Andreo's Race

Gr 8 Up—This action-packed book revolves around the topics of adventure races and illegal adoptions, managing to make both interesting and highly readable. Sixteen-year-old Andreo was adopted as a baby, and his family's upcoming team adventure race in Bolivia is a chance for him to learn more about his origins. When his friend and fellow adoptee Raul discovers that they may have been stolen as babies from their rightful parents, the pair resolve to investigate during the race. Andreo navigates through nighttime cycling, awkward family dynamics, and wanted criminals in his search for his birth mother. The experience of adventure racing is brought to life in the story, with readers experiencing the intensity of training and competition through Andreo. The excitement of the sport is mirrored by his emotional hunt for clues leading to his birth family, and his discoveries and achievements are well paced. Andreo's imperfect relationship with his adoptive family is the most strained part of the story but works as a plot device, and is resolved in the all's-well ending.