Racing hearts

Gr 6 Up--A grieving teen decides to join a triathlon, despite facing anti-fat bullying, and falls in love in this hi-lo novel. Sienna is still grieving her best friend, Stacey, who died by suicide, when she discovers that Stacey registered them for a triathlon as a joke. With encouragement from handsome and kind jock, Blake, Sienna decides to train for the triathlon, and the two begin a sweet romance. Sienna is plus sized and has been the target of anti-fat bullying. Di Lorenzo walks an excellent line of showing that Sienna's experience of bullying is real, but that other students are capable of respect and kindness. Readers watch as Sienna breaks down the walls she has built up around herself and opens herself to romance and new friendships. This refreshing sports story does not focus on Sienna trying to change or shrink her body; she wants to complete the triathlon in memory of her friend, and out of spite for her bullies. Another plus to this novel is that Blake likes Sienna first, and never wavers in or hides that he likes her. The book is written at a second grade reading level. VERDICT A quick hi-lo love story for readers who know sports are for people of all sizes.--Jeri Murphy

A quick-paced romance with a joyful message. Five months ago, Sienna Shoring's best friend, Stacey, died from suicide, and though that temporarily meant she was left alone by classmates, now the fatphobic bullying has started up again. Sienna is barely holding it together when a package is mailed to school addressed to her and Stacey. It turns out to be for a triathlon the girls signed up for together as a joke. Blake, a jock Sienna has had a crush on for a while, won't let her just forget about it. Not only does he seem to know who she is, he also seems to be determined to get her to do the triathlon. Against her better judgment, Sienna takes his advice and starts training for it--and Blake joins her as she exercises. As they continue to train together, they become closer--but there may be more to Blake's interest in her than she'd initially thought. In this body-positive story that is delightful from start to finish, Sienna is a charming and relatable lead, and Blake is the kind love interest who's easy to root for. With an immersive narrative that is effortless and simple, this is guaranteed to become a favorite for reluctant readers with an interest in romance. Main characters are cued white. Satisfying and endearing. (Romance. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.