Lu by Jason Reynolds

Lu (Atheneum, $16.99), the self-assured co-captain of the Defenders, unexpectedly faces some hurdles as the track season winds down: he’s about to become a big brother, he’s made a startling discovery about the relationship between his father and his coach, and he’s suddenly having difficulty jumping actual hurdles. It’s going to take more than a little lightning if Lu truly wants to win it all. Jason Reynolds triumphantly concludes his Track quartet with a humorous and heartfelt story about facing your fears and finding the family that you didn’t know you had. Ages 12-15.