Right on Track

July 1, 2018
Grades 6-9 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Richards-Ross discusses fitness, family, and faith in this autobiography, which doubles as a motivational handbook. Starting with her childhood in Jamaica, her move to the U.S., and her eventual triumphs as a track star, Richards-Ross covers familiar territory: try new experiences, failure is a stepping-stone to personal growth, be true to yourself, and so on. Each chapter concludes with a set of Right on Track challenges that provide talking points and, sometimes, activities to encourage the reader to dig deeper into the theme of the chapter. Richards-Ross' emphasis on her Christian belief and the way it has guided her personal life and career is written for the initiated; she is not out to convert, but assumes a similar value system on the part of the reader. As such, it might alienate readers who want a straightforward sports biography, but it is also what gives her story heart. Overall, this positive book about a competitive, successful, female athlete of color still in the public eye should find an audience in most libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)