The Million Dollar Race

by Matthew Ross Smith

“I dare you to predict the winner of The Million Dollar Race . OK, you dragged it out of it’s the READER!” —Jerry Spinelli, Newbery Award–winning author of Maniac Magee

​ Perfect for fans of Lizzy Legend and the Baseball Genius series, this quick-paced, heartfelt, and zany novel follows a speedy kid from an unconventional family who will do whatever it takes to win an international track contest.

Grant Falloon isn’t just good at track; he’s close to breaking the world record 100-meter time for his age group. So when the mega-rich Babblemoney sneaker company announces an international competition to find the fastest kid in the world, he’s desperate to sign up.

But not so fast. Nothing’s ever that easy with the eccentric Falloon family. Turns out, his non-conformist parents never got him a legal birth certificate. He can’t race for the United States, so now if he wants to compete, he may just have to invent his own country.

And even if that plan works, winning gold will mean knocking his best friend—and biggest competitor—Jay, out of the competition. As unexpected hurdles arise, Grant will have to ask not only if winning is possible, but what he’s willing to sacrifice for it.

Genres: Middle Grade, Sports, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Fiction, Childrens, Humor

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2021

About the author

Matthew Ross Smith is an author from Philly.

He's also a teacher, a musician, and the Founder of The Spaces Between Your Fingers Project, a nonprofit that provides free biographers for people with Alzheimer’s.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

the gimmick from The Million Dollar Shot + the humor and zaniness of The Smartest Kid in the Universe = this story
Friends Grant and Jay must compete against each other to qualify to be in a race for a million dollars.

[Matthew Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reluctant reader starts the first page...and that's not bad...so they keep going. They don't know it but the sentences are calibrated to speed them along. The pages are flying by. They're laughing out loud, nodding in recognition, maybe even crying a little. Two hours later they've finished it...and wow, they didn't know books could *do* that.

That's why I wrote THE MILLION DOLLAR RACE. To catalyze that magical process, the one we all know and love (but some kids don't yet). So if you're out there and that's you...or you have a kid like that...or some students like that...give it a shot. I think you'll find that the writing is way better than you expected from a "sports book."

Thanks for taking the time to read this "review." Ha. Lots of love, wherever this finds you.

-Matthew Ross Smith
Feb. 2021

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Million Dollar Race is a unique middle grade book about male friendships, sports, unconventional families, and identity. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the touch of mystery and activism at the end. Grant and his brother also have an interesting dynamic, and we’re seeing more and more kid vloggers in middle grade books, which I quite enjoy. If you love funny books with male protagonists, this is an excellent one to try.

Read my full review on my blog

Thanks to the author for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice story about friendship, family, competition and doing the right thing ❤️

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a 2022-2023 nominee for the Golden Sowers Chapter book list.

I read this book to get a jump start on the Golden Sower list for next year. I always like to have a pretty solid working knowledge of the titles, and sports books are HUGE in my library. This one was good, but not nearly as good as some of the other sports books we have had (Ghost and Hooper I'm looking at you). It deals with some hefty topics (consumerism, commercialism, working conditions, etc) but does so in a very surface level manner.

Overall, I think most younger middle grade readers (5th-7th grades) will like this book.

[Gwendolyn Martindale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book. I read it to my fourth grade students because it is part of our state reading competition. I LOVE how this book explores conflicting feelings (being upset for yourself and jealous of a friend but also being excited and proud of that friend) dealing with embarrassing family members, handling the emotions that accompany any big event (race, performance, etc). It’s also great that it has high interest for male readers, especially younger male readers. The boys’ friendship really explores the many complex layers that real friendships have. I highly recommend this book for mid to upper elementary students.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun book that will appeal to both track fans and YouTube enthusiasts! When Grant is disqualified from a life changing race due to a technicality with his birth certificate, his YouTuber brother Franny helps him create his own virtual "country" so that he can still race. While this may appear to be a light hearted book, it deals with some important issues facing our world today, including our desires for "likes" and views as well as labor conditions around the world. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[Jillian Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I look for in a book… friendships, a real life problem and solution-not just a “they lived happily ever after,” flawed characters that grow and humor. Recommended for fifth grade and up since the main character is in eighth grade. It includes interview chapters that read quickly as well as regular chapters. Grant and Jay are likable characters and Freddy just made me laugh and want to be his friend.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grant earned his spot to compete in an international 100-m race worth $1 million. But his unconventional family's lack of a proper birth certificate makes him ineligible. What can he do?! Start his own country.

