Defenders Track Team: Sunny (#3)

Ghost. Patina. Sunny. Lu. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds with personalities that are explosive when they clash. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team—a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves.

Sunny is just that—sunny. Always ready with a goofy smile and something nice to say, Sunny is the chillest dude on the Defenders team. Not even running the mile makes him break a sweat. But Sunny’s life hasn’t always been bright and easy. His mother died during childbirth, and now it’s just Sunny and his dad. His dad keeps him close, having Sunny homeschooled and driving him to and from track practice every day. But Sunny’s favorite part of the week is when his grandfather—a doctor—takes him to the hospital to dance for sick patients. Not only does Sunny’s dancing brighten the patients’ days, it makes Sunny happy, too—a whole lot happier than running does. But Sunny’s dad loves that he’s a runner, and Sunny’s GOOD at it, really good—the team needs him—so does he keep it up? Would it be selfish not to? How do you balance your own happiness with others?

Age Range:  10 - 14