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Racing Hearts

$16.32  Paperback
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Melinda Di Lorenzo

  • Racing Hearts
  • Racing Hearts
    This high-interest accessible novel for teen readers is a body-positive romance exploring first love, grief, perseverance & trusting in yourself

128 pages
Grade Readability: 2
Interest Age: 12 to 18
Lexile: 420
2023
ISBN: 9781459836808

To honour the death of her best friend, teen Sienna signs up to do a triathlon and finds a connection with an unexpected training partner in this body-positive romance exploring first love, grief, perseverance and trusting in yourself.

Five months ago, Sienna Shoring lost her best friend, Stacey, to suicide. Now Sienna's back at school, struggling—and failing—to find her new place in the social hierarchy. Awkward and alone, Sienna is still dealing with her grief. When a package arrives for the “Try It Triathlon,” which Stacey signed them up for as a joke, it’s like receiving a message from the grave. Sienna has no experience with running or biking. And she doesn’t even own a swimsuit. But she decides to take on the challenge in honour of her best friend, despite being a “fat girl.” And when mysterious jock Blake Romano approaches her unexpectedly and offers to train with her, she can hardly say no. He seems to understand her in a way no one else does. But Blake has a secret that might just break Sienna’s heart, even as he’s winning it.

"With an immersive narrative that is effortless and simple, this is guaranteed to become a favorite for reluctant readers with an interest in romance."
- Kirkus Reviews

"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...A quick hi-lo love story for readers who know sports are for people of all sizes."
- School Library Journal

"A fast-paced story…[with] a lot of great messages regarding body positivity…an ‘ultra-readable page-turner. Recommended."
- CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Di Lorenzo’s novel highlights how sports are for everyone and that connecting and bonding with others is necessary for good health."
- BC BookWorld