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65 pages 2 hours read

Patina

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Jason Reynolds

Patina

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Topic
Publication Year

2017

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

710L

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Super Short Summary

In Patina, Patina "Patty" Jones grapples with her passion for running, her responsibilities towards her family, and the challenges at her new, affluent school. She navigates living with her aunt and uncle while caring for her younger sister and dealing with her mother's severe health issues. Patty learns to trust her track team and find her place through a relay team, growing personally and athletically.

Challenging

Emotional

Inspirational

Hopeful

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

14,581 ratings

84%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Patina by Jason Reynolds delves into the life of Patina "Patty" Jones, a runner facing family challenges and a new school. Reviews praise its authentic voice, emotional depth, and strong character development. While some readers desired more plot complexity, most agree it’s a compelling, impactful read suitable for middle-grade audiences. Overall, it's lauded for its relatable themes and inspirational message.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Patina?

Readers who enjoy realistic, diverse, and emotionally rich stories will love Jason Reynolds's Patina. Adolescents and young adults, especially fans of Kwame Alexander's The Crossover and Jacqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming, will appreciate this tale of resilience, family, and athletic ambition.

4.4

14,581 ratings

84%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Patina “Patty” Jones

The protagonist and narrator, Patty is a strong and determined runner who grapples with intense personal challenges and the pressure to succeed.

Patty’s younger sister, who brings humor and depth to the story with her curious nature and acts as a source of emotional support for Patty.

Patty and Maddy’s mother, who remains an important figure in their lives despite health challenges, and provides motivation and support to Patty.

Patty and Maddy’s white aunt who supports them in practical and emotional ways, helping reduce Patty’s burdens and offering advice based on her own past experiences.

Patty and Maddy’s paternal uncle who, along with Momly, takes care of them; he inspires Patty's interest in running through stories about her father.

A classmate of Patty’s at Chester Academy who challenges initial assumptions with her genuine interest in space and offers authentic friendship and support.

The head coach of Patty’s track team, who uses inspirational quotes and practices to teach Patty about teamwork and persistence.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Topic
Publication Year

2017

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

710L

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