Way Off Track, written by Carl Brundtland and illustrated by Claudia Dávila, is a classic morality tale in a fresh setting with a relatable lead character, Nansi. Nansi is bound for the Olympics, but first she has to complete some middle school track meets. Like many talented seventh graders, Nansi straddles the line of confidence and complacency throughout the story. After not training, eating well, or getting enough sleep before her meet, Nansi is shocked when she loses to a wealthy, popular girl sporting the fanciest new shoes. Taking the wrong lesson from this, Nansi is determined to get those shoes and starts working at a beauty salon to save up money. When the opportunity for more training presents itself, Nansi has to choose between the shoes, the training, or lying to her family to get both.

Brundtland does an excellent job of creating a lovable character who doesn’t always make the right choices. Nansi’s friends and family give her guidance, but also give her room to own her decisions and learn from them. These factors lead to a lesson in the end that feels earned without unnecessary finger wagging. Where Brundtland seamlessly incorporates Jamaican culture, Way Off Track falters in its connection to the classic West African trickster character, Anansi. Even readers familiar with Anansi tales might not make a connection between Nansi and Anansi outside of their names. A primer in the beginning or end would have added to the larger context of the story and educated a new generation about these classic West African folktales. Dávila’s digital art is consistent, creative in its panel work, and brings so much life into these expressive characters.

A recommended purchase for graphic novel collections, especially where sports stories are popular.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth