers alike will find that this story places importance on friendship and family. The returning cast and newcomers blend together to create a realistic environment for Patina and her cohorts to flourish on and off the track. Family, blood-related or otherwise, remains a key component of the Defenders Track Team series, and particularly in Patina’s life. What makes Patina strong is that she’s able to keep running, and she runs for her mom, her sister, her adoptive family, and her teammates. Patina knows her mom is living on borrowed time and that one day, she will lose her, too. The power of each book in this series resides within the characters’ capacities to overcome their daunting situations. Reynolds has a knack for writing unique characters in specific situations that, despite their specificity, contain universal themes. Not all burdens, especially emotional ones, should be carried alone. Patina shows that the world needn’t be entirely on anyone’s shoulders. With the help of her coaches and teammates, she is able to let go of her independent streak enough to let others in. Patina is intense and often confrontational, but her fierce loyalty and love for her family make her relatable. Because she runs for Ma and Maddy, she feels that anything less than first is her failing her family. Anything less than first place, as far as she’s concerned, is losing. For someone with her history, it’s no wonder why Patina runs with a chip on her shoulder. Now, Patina lives with Emily and Tony, and although they’re good people, Patina misses her parents. Her mother then developed Type II diabetes, or what she calls “The Sugar,” and lost her legs. Tragedies shape her life: when she was young, one morning her dad never woke up. In the second installment of Reynolds’s Defenders Track Team series, Patina takes over as narrator. It’s okay to wait for the handoff, both in track and in life. ![]() She doesn’t have to do everything alone, including the relay. When her uncle steps in, it only shows further that she isn’t alone and doesn’t have to be the parent to her younger sister-or herself. When her aunt and Maddy get in a car crash, Patina realizes that depending on others is necessary. ![]() Depending on her teammates, especially the ones she doesn’t get along with, seems, well, impossible. Patina is finding that no matter how fast she runs, she can’t outrun her fears.Įven worse, Patina’s attitude has slipped, and Coach is making her run in a relay with the people she argues with. She’s afraid “The Sugar” will take her mom from her too. Patina has fears other than trying to fit in at her school, though. Now they go to the fancy Chester Academy and live with Aunt Emily and Uncle Tony. ![]() Ever since Patina and Maddy’s mom got diabetes and lost her legs, their lives have changed dramatically.
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