Hold Fast to Dreams by Andrea Davis Pinkney

In this book, the plucky and talented Lucy Carlyle teams up with Anthony Lockwood, the charismatic leader of Lockwood & Co, a small agency that runs independent of any adult supervision. Many different Psychic Detection Agencies have cropped up to handle the dangerous work, and they are in fierce competition for business. Only young people have the psychic abilities required to see-and eradicate-these supernatural foes. The Screaming Staircase A sinister Problem has occurred in London: all nature of ghosts, haunts, spirits, and specters are appearing throughout the city, and they aren't exactly friendly. Since then, Ghost has been the one causing problems-and running away from them-until he meets Coach, an ex-Olympic Medalist who blew his own shot at success by using drugs, and who is determined to keep other kids from blowing their shots at life.

But Ghost has been running for the wrong reasons-it all starting with running away from his father, who, when Ghost was a very little boy, chased him and his mother through their apartment, then down the street, with a loaded gun, aiming to kill. If he can stay on track, literally and figuratively, he could be the best sprinter in the city. Ghost has a crazy natural talent, but no formal training. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team-a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together.

Four kids from wildly different backgrounds with personalities that are explosive when they clash.

Hold Fast to Dreams by Andrea Davis Pinkney