• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

When it comes to cross-country running, Jake does everything right, but he still comes in second.

He eats all the right foods, trains like crazy and reads articles about running in his spare time. There's nothing easy about running, but the hardest part for Jake is that, at the end of the day, Spencer Solomon always wins first place. Determined to take the lead for once, Jake continues to push himself even more. His rigorous training schedule leaves no time for friends, family, pizza or joking around. When Jake is invited to join the Diamond Running Club, he thinks he's found an opportunity to train harder. Instead, with the help of his coach, Jake begins to rediscover what he used to love about running in the first place.

Way back when she was in grade school, Sylvia Taekema was asked to write about what she would like to do when she grew up. She wrote that she didn't know exactly, but that it would probably have something to do with children. She was right. In addition to all the fun she and her husband have with their own children, Sylvia enjoys working as a supply teacher and as a volunteer in programs for children at school, church and in the community. She loves to read, bake cookies and go on camping adventures with her family. She lives in Chatham, Ontario.

Sylvia Taekema's profile page

• Nominated, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Award
• Nominated, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Diamond Willow

"A strong story with a good plot and wonderful message. The characters are also engaging making this a good solid read."

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group

"The story shows how becoming obsessed with something you once loved will eventually take the enjoyment of out it. The language is simple for the target age, with a few harder words to challenge the reader's skill...Good for children who fall in the eight to eleven age bracket who are looking for a short novel or a beginning chapter book."

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"An accessible read, Seconds is written in a very straightforward manner...Everything is tight and economical, just like a runner should be. A recommended read for young sports fans, especially those who are interested in running."

CM Magazine