Patina Chapter 1

Summary

In this excerpt from 'Patina Book Two' by Jason Reynolds, we follow Patina's experiences in track and her personal life. Patina reflects on the concept of a 'false start' in racing, witnessing Ghost's first race blunder and his triumphant recovery. She also shares her own challenging race, where she places second, and her frustration with the outcome. The narrative weaves in her family's struggles, particularly her mother's health issues due to diabetes, and her role as a caretaker for her younger sister, Maddie, including the significance of braiding her hair for church on Sundays.

Takeaways

• 🏃 The story is from 'Patina Book Two' in the 'Track' series by Jason Reynolds, focusing on the theme of running and life's starts and stops.
• 🎯 Patina discusses the concept of a 'false start' in track, explaining it as starting at the wrong time, which is different from a fake start.
• 🤔 The character Ghost experiences a false start in his first race, not realizing the second gunshot meant to stop and restart the race, leading to embarrassment and a lesson learned.
• 🔥 Despite his initial mistake, Ghost comes back stronger in his next attempt, winning the race and showing resilience.
• 💪 Patina has a systematic approach to running the 800 meters, emphasizing pacing and strategy over immediate speed.
• 🏁 Patina faces a challenge in her race due to underestimating the speed of the new league's runners, leading to a tough competition.
• 🥈 Patina finishes second in her race, feeling disappointed and frustrated, which reflects her strong desire to win.
• 👧 Patina's relationship with her younger sister Maddie is highlighted, showing her role as a caretaker and the bond they share.
• 👩‍🦲 The family dynamics are explored, including Patina's mother's struggle with diabetes, which has led to the amputation of her legs.
• 👨‍👧 Patina's godparents, Uncle Tony and Emily, have stepped in to provide support and care for the family after her father's death and her mother's health issues.
• 📅 Sundays are significant for Patina as they involve preparing for church and ensuring Maddie's hair is done properly, which is a ritual to maintain appearances for their mother.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the book 'Patina' by Jason Reynolds?

The main theme of 'Patina' revolves around the challenges and personal growth of a young girl named Patina in the context of track and field, family, and overcoming adversity.

What is the significance of the term 'false start' in the context of the story?

In the story, a 'false start' refers to starting a race at the wrong time, which is a metaphor for the protagonist's life where she feels she's starting at the wrong time in various aspects of her life.

How does Patina describe the difference between a 'false start' and a 'wrong start' in track?

Patina explains that a 'false start' means starting the race when you're not supposed to, while a 'wrong start' implies starting at the wrong time, suggesting that even a false start is real, just at an inopportune moment.

What incident occurs during Ghost's first race in the story?

Ghost false starts during his first race, not realizing that he jumped the gun and should have stopped running, leading to confusion and embarrassment when he reaches the finish line prematurely.

How does Patina feel about her performance in the 800-meter race?

Patina is disappointed and frustrated with her second-place finish in the 800-meter race, as she had been overtaken in the final stretch and had to face the reality of her limitations and the strength of her competitors.

What is Patina's relationship with her sister Maddie?

Patina has a caring and protective relationship with her younger sister Maddie. She takes on the responsibility of braiding Maddie's hair and ensuring she is well taken care of.

Why does Patina braid Maddie's hair every Sunday?

Patina braids Maddie's hair every Sunday for two reasons: because their mother is unable to properly style black hair, and because they visit their biological mother, and Patina wants Maddie to look presentable for her.

What is the significance of the red beads in the braids?

The red beads in the braids are a recurring element that symbolize a connection to their heritage and a personal touch that Patina adds to Maddie's hair, which also serves as a bonding ritual between the sisters.

How does Patina feel about her mother's health condition?

Patina feels a deep sense of loss and sadness about her mother's health condition, which includes the amputation of her legs due to diabetes, referred to as 'the sugar' in the story.

What role do Patina's godparents, Uncle Tony and Emily, play in her life?

Uncle Tony and Emily, Patina's godparents, have stepped in as her and Maddie's guardians after their mother's health deteriorated, providing support and a stable home environment for the sisters.