Jason Reynolds, a bestselling author of the middle-grade “Track” series, is set to release a new book titled “Coach” this upcoming fall. The cover of the book has been exclusively revealed by PEOPLE. This new installment, published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, serves as a companion novel to Reynolds’ well-loved series which follows the journey of a middle school track team. Each member of the team has their own book in the series, including “Ghost,” a National Book Award finalist, along with “Patina,” “Sunny,” and “Lu.”
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In “Coach,” readers will delve into the story of the team’s coach, Otie Brody, a former determined track star inspired by his Olympian father, Carl Lewis. Otie’s unwavering determination was fuelled by a pair of lucky Jordans gifted to him by his father. However, when Otie wakes up one day to find his cherished shoes missing, it leads him on a path to uncover more about his father, who has also mysteriously disappeared. This new book promises to add depth to the beloved series and offer readers a fresh perspective on the characters they have grown to love.
Despite a gap since the last release in 2018, Reynolds shared that this hiatus allowed him time to reflect on the series as a whole. The author expressed pride in the “Track” series but remains focused on creating new and impactful stories. Reynolds stated, “Ghost happened, and I’m so glad it happened. But I’m still ‘happening’ every day.” The anticipation for “Coach” has been building since its inception in 2016, and Reynolds is eager to witness how fans will react to Otie’s story after years of speculation.
Apart from the “Track” series, Jason Reynolds is known for his outstanding work in books such as “All American Boys” and “Long Way Down.” He has received numerous accolades, including the Caldecott Honor, a Newbery Award Honoree, and two National Book Award nominations. “Coach” is scheduled for publication on Oct. 14 and is currently available for pre-order, promising readers another insightful and engaging tale from the talented author.
Overall, the announcement of “Coach” marks a highly anticipated return for Jason Reynolds to his acclaimed middle-grade series. With his distinctive storytelling style and ability to connect with readers of all ages, Reynolds continues to solidify his reputation as a prominent voice in children’s literature. Fans of the “Track” series and newcomers alike can look forward to immersing themselves in the world of Coach Otie Brody, experiencing a tale of perseverance, mystery, and self-discovery in this upcoming release.