The Million Dollar Race - by Matthew Ross Smith (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"I dare you to predict the winner of The Million Dollar Race. OK, you dragged it out of me: it's the READER!" --Jerry Spinelli, Newbery Award-winning author of Maniac Magee

​Perfect for fans of Lizzy Legend 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 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. Turns out, his non-conformist parents never got him a legal birth certificate. He can't race for the United States, so now if he wants to compete, he may just have to invent his own country.

And even if that 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.

Review Quotes

"I dare you to predict the winner of The Million Dollar Race. OK, you dragged it out of me: it's the READER! Ready...set..." --Jerry Spinelli, Newbery Award-Winning Author of Maniac Magee

"In twin tributes to sports and social conscience presented through a mix of well-lead narrative, texts, and transcribed sound clips, young athletes cleverly subvert an unscrupulous shoe company's marketing stunt...Action on and off the track invites cheers from sports fans and budding activists alike." --Booklist "December 1, 2020"

"Part classic sports story, part criticism of digital media celebrity obsession, all heart."--Kirkus Reviews "November 15, 2020"

A Junior Library Guild Selection