The Million Dollar Race

Matthew Ross Smith's The Million Dollar Race is a funny, big-hearted sports story for 9 year olds about a sprinter who wants one more shot at glory.

What happens

Grant Falloon is very, very fast. He's nearly at the record for kids his age over 100 metres, and the book opens with him flying down the track at the biggest meet of the year.

Then he glances at his family in the crowd and trips, a literal inch from the finish line. His little brother films it. More than eight million people watch it online.

So when a billionaire sneaker boss announces a race for the fastest kids in the world, with a million-dollar prize, Grant wants in. There's just one problem. His family.

The Falloons don't own a car or a TV. They cycle everywhere in single file in matching orange vests. Dad makes Dracula dolls in the garage and buys yogurt just past its date because it's half price. Every big decision goes to a vote at the Family Council, even a permission form.

Grant loves them and is mortified by them in equal measure, and that's what makes him such good company. He's funny about it, but there's a real ache underneath. Who hasn't wished their family was a bit more normal at some point?

His best mate Jay is also his fiercest rival, and the race puts real pressure on that friendship. Jay's big brother is a Marine serving overseas, and there's a lovely moment when he turns up at a family party without warning.

The story is told in lots of different ways. Some chapters are Grant talking to you, some are text messages, and some are written like a TV sports documentary with everyone giving their side. It moves quickly and it's very easy to keep turning the pages.

It's American through and through (track meets, middle school, sneakers), but the feelings travel just fine.

What to read next

Grant's mum takes one look at the race and says it reminds her of a certain chocolate factory. So if your reader enjoys a life-changing contest run by a very rich grown-up, try Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Charlie's family is poor and squashed into one tiny house, and five Golden Tickets could change everything.