Twelve-year-old Annie ponders the many rhythms of life the year that her mother becomes pregnant, her grandfather begins faltering, and her best friend (and running partner) becomes distant.

"Preston the mouse has always dreamed of running in the New York City Marathon and even when his family says he cannot do it, Preston refuses to let go of his dream"--

Two seventh graders, Drew and Mia, spend their summer in Half Moon Bay, California, training for a half-marathon, and supporting each other as their families struggle with medical and financial problems.

George brags, procrastinates, and offers excuses instead of training for the big race--much to his later embarrassment.

Thirteen-year-old Theo, overweight and out of shape, finds that with his friend's support he just might be able to run in the race to raise money to help cancer patients like his aunt.

Best friends Olivia and Jessica are good runners, but Olivia is uncomfortable with competition, so when her friend talks her into joining the track team and Olivia is assigned to a long distance race, she is suddenly overcome by a fear of failure.

"It's been almost a year since Rain's brother Guthrie died, and her parents still don't know it was all Rain's fault. In fact, no one does--Rain buried her secret deep, no matter how heavy it weighs on her heart. So when her mom suggests moving the family from Vermont to New York City, Rain agrees. But life in the big city is different. She's never seen so many people in one place--or felt more like an outsider. With her parents fighting more than...