Release: January 19th, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Aladdin
Source: Amazon
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo.
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Perfect for Lizzy Legend fans and the Baseball Genius series, this quick-paced, heartfelt, and zany novel follows a speedy kid from an unconventional family who will do whatever it takes to win an international track contest.
Grant Falloon isn’t just good at the track; he’s close to breaking the world record 100-meter time for his age group. So when the mega-rich Babblemoney sneaker company announces an international competition to find the fastest kid in the world, he’s desperate to sign up.
But not so fast. Nothing’s ever that easy with the eccentric Falloon family. It turns out; his non-conformist parents never got him a legal birth certificate. He can’t race for the United States, so now, he may have to invent his own country if he wants to compete.
And even if that crazy plan works, winning gold will mean knocking his best friend—and biggest competitor—Jay, out of the competition. As unexpected hurdles arise, Grant will have to ask not only if winning is possible but what he’s willing to sacrifice for it.
About the Author:
Matthew Ross Smith is an author, musician, and writing professor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He’s also a teacher, a musician, and the Founder of The Spaces Between Your Fingers Project, a nonprofit that provides free biographers for people with Alzheimer’s.
For more, including animated writing tutorials you can share with your students, visit him at Matthew-Ross-Smith.com.
The Million Dollar Race Review:
I enjoyed reading “The Million Dollar Race” and thought the author incorporated the theme of social media and sports very nicely!
The author writes the story in a dynamic way that makes the reader interested in the topic. Initially, I was skeptical about reading the book because I am not a fan of sportsbooks. But, halfway into the story, I was hooked on the plot. The author also changes the storyline’s writing style, where parts are the family members’ transcript notes. This style made the book enjoyable to read.
Similarly, I loved the theme of the importance of social media. The concept of a virtual country sounds unbelievable initially, but soon after, it feels legitimate. Some parts also made me ponder about our present life. For instance, I liked the scene where Franny tells how the world was 1000 years ago vs. today. It made me think how the future might be in another few years as we continue to evolve. As someone active on social media, I enjoyed the various lengths that Franny and Grant go for “Grantsylvania” to take notice.
The characters are also well-drawn. I liked Grant’s parents and how were are radical and do what they feel. Grant also has a fantastic friendship with Jay. Even though they are rivals, they don’t let that affect their bond. However, I liked Grant’s relationship with Franny most of all. It was nice to see their bond get strong from working with each other. Even Babblemoney made a quirky villain.
Overall, “The Million Dollar Race” is a fun story of friendship, sports, and social media’s influence, making it a fun read.
