Hello! I'm Afoma.
  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Book Reviews, Middle-Grade · February 19, 2021

Review | The Million Dollar Race

The Million Dollar Race - Book Review

Summary: The Million Dollar Race

Grant Falloon is a super fast track runner, so it’s a no brainer when he gets the chance to sign up for the million dollar race organized by Babblemoney. The mega-rich sneaker company wants to give back a million dollars to the winning kids from their international contest. Unfortunately Grant runs into a couple of snags.

First, his best friend (and brother from another mother) Jay is also super fast and competing in the race. He doesn’t want their rivalry to strain their relationship. Then, even worse, he’s disqualified from the race because he doesn’t have a real birth certificate, thanks to his unconventional parents who had him while they were living in a commune off the grid.

Still, with the help of his eccentric younger brother who happens to be a vlogger, Grant decides to come up with a crazy plan that will enable him participate: start his own country. On top of the chaos from their plan, the kids also realize that there is more to the million dollar race than meets the eye.

The Good

This is a really unique story. I never knew where it would take me — and that’s something that’s rare in middle grade books. I loved Grant’s relationship with Jay and how their families were brought together despite being so different. Grant’s parents are hilarious and make for some good comic relief throughout the book.

This book is also written in different formats. There’s the basic prose, and then there are interviews (both real and imagined) of Grant, his family, Jay and some other kids, much like those with contestants in reality TV shows. It makes the story livelier and propels the plot forward. A lot of the funny bits are in the interviews.

The climax of this book was pleasantly surprising! I loved the way the author guides readers and the fact that on top of the humor and sports and family, there’s also sprinkling of mystery.

Overall: The Million Dollar Race

The Million Dollar Race is a unique middle grade book about male friendships, sports, unconventional families, and identity. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the touch of mystery and activism at the end. Grant and his brother also have an interesting dynamic, and we’re seeing more and more kid vloggers in middle grade books, which I quite enjoy. If you love funny books with male protagonists, this is an excellent one to try.

Buy This Book

the million dollar race

I received an eARC of this book from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

More Sports Books

  • The Distance to Home by Jenn Bishop
  • Up for Air by Laurie Morrison
  • One Last Shot by John David Anderson

See my full list of middle grade sports books here.

Have you read this book or any others by Matthew Ross Smith? I really liked this book!

Don't Forget to Share!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn

Related

Posted In: Book Reviews, Middle-Grade · Tagged: activism, boy friendships, boy stories, family, funny books, mystery, running track, siblings, sports

Join My Newsletter

Like what you just read? Sign up for my Friday kidlit newsletter!

Privacy Policy

You’ll Also Love

funny middle grade booksThe Best Funny Middle-Grade Books
Review | Coming Up Short
Review | In the Beautiful Country

Comments

  1. Anthony Mattoi says

    April 8, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    I like this book but is it non fiction or fiction? Also what are 6 words you would use to describe this book

    Reply
    • Afoma Umesi says

      April 8, 2021 at 12:33 pm

      Hi Anthony, it’s fiction! Hopefully, my review helps you get a sense of how I would describe it 🙂

      Reply

What do you think? Leave a comment Cancel reply

Next Post >

55 Middle-Grade Books About Death and Grief

About Me
Hi, I'm Afoma! Thank you for stopping by. Learn more about me here.

Get 2 Months Free on Scribd


Follow on Bloglovin’

Follow

We’re Social Too!

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Stock photos courtesy of our partners at DepositPhotos 📸
✨a suspenseful middle grade book✨ ✨chapter books worth reading!✨ Welcoming a second baby? Here’s a delightful picture book with tips for big kids. Although there’s more text in this one than I’d like for a typical picture book, I love that the information is factual and can be very helpful for parents tackling these specific questions with their big kids ❤️ ❓What happened to Rachel Riley❓ As much as I love new releases, I like to make room in my reading plans for books released a couple (or more) years before. Here’s my current backlist stack for 2023. ✨life’s easier when you can be yourself ✨
  • Blog
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Reading Middle Grade · Theme by 17th Avenue

 

Loading Comments...