Horn Book

This third installment in the chapter book series (Kelsey Green, Reading Queen, rev. 5/13; Annika Riz, Math Whiz, rev. 5/14) focuses on Izzy Barr, one of those girls who make the phrase “run like a girl” a compliment instead of an insult. Due to Izzy’s love of running and dedication to practice, she is the fastest runner in the third grade—except when classmate Skipper beats her. Not only has Skipper just gotten some fancy track shoes, but her dad is their P.E. teacher and the coach for Franklin School’s Fitness Club, which trains students for the citywide 10K race. Izzy desperately wants to beat her rival, first at the upcoming school field day and then at the 10K. The story’s other major tension involves Izzy’s jealous feelings whenever her dad attends one of her half-brother’s athletic events instead of hers. Mills presents and resolves problems in a winning story, and Shepperson’s depiction of Izzy as African American adds some welcome diversity to this group of friends. jennifer m. brabander