Run, Mo, Run! (Mo Jackson #6)

Gr 1-3—Mo, a Black child, is excited for the relay race after school. The only problem is that he keeps dropping the baton during practice and is distracted all day. How will he and his friend win? Adler continues his collection of Mo stories; as always, the plot is rooted in relatable sporty interests, written in simple short words, but telling a complex story. This one includes Mo and his friends, their worries about the race, their practice, the school day, the race itself, and the rewards. At no point is it too much for a reader to work through any issue of pacing or word choice. Ricks's illustrations also help explain the steps of the story, in tandem with the words. VERDICT Adler and Ricks continue provide another sports-themed beginning reader book to students on the verge of moving into chapter books.—Margaret Kennelly, Media Specialist, Indian Head Elem. Sch., MD