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Golden Sower Nominee 2022-2023

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about running, friendship, a fake country and standing up to big corporations.

This is a 2025 Oregon Battle of the Books selection for grades 3-5.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

racing to grow up…

Great middle school read … well-crafted story of friendship, competition, families & doing the right things even when it’s hard …it was a fun read…

[Lily W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like Track and competition? The Million Dollar Race, By Matthew Ross Smith has it all. Grant and Jay are best friends who love to run. They are on a track team together, when one day Jay sees an ad online that says “Do you love to run? Do you love money? Then this race is for you. Join us as we figure out who will win the Million dollars, and a sponsorship of tennis shoes” Jay signs up immediately but Grant isn’t so sure. Grant is nervous because his parents don’t have a legal birth certificate for him. The reason behind this is because he wasn’t born in a hospital, he was born in a bus. Matthew Ross Smith does a good job of creating a story like no other. The chapters in this book are short so it goes by so fast, and before you know it you are at the ‘finish line’





Spoiler Alert Ahead




Grant has the biggest idea yet. Although it could be very risky, he goes ahead and tries it. He decides to create a fake country and a new identity to get into the Million Dollar Race. He names his country Grantsylvania. He makes a website to promote this country. He gains followers from all over the world, and the best thing happens, he gets into the race. With a lot of ups and downs, he makes it to the finals. And he is going up against his best friend Jay. This book reminds me of the Track series by Jason Reynolds. Matthew Ross Smith creates charters in this book with very big personalities. Grant has a big personality, if he is willing to create a new country. Read more to find out who will take home the prize of One Million Dollars.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed most of this book; the friendship, description of running, and attitudes toward working out were all great. The ending lost me, however, because (SPOILER ALERT) even though it was an important cause, it was the kind of performative activism that doesn't impact the corporation it's protesting while really impacting the people doing the protest. I really wish they had won the race then spoken out; I think that would have been no less effective, and possibly more, and they'd have had the benefits of winning. Teaching kids this kind of dramatics matters only sets them up for disillusionment and makes them less likely to be ongoing fighters for justice in the future.

A5R5K5

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end, the bit about destiny not being something that is written in advance but constantly changing "as we change, new lanes opening is before us as other's fade" loved this and feel it is a great description.
This was a good book. I enjoyed the characters and their growth. The plot was good. I liked how it was interspersed with interviews.
Would be something I'd recommend to kids wanting a sports read.

[Candice Trimm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Smith's books. They are the perfect read for upper elementary and middle school. Whether you like sports or not, it's an enjoyable and fast read. I can't wait for his next book. His books have the right amount of action without too many words to enjoy. My fav book of his is Lizzy Legend.

[Terry Filkohazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the kids came together in the end and did what was right. A hard thing to do, giving up a million dollars, but they did what they felt was right, when ultra-rich Ms. Babblemoney didn't!!! And she could afford to give up a few million!!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the quirky Falloon family. The competition between friends reminded me of the Amigo Brothers short story, and with running as a focus, I though of Ghost by Jason Reynolds. It flowed well and has some nice life lessons wrapped in.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with so many sports fiction novels, this was about so much more than sports! I loved loved loved the friendship between Grant and Jay. It shows that competition, rivalry and compassion can exist side by side.

Grades 6 and up.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

For your Korman readers, here's a sports story with a strong message and likable, relatable characters that finds that sweet spot between silly story and a digestible theme for the age group. I really enjoyed the audiobook and the fast-paced nature of a heartfelt racing story.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun & funny story. Nice to read a story where the sport is sprints.

[Kellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fun book! It was very easy to read, very contemporary in its references

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Blog]::[Youtube]::[Twitter]::[Instagram]::[Pinterest]::[Bloglovin]



I enjoyed reading “The Million Dollar Race” and thought the author incorporated the theme of social media and sports very nicely!

The author writes the story in a dynamic way that makes the reader interested in the topic. Initially, I was skeptical about reading the book because I am not a fan of sportsbooks. But, halfway into the story, I was hooked on the plot. The author also changes the storyline’s writing style, where parts are the family members’ transcript notes. This style made the book enjoyable to read.

Similarly, I loved the theme of the importance of social media. The concept of a virtual country sounds unbelievable initially, but soon after, it feels legitimate. Some parts also made me ponder about our present life. For instance, I liked the scene where Franny tells how the world was 1000 years ago vs. today. It made me think how the future might be in another few years as we continue to evolve. As someone active on social media, I enjoyed the various lengths that Franny and Grant go for “Grantsylvania” to take notice.

The characters are also well-drawn. I liked Grant’s parents and how were are radical and do what they feel. Grant also has a fantastic friendship with Jay. Even though they are rivals, they don’t let that affect their bond. However, I liked Grant’s relationship with Franny most of all. It was nice to see their bond get strong from working with each other. Even Babblemoney made a quirky villain.

Overall, “The Million Dollar Race” is a fun story of friendship, sports, and social media’s influence, making it a fun read.

[Tierra M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Million Dollar Race was written by Matthew Ross Smith. Matthew Ross Smith has also written Lizzy Legend. The book is about these 2 boys named Grant and Jay who are bestfriends and are in track and find out about this Million dollar race and want to go. So they sign up for the race and when they get to the place where the race is the security guards have to take Grant and his family to a metting room and they tell him that he can’t race because his birth certificate that Grant gave them wasn’t real and they wouldn’t let him race. So then Grant and his little brother Franny come up with an idea so that he can race. They make up their own state/town called Grantsylvania so that he can race with Jay and win the race. Later on that day in the book Jay and Grant have to race to determine the winner but when they got close to the finish line they both stopped right in front of it because they wanted to win the race together so they crossed the finish line at the same time and they both won the race together.

I think some of the most important aspects of the book are when Franny helps Grant. I also think another on is when Jay’s older brother comes back early from the war and suprises Jay and his mom and Grant and his family.

I would totally reccomend this book to someone who loves mystery books and realistic fiction books and who loves to read about sportsy like things. I really like this book because it had a purpose and it was very interesting to read. I really like how the ending of the book was. This is a really good book and I TOTALLY recommend it. I also like it because I like track and it was about track.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Babblemoney Sneaker Company runs a worldwide contest to crown the fastest boy and girl in the world, Grant Falloon is on board to take the challenge. Training to beat the record set by Usain Bolt, he's very close to setting the world record (for his age group) in the 100 meter.

There is more to the contest than recognition, however. A million dollar trust fund and lifetime sponsorship deal comes with the title!

Soon Grant and his best friend, Jay, are registered to compete - hopeful their friendship can survive this level of competition. Then Grant faces challenges stemming from his unconventional family. At least these are difficulties that can be anticipated. Maybe even planned for . But when an unexpected stumbling block pops up involving the Babblemoney Sneaker Company itself, how will the boys respond to the challenge?

I thoroughly enjoyed the style and pacing of Matthew Ross Smith's "The Million Dollar Race". His crafting of Grant as a character caused me to become quite invested in him. A desire to discover how the story would end kept me reading straight through - and the addition of a moral dilemma we see played out periodically in today's news made it meaningful to put myself in the shoes of the runners as they made their decision about how to respond. Teachers would find meaningful discussion opportunities as posed within the story, as would students reading in small group book clubs.

