We Beat the Street was a
New York Times children's bestseller for the week ending June 25, 2005. The same year, the Association of Indiana School Library Educators selected the book as a "Read-Aloud Too-Good-to-Miss". In 2006, the book was chosen as a "Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People" by the
National Council for the Social Studies and
Children's Book Council. The book review committee stated that the book contained a "true and inspiring" autobiographical account. Vicki Sherbert from
The ALAN Review felt that the authors "spoke honestly of their discouragement, failures, and successes" and "offer encouragement to kids who find themselves in hopeless situations."
School Library Journals Francisca Goldsmith thought that the writing was "simple and accessible", adding that "there is plenty of action for reluctant readers." Gillian Engberg wrote in
Booklist that the book contained inspirational stories and "personal, intimate voices that frankly discuss big mistakes and complicated emotions". ==References==