Summary

Jake hates running cross country, but he has to in order to run track, his favorite sport, in the spring. He is encouraged on by his best friend, Sameed, always referred to as Sam. He is motivated to beat Tyler Montgomery and his Palmetto Ridge Middle School in their upcoming meet. Sam and Jake are ahead of the rest of the team during practice, even the newest member, Kirk Steiner. The two friends stop to wrestle, and then decide to sprint to beat everybody else, but in the end, Kirk comes out victorious. Jake is sure he is a shoe in for team captain, but when captains are announced, Sam and Kirk take the honors.

Jake and Sam, along with both of their families, celebrate Jake’s birthday. Sam’s twin sister Aamber Madina is also there. Sam offers to give up...