Side Tracked

Grade seven student Joseph lives with ADD and anticipatory anxiety coupled with a slim physique, which make him a target for bullies. When confident, strong Heather moves to the school they become friends and Joseph reluctantly joins the cross-country team where he struggles to become a passable runner but gains self-understanding and learns to look beyond himself and celebrate the challenges and achievements of others. Suited for read-aloud and independent, literature circle or guided reading, the novel raises many issues middle school students face and offers opportunities to explore ADD, anxiety, body image and expectations, gender roles, aging, and bullying.