Description

Alexander Moss knows he’s not the fastest kid in his class. His classmates Kent and Dusty know it too, and are happy to remind him at every opportunity. But when a summer fun run gets announced at school, Alex decides that winning isn’t the only reason to show up at a starting line.

Over the course of the summer, Alex builds an obstacle course, learns to run properly, faces down a pair of determined rivals, and gets a dose of wisdom from an old shopkeeper that echoes in a moment of truth.

The race itself brings everything to a head in a finish that asks Alex to make a choice with nothing to gain and everything to lose – and discover what it really means to earn a title.

Written in a warm, comic first-person voice that captures the logic and wonder of early-elementary childhood, Commander Alexander and the Big Race supports developing readers with short chapters, accessible vocabulary, crisp illustrations, and high-energy pacing – all while delivering age-appropriate themes of perseverance, integrity, sportsmanship, and the value of mentorship.

For independent readers ages 6–9 (Grades 1–3). Approximate Lexile: 500L. Themes include moral courage, friendship, family, and doing right by others. Comparable titles: Nate the Great, Magic Tree House.