Cassie Garnet hates the word mediocre. Yet her existence in a rural Indiana town could certainly be labeled that, if not for her place on the cross country team. With her senior year approaching, Garnet has been River Bend High's best runner...but she longs to be better. Cassie has never been challenged and pushed to reach her potential, and the Lady Coyotes are a terrible team. Then, everything changes. 

When the beautiful and charismatic Charna Rothstein Simon moves to River Bend to become a teacher and cross country coach, Cassie's senior year will be anything but ordinary. C.R. Simon will raise eyebrows and push Cassie Garnet on both the running trails and as a person. The Jewish Simon will also challenge stereotypical perceptions in River Bend, a conservative town where difference is viewed as threatening to its way of life. 

Cassie's journey through the cross country season and growth as a serious runner is a captivating story. Kyesha Hendrix, the only African American student at River Bend and Cassie's unlikely training partner, will join Jake Nader, basketball star and Cassie's romantic interest, to make her senior year one to remember. Before that year is over, Cassie will be forced to take a stand when accusations are made about someone Cassie respects. The consequences for speaking out and challenging the establishment will change her life forever. 

Cassie's story is about her last cross country season at a small Indiana town, but its universal themes resonate far beyond the limits of River Bend, Indiana. No Ordinary Season and its valuable human lessons will stay in your mind and heart long after you finish its final climatic minutes.