"Middle school is, for most, a dreadful, awkward time....generally speaking, middle school xc runners are not at the top of the social hierarchy, and let's be honest, many end up in xc by default. So that's our starting point.
Now here's a book that (paraphrasing others) shows that this place where they ended up can be a really special place, and they may surmise after reading it that running may provide an avenue by which they will gain a sense of fulfillment and a sense of self. And they may learn that this melting pot of folks on the team may become like kin should - through shared effort and sacrifice - they commit to chasing some big goals.
There are worse takeaways to be found all around in media accessible to middle schoolers everywhere.
Are there some f-bombs along the way? You bet. Try training like those men trained, and you'll find it's not all unicorns, butterflies and cotton candy.
At the end of the day, you weigh the cost/benefit of language and message. Would I let my kids read this when they're in middle school. No doubt."
This is in refernece to this:
http://www.wset.com/story/16636316/curse-words-found-in-middle-school-library-book