The Race

Award-winning author Tom Palmer delivers a breathless, action-packed sports story as Jamie races against doubt to clinch a spot at the cross-country nationals.

Jamie stands at the start line alongside 299 other runners, knowing that only a top-ten finish will earn him a place at the cross-country nationals. As rain soaks the field and rivals jostle for position, Jamie must use every ounce of self-belief to keep pushing forwards. Cheered on by his mum and friends, he speeds through knee-deep mud and over a punishing hill.

But with each step burning, can he dig deep enough to secure himself a place at the finals?

About the author

Tom Palmer was a reluctant reader as a child and credits articles about football with getting him into reading. He is now the multi-award-winning author of many books for young readers, including the Young Quills Award winner After the War and FCBG Children’s Book Award winners Armistice Runner and D-Day Dog. In 2019, Tom was awarded the National Literacy Trust’s Ruth Rendell Award in recognition of his significant contribution to literacy work in the UK.