Lu

Lu is a 2019 novel written by American author Jason Reynolds and published by Simon & Schuster. Lu is the fourth and final installment in the New York Times bestselling Track series, in which each volume follows a different member of an elite middle-school track team.

This book for young adults follows Lu Richardson as he learns to have integrity, jump hurdles without fear of messing up, and be the big brother he wants to be. This study guide refers to the Atheneum Books for Young Readers edition.

Plot Summary

Lu Richardson was born with albinism, and his mother was not supposed to be able to have children at all. So, when Lu learns that he is going to be a big brother, he feels like lightning has struck his family twice. His parents, Christina and Gordon aka Goose, ask him whether he wants to go to their upcoming appointment to find out the baby’s sex or go to track practice. Lu opts to go to practice, where Coach helps Lu perfect the 110-meter hurdle. After an embarrassing fall during the last meet, Lu is determined to be successful in jumping the hurdles. Despite Coach’s encouragement, each time Lu reaches the hurdle, his mind gets the better of him and he stops short.