We are delighted to be revealing the cover for Sydney Dunlap’s Racing the Clouds, which is 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.
Releasing on February 18th 2025, Racing the Clouds is available to pre-order on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Barnes & Noble, and directly from North Star Editions.
Here’s what Sydney had to say on her cover!
“For the cover of Racing the Clouds, the artist showcased Sage’s resilience and determination as she runs forward with the stray dog she rescued, letting go of what she can’t control by leaving the gazebo—and the difficulties in her family that it symbolizes—in the past. The result is a stunning scene set against the backdrop of a beautiful sky. I absolutely love the artist’s use of color and shadow, as well as the gorgeous setting sun in the background. The mood evoked speaks to the beauty all around even in the most difficult of circumstances and highlights the hope that forms the heart of Sage’s story.”
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.
Cover illustrator: Brie Schmida / Illustrator’s agency: Sarah Thomas at The Bright Agency / Cover designer: Kate Liestman
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 debut novel, It Happened on Saturday, has received several medals and was named a 2025 OLA Masterlist selection and 2024 Crystal Kite Honor Book. A lifelong animal lover, Sydney lives with her family in a home where the dogs and cats outnumber the people. You can find her online at www.sydneydunlap.com.
