# The Race of the Century: The Battle to Break the Four-Minute Mile (Scholastic Focus) - Hardcover

by **Neal Bascomb** (Author)

****Highly acclaimed author Neal Bascomb brings his peerless research and fast-paced narrative style to a young adult adaptation of one of his most successful adult books of all time, _The Perfect Mile_, an inspiring and moving story of three men racing to achieve the impossible -- the perfect four-minute mile.****

Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers. These books help readers learn about the world in which they live and develop their critical thinking skills so that they may become dynamic citizens who are able to analyze and understand our past, participate in essential discussions about our present, and work to grow and build our future.

There was a time when running the mile in four minutes was believed to be beyond the limits of human foot speed. In 1952, after suffering defeat at the Helsinki Olympics, three world-class runners each set out to break this barrier: Roger Bannister was a young English medical student who epitomized the ideal of the amateur; John Landy the privileged son of a genteel Australian family; and Wes Santee the swaggering American, a Kansas farm boy and natural athlete.

Spanning three continents and defying the odds, these athletes' collective quest captivated the world. Neal Bascomb's bestselling adult account adapted for young readers delivers a breathtaking story of unlikely heroes and leaves us with a lasting portrait of the twilight years of the golden age of sport.

### Author Biography

-   Neal Bascomb is the author of _The Race of the Century: The Battle to Break the Four-Minute Mile,_ which _Kirkus Reviews_ calls a "gripping narrative nonfiction tale" and _The Nazi Hunters_, winner of the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award, among numerous other awards. _School Library Journal_ called his second young adult book, _Sabotage_, "excellent" in a starred review and _The Grand Escape_ a "fantastic pick for avid history readers" also in a starred review. His book _The Racers_ was named a BCCB Blue Ribbon Book and a starred review from _School Library Journal_ called _The Racers_ "Highly Recommended." In addition, he is the author of six nonfiction books for adults on subjects ranging from a 1905 Russian submarine mutiny to a contemporary high school robotics team. _The Perfect Mile_, _Winter Fortress_, and _Hunting Eichmann_ went on to be _New York Times_ and international bestsellers. Neal lives in Philadelphia with his family and rascal dog, Moses. Please visit his website at nealbascomb.com and follow him on Facebook @nealrbascomb.

**Number of Pages:** 256

**Dimensions:** 1.26 x 8.35 x 5.67 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** April 05, 2022

**Accelerated Reader:**

**Quiz Name:** Race of the Century: The Battle to Break the Four-Minute Mile

**Interest Level:** Upper Middle Grades, 6 and up

**Reading Level:** 7.4

**Point Value:** 8

## Details

- **Price:** 18.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 18.99 USD | In stock |

## Images

- The Race of the Century: The Battle to Break the Four-Minute Mile (Scholastic Focus) - Hardcover

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> Updated: 2026-07-23