The Crew (novel)

The Crew is a young adult novel written by Gary Paulsen, first published in 1996. It tells the story of fifteen-year-old Duffy, a gifted but troubled student who lives with his single mother and finds solace in his passion for long-distance running. The novel explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the pressures of competition, particularly as Duffy trains for and participates in a challenging cross-country race. Duffy's internal struggles and his relationship with his coach are central to the narrative. The novel is known for its realistic portrayal of adolescence and the demanding nature of competitive sports.