Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Amaka Egbe’s “Run Like a Girl” is a powerful young adult sports book that also explores identity, family dynamics, and resilience. This is a compelling coming-of-age story many readers, especially those interested in sports, will relate to and enjoy. At its heart is Chidera “Dera” Okafor, a talented runner whose life is upended when she is forced to move in with her estranged father in a wealthy, predominantly white suburb of Dallas. Used to the support of her mother and a strong track team back home, Dera finds herself in an unfamiliar world where the school doesn’t even have a girls’ track team—and where her very presence challenges deep-seated biases about race and gender in sports.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its unflinching look at sexism and racism. Dera faces microaggressions from both white classmates and some Black students who don’t see her as “fitting in.” The hostility on the boys’ track team is shocking—ranging from dismissive comments to outright bullying, including a disturbing moment when her braids are cut off. These moments highlight the real struggles female athletes, particularly women of color, continue to face in male-dominated spaces. Yet, Dera’s determination never wavers. Supported by her growing found family, including her loyal teammates Liam and Gael, and her best friend from home, Moot, she proves that she belongs on the track just as much as anyone else.
Beyond sports, “Run Like a Girl” dives deeply into family relationships. Dera’s father is emotionally distant, overprotective, and at times unintentionally sexist. He struggles to connect with a daughter he barely knows, and Dera wrestles with resentment over his absence from her life. However, the book doesn’t paint him as a villain—his Nigerian heritage and personal struggles add depth to his character, and his girlfriend Joyce becomes a surprising source of support for Dera. The slow rebuilding of their relationship is one of the most touching aspects of the book.
The romance between Dera and Gael is well-developed, feeling natural rather than forced. Their dynamic is built on mutual respect and support, making it an enjoyable subplot that enhances rather than overshadows the main themes. Similarly, Dera’s friendship with Roselyn is another highlight—Dera’s realization of her own shortcomings as a friend and her growth throughout the book make her an incredibly relatable protagonist.
While the book is packed with important themes, it never feels overwhelming. Egbe balances heavier topics with moments of joy, triumph, and camaraderie. The track scenes are vivid and exhilarating, making this an excellent read for young athletes. The ending is particularly satisfying—Dera not only achieves success on the track but also finds emotional growth, reconciliation with her father, and a supportive community that believes in her.
Overall, “Run Like a Girl” is an inspiring and thought-provoking novel, perfect for younger YA readers and sports lovers. Dera’s story is one that deserves to be heard—because girls can, and always will, run.

As a former track kid, so much rang true in this story about a girl who transfers to a new school in the middle of her junior year and--when she learns the school doesn't have a girl's track team--begins training with the boy's track team. There is a lot going on in this book. Main character Dera deals with not only being the new kid in a school that's much wealthier (and, it is implied, whiter, though her new friends and teammates represent a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds) than her previous school, but bullying, friendship issues, a romantic situationship, and a fraught relationship with her father. Author Elbe deftly ties these threads together against the backdrop of Dera's track season. I can see how some readers might find it a little unbelievable that Dera manages to win every single race, but as a person who came in dead last in the majority of her own high school track races, I enjoyed living vicariously through her.

Amaka Egbe’s Run Like a Girl is an inspiring and empowering story about perseverance, ambition, and defying societal expectations. Following a young protagonist breaking barriers in the world of competitive sports, the novel dives into themes of resilience, gender equity, and self-belief. Egbe’s vibrant storytelling and heartfelt character development make this an engaging read, leaving readers cheering for the protagonist’s journey on and off the track. A motivational tale for anyone striving to carve their own path.

Run Like a Girl by Amaka Egbe is a young adult fiction. I knew I would enjoy the book immediately I read the description on Netgalley and I wasn't disappointed. I breezed through the book in a short while. Born to a Nigerian father and a black American mother, Chidera (Dera) was happy with her life, especially her status on the track team, despite her father's absence. When she suddenly has to go live with her estranged father in the middle of White Suburbia, and attend a school with no girls' track team, her dream of getting into college and the Olympics is threatened, but she is determined to overcome the hurdles - being different, bullying, dating issues, dad issues, etc. This was both an interesting and inspiring read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine