Some books stay with you long after you turn the last page, and Racing the Clouds by Sydney Dunlap is one of them. This heartfelt middle-grade novel, published by Jolly Fish Press and featured on the TBR and Beyond Tours, follows thirteen-year-old Sage as she navigates guilt, family tensions, and new beginnings. With an emotional depth that tackles addiction, grief, and forgiveness, this story beautifully explores resilience and hope. Add a loyal stray dog and a chance at healing old wounds, and you have a book that will tug at your heartstrings.
Title: Racing the Clouds
Author: Sydney Dunlap
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Publisher: Jolly Fish Press
Genre: Middle-grade Contemporary
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Buy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Synopsis:
If thirteen-year-old Sage had done one thing differently that day last November, everything would be fine. Only she didn’t, so she and her dad had to leave Philadelphia for a new life in middle-of-nowhere Virginia. Her dad has never actually said he blames her for what happened, but how could he not?
Sage is determined to push it all out of her mind, but then, just before summer vacation, she hears from the grandparents she’s never met. They want her to visit, and she realizes this could be her chance to mend the rift that’s kept everybody apart.
When she meets Grandmother Marion, though, Sage is sure her trip is headed for disaster. Except she wasn’t counting on making a new friend or rescuing a sweet stray dog. With them by her side, maybe she can find the courage to face what she’s been avoiding all along.
From the award-winning author of It Happened on Saturday comes a heartfelt and empowering story that explores the complexity of family relationships, the value of forgiveness, and how to find your way forward in a tough situation with resilience and hope.
Content warning: addiction, family member in rehab, substance abuse, parental separation, grief
15 Reactions While Reading Racing the Clouds
1️⃣ Right from the start, my heart aches for Sage! 💔 She carries so much guilt, and I just want to hug her.
2️⃣ Middle-of-nowhere Virginia? 🌲 I can already feel the isolation she must be experiencing.
3️⃣ The tension between Sage and Grandmother Marion is so well done. 😬 It’s awkward, uncomfortable, and so real.
4️⃣ Nicky!!! 🐶 I’m obsessed with this sweet stray dog already. Sage needs this kind of unconditional love in her life.
5️⃣ Sage’s bravery is incredible. 💪 Even when she’s scared or uncertain, she keeps moving forward.
6️⃣ The family drama is so layered. The unspoken words between Sage and her dad are heavy. 😞
7️⃣ The emotions in this book are hitting hard. 💔 Some scenes were really tough to read, but they felt necessary and real.
8️⃣ Sage’s friendship is such a bright spot. ✨ Having someone in her corner makes such a difference!
9️⃣ I love how the author handles addiction and family struggles with care. It’s painful but important.
🔟 I knew Sage and Grandmother Marion’s relationship would be complicated, but wow, it’s even more intense than I expected. 😳
1️⃣1️⃣ Nicky is officially my favorite. 🥹 The way Sage finds comfort in this dog is just beautiful.
1️⃣2️⃣ I kept waiting for a big emotional moment between Sage and her dad… and when it finally happened, it broke me. 😭
1️⃣3️⃣ The resilience in this story is everything. 💙 Sage is learning to forgive herself, and it’s so powerful.
1️⃣4️⃣ The ending was satisfying and hopeful. 😊 It didn’t feel rushed or forced—just right.
1️⃣5️⃣ Closing the book with a full heart. 💕 This story is about pain, healing, and courage, and I loved it.
Final Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Racing the Clouds was an emotional rollercoaster but ultimately uplifting! Sage’s journey through guilt, healing, and self-forgiveness was beautifully written, making me feel every high and low along the way. The tension between her and Grandmother Marion kept me hooked, and Nicky, the loyal stray dog, was the perfect companion for her emotional growth. While some moments were heartbreaking, the story’s message of resilience and hope made it all worthwhile. If you love middle-grade books with deep emotions, complex family dynamics, and a heartwarming ending, this one is a must-read! 💙📖
About the author:
Sydney Dunlap is an award-winning author and former elementary school teacher who has worked extensively with youth facing challenging circumstances. She enjoys reading and writing heartfelt, hopeful books that explore tough topics that aren’t often addressed in middle grade literature. Her 2023 debut novel, It Happened on Saturday, has received several medals and was named a 2024 OLA Masterlist selection and Crystal Kite Honor Book. Her next book, Racing the Clouds, releases 2/18/25. A lifelong animal lover, Sydney lives with her family in a home where the dogs and cats outnumber the people.
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