A reader who enjoys Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse is typically a middle-grade student who revels in fast-paced fantasy adventures with strong, diverse protagonists. Fans of Rick Riordan's works, particularly his Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, will find similar appeal in Roanhorse's Navajo mythology-inspired narrative.

Rebecca Roanhorse's Race to the Sun captivates readers with its blend of Navajo mythology and modern adventure. Praises highlight its strong lead character and cultural authenticity. However, some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it is lauded for its compelling narrative and diverse representation, making it a vivid read for middle graders.

In Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay discovers she can detect monsters, leading her on a quest to rescue her kidnapped father from the evil Mr. Charles. With her brother Mac and friend Davery, Nizhoni seeks Spider Woman and weapons to defeat the shapeshifting monsters, paralleling the Navajo hero twins' tale. The narrative discusses racist rhetoric, violence, and parental abandonment, and it references anti-gay rhetoric.

Adventurous / Fantastical / Exciting / Inspirational / Playful

Rebecca Roanhorse

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Race to the Sun reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Race to the Sun | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Race to the Sun Summary and Study Guide

Background

Race to the Sun Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Race to the Sun Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-15

Race to the Sun Chapters 7-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-27

Race to the Sun Chapters 16-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-34

Race to the Sun Chapters 28-34 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 35-46

Race to the Sun Chapters 35-46 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Race to the Sun Character Analysis

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Themes

Race to the Sun Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Race to the Sun Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Race to the Sun Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Race to the Sun Essay Topics

Race to the Sun

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Race to the Sun?

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Book Details