[Sydney Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot of The Million Dollar Race was reminiscent of Ghost by Jason Reynolds, which I also loved. Grant’s friendship with Jay is the unbreakable bond that motivates the plot, and additionally his parents’ quirky but unending support of his pursuits. I loved the family dynamic of the sibling rivalry, the family meetings, and their family motto of Skepsis.

The race itself was thoughtfully created, with a hilarious elderly villain. It showcases competition, capitalism, corporate greed, public image, and many themes that will be valuable to young readers and educators alike. The ESPN documentary oral history chapters did much to propel the plot in its sprint-pace and due to Franny’s vlogging and Jay’s daydreaming we can’t tell at first if it’s a real or imagined documentary: I loved this about it, it was both funny and insightful, and forces the readers to be a bit skeptical about this narration.

The collaboration of this huge abstract project forces Grant to conceptualize what a country is, how people form bonds and relationships, and he begins to understand the idea of chosen family versus biological family. I loved Franny as a character: he’s the perfect, scheming little brother who doesn’t want to admit how much he cares for anyone or anything—much like Louis from ‘Even Stevens.’

Overall the energy, plot, pace, and characters all made this an enticing read. I devoured it in less than 24 hours. I can’t wait to see how I can use this in the classroom, and know that my students will love these teen characters.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was loving the beginning. It is funny. And I just love stories of true friends. Lots of very insightful nuggets of adolescent thought processes and problems in 2023.

"The problem is I can no longer feel just one thing at a time. The pure days of childhood, when I could experience a single emotion and not, like, see around the edges of what I'm feeling are gone." What an interesting thought regarding the transition from kid to adolescent and becoming aware of one's emotions.

It felt real until the book almost lost me at chapter 21. It is so outside what I can consider kids coming up with! But I stuck with it and I was able to wrap my head around where it was coming from when I realized, this wasn't written for me to understand. I'm not the intended audience.

It completely redeemed itself in Chapter 26 with the following real world insight:

"I get into downward spirals like this where it feels like my brain is spamming itself. I wish there were an option in my preferences that said, 'To opt out of negative looping thoughts before bed, click here.'
But there isn't.
This is real life.
So what do I do?
I reach for my phone..."

It tied up a little too neatly in the end, but I loved the characters and dialogue. The writing was well done and wise.

[Michelle Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grant Falloon is a runner - not just any runner; a runner who has the desire and talent to break records. World records! When the Babblemoney Sneaker Company announces a 100-yard dash competition for middle schoolers, with a $1 million prize, Grant and his best friend Jay know they have to enter!

This was a very quick read. After reading the interview with Matthew Ross Smith, the book’s author, the speed of the book was intentional. Grant and Jay’s friendship is tested through the competition, as are other relationships in Grant’s life. I loved following along with Grant’s family and watching how they grew and developed throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the brothers in this book. Jay’s brother Tua and Grant’s brother Franny both added color and a healthy dose of “skepsis” to the events of the book. This was a fun read!

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eyes. On. The. Prize.

You might assume that the prize is the million dollars in the title. Once you have read this book, you will have a different answer. A better one. I absolutely loved this new title from Matthew Ross Smith. Two thirteen-year-old boys are best friends and best running rivals. Grant lives in a very unplugged nontraditional family with a little brother Franny who has a youtube channel. Jay is of Samoan descent and his big brother Tua is serving overseas in the Marines. Semper fi! Cue the big contest by a shoe company called Babblemoney. Only one of the boys can win the regional semifinal to compete for the big money. Or is there a way for them both to be there? Told in short chapters alternating with an oral history format, this fast-paced running tale will enthrall and inspire. A reminder to follow Grant's family motto: "Skepsis!" = Question Everything.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Aladdin, Simon & Schuster Children's for a free digital copy for my review.

Grant and his friend Jay love the run and when they hear about a race where they can win 1 million dollars, they of course have to run in it. But things are never as simple as they seem at the outset. This is a story about friendship, family, chasing your dreams, and making the morally right choice even when it isn't easy. A mix of narrative fiction and an oral history style of writing, this book was entertaining and contains some great life lessons.