Published: 2018
Author: Jason Reynolds
Genres: Middle Grade Realistic Fiction, Sports, Family Dynamics
Audience: Grades 6–8
Number of Stars: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Goodreads Link: Patina
Content Warnings: Discussion of medical procedures (diabetes complications/amputation), poverty, and family illness.
Publisher’s Summary
Patina, or “Patty,” runs for many reasons. She runs to escape the “fancy” private school where she feels like an outsider. She runs for her little sister, Maddy, for whom she is a surrogate mother. But mostly, she runs for her biological mom, who can’t run anymore after losing her legs to “the sugar” (diabetes).
Living with her aunt and uncle (“Momly” and “Uncle Tony”) while staying deeply connected to her biological mother, Patty is a girl who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. As she joins the Defenders track team, she has to learn that being a teammate—and a sister—isn’t just about carrying the load alone; it’s about learning when to pass the baton.
Full Review
Picking up right where the cliffhanger of Ghost left off, Patina is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. While it shares the same track team and urban setting as the first book, the similarities end there. Jason Reynolds’s background in poetry and rap shines through in Patty’s distinct, rhythmic voice—a voice that is intentional, fierce, and entirely her own.
Patty is a “striver.” She doesn’t seek out fights, but she certainly finishes them. Her struggle to fit into a wealthy school while managing a complex “co-parenting” dynamic between her biological mother and her adoptive “Momly” is portrayed with incredible nuance. The reason she runs is heartbreakingly beautiful: she wants to accomplish what her mother physically cannot. For any student who loved Ghost, this sequel is an absolute must-read. It feels lived-in and raw without ever feeling repetitive.
🧬 Understanding “The Sugar”: Type 2 Diabetes
Patty’s mother’s condition is a central motivator for her character. In the book, Patty refers to it as “the sugar,” a common colloquialism for Diabetes Mellitus.
Medical Impact on the Family
The novel addresses the reality of chronic illness and its physical consequences:
- Circulation and Amputation: High blood sugar can lead to peripheral vascular disease. In the book, this resulted in Patty’s mother losing her legs, which serves as the catalyst for Patty’s athletic drive.
- Caregiving Roles: Patty acts as a “young carer,” balancing middle school with the physical and emotional support of her family members.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
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Health & Science (Chronic Illness): Use Patty’s mother as a case study for the social and physical impact of diabetes.
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Activity Idea: Research how diet and exercise play a role in managing “the sugar.” Why is access to healthy food often a challenge in communities like Patty’s?
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ELA (Voice and Diction): Analyze Jason Reynolds’s “intentional” word choice.
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Activity Idea: Compare a paragraph from Ghost to one from Patina. How does the rhythm of the sentences change to reflect each character’s personality? (Ghost is impulsive/scattered; Patty is disciplined/weighted).
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Social Studies (Family Structures): Explore the “Kinship Care” model (being raised by relatives).
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Activity Idea: Discuss the unique relationship between Patty, Maddy, and their two “moms.” How does this reflect real-world community support systems?
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Physical Education (Track & Field Mechanics): > Activity Idea: Practice relay handoffs. Discuss why communication is just as important as speed. How does “dropping the baton” in a race mirror a communication breakdown at home or school?
