Running My Own Race

There is so much to unpick in this novel: it's about running, which makes a change from football; it's about family relationships that aren't often written about (a pushy but adoring mother), and it's about fitting into a new school where racism rears its ugly head. It's edgy and at times makes for slightly uncomfortable reading but I absolutely loved it!

In Running My Own Race, 11-year-old Kofi has mixed feelings when he wins a scholarship to a local private school. It means leaving his best friend Charlie behind and carrying all the weight and expectations of his local community, not to mention his those of his mother, but the school does have a running track. Kofi has never told his family that he dreams of becoming a professional athlete but when he is spotted by the school coach, he begins to see that, with hard work, his dreams might come true. If only Miles, a relentless bully, would leave him alone, and his mum would understand what he really wants to do.

Through the course of the novel, Kofi comes to realise that he must learn to stand up for what he wants, and it's impossible not to be on the side of Team Kofi. My heart broke when he opened up to his big sister and when, later, he is brave enough to ask for a restorative justice conversation, I wanted to cheer.

This is unquestionably a book for classroom and library bookshelves. It is nuanced, engaging and, if it is read in school, it could promote useful conversations around resilience and fairness.

240 pages / Reviewed by Rachel Bolton

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Kofi's talent for running has helped him win a scholarship to a prominent private school. When he is selected for the athletics team, he begins to believe that his dream of one day becoming a professional athlete may actually come true. However, as the only Black pupil in his year, he soon realises that life at Nunford School is not going to be easy. Fellow runner, Miles, is jealous of Kofi's sporting prowess and begins to do everything he can to make Kofi's life miserable. Under pressure from his ambitious mother, and with his whole community watching his progress with pride, Kofi struggles to cope with what is happening to him. Can he learn to stand up for himself and forge his own path in life?

I loved Running My Own Race! I was drawn in from the very first page and found it hard to put down. Kofi is such an endearing character, kind and loyal to his family and determined to make the most of the opportunity he has been given. It was hard to read of his struggles with bullying and racism, but the author deals with these subjects sensitively and the reader is rooting for Kofi throughout the book.

His family are close knit and loving, but his mother's ambition for her youngest child is overpowering and difficult for Kofi to deal with. His father is more accepting of Kofi's choices, but it is his older sister, Abigail, who proves to be his staunchest ally. Kofi proves what a strong character he has become later in the novel; he learns that he sometimes has to ask for help, even if it means upsetting those close to him.

Running My Own Race would be a great book to share with a class at any time, and with its strong anti-bullying theme could provoke some interesting discussions. The pace of the novel is perfectly pitched, and the conclusion gloriously satisfying. I would love to hear more about Kofi - he is too fine a character for only one book! Highly recommended - and a great cover too, by the way!

240 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+