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4-6
Alternator Books: Pro Sports Stats series.
Colorful graphs galore highlight past and present statistics of the star players and top teams in six action-packed sports. In addition to the mind-boggling numbers and splashy graphics, the books also touch on unique features of each sport, how coaches use stats to improve a team's performance, and how statistics have generated public interest in computerized fantasy sports. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Pro Sports Stats titles: Auto Racing Super Stats, Baseball Super Stats, Basketball Super Stats, Football Super Stats, Hockey Super Stats, and Soccer Super Stats.
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4-6
Edge Books: Wild Moments of Motorsports series.
While describing the excitement of each motor sport, Weber also recounts the dangers by presenting--without sensationalizing--a variety of life-threatening accidents that have occurred. Action-packed, captioned color photos complement a text that explains accident details and how drivers reacted. Sidebars noting unusual facts of the sport are sprinkled throughout, and new vocabulary is defined at the bottom of pages. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Edge Books: Wild Moments of Motorsports titles: Wild Moments of Stock Car Racing and Wild Moments on Dirt Bikes.
48 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2014
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-62403-406-0$21.95
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4-6
SportsZone: Inside the Speedway series.
This series explores four types of auto racing, covering history, characteristics of vehicles used, rules, and other unique qualities of each category. Racing aficionados will find the texts easy to read and will be drawn to the brief action-packed vignettes of outstanding drivers and their records. Well-placed sidebars and numerous color photographs add interest. Reading list. Glos. ind. Review covers these SportsZone: Inside the Speedway titles: IndyCar Racing, Formula One Racing, Nascar Racing, and Drag Racing.
32 pp.
| Boyds
| April, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59078-937-7$16.95
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K-3
Clement gives readers the feeling of watching a stock-car race while delivering information regarding the meaning of commonly used stock-car racing flags and racing terminology. The text is sparse, but high-octane phrasing creates an element of excitement, and there's a nice twist at book's end. Slick, bright computer-rendered illustrations splashed across double-page spreads further the aura of energetic competition.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-660-2$18.95
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K-3
NASCAR Heroes series.
These books highlight the paths taken to the top by four popular NASCAR drivers. Each volume superficially covers information about the subject's background, early racing record, and the struggles encountered in attaining his goals. Reluctant readers will appreciate the accessible (though choppy) writing style, the numerous photographs, and the "Fast Fact" sidebars that provide additional information. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these NASCAR Heroes titles: Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Kyle Busch.
(4)
K-3
Now That's Fast! series.
This series hones in on super-fast vehicles. Brief histories and some vague technical details are provided throughout the choppy texts. Each spread includes a large, dynamic photo that helps explain the information or heighten the texts' excitement. Randomly selected "Fun Facts" are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Now That's Fast! titles: Jets, Motorcycles, Speedboats, and Stock Cars.
198 pp.
| Farrar
| April, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-35062-8$16.99
(3)
YA
Trace Bonham (Saturday Night Dirt; Super Stock Rookie) returns as a teen pro Super Stock driver. As his success continues to grow, doubters question its legitimacy, including Trace himself who wonders if his own engine is being juiced. Once again, Weaver's authentic car talk and sympathetic characters work in tandem, keeping this series moving on the right track.
32 pp.
| Cavendish
| October, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5465-6$17.99
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K-3
Illustrated by
Eric A. Velasquez.
This effective introduction to the life and career of Wendell Scott, the "first and only black driver ever to win a NASCAR race," reads like an oral history. Weatherford's spirited text aptly captures Scott's passion and determination when faced with racial discrimination. Velasquez's shadowy pastels illustrate the text. An author's note provides additional information; sources are absent.
199 pp.
| Farrar
| May, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-35061-1$14.95
(3)
YA
In this continuation of Saturday Night Dirt, Trace Bonham's career hits the fast track when a corporate sponsor chooses him as the new young face of their stock car racing team. Trace looks to an exciting but questionable future without his Headwaters Speedway friends. The accessible characters and authentic race descriptions work well together to propel the story.
48 pp.
| Lerner
| April, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-8225-8738-5$27.93
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4-6
Science of NASCAR series.
These books examine the technology involved in the construction of racing machines and tracks, the importance of competent, fast-moving pit crews, and the skills necessary to become a winning driver. Science and math exercises are incorporated as sidebars, and the pages are very busy. NASCAR fans will appreciate the many photographs of their favorite cars and drivers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Science of NASCAR titles: NASCAR in the Driver's Seat, NASCAR at the Track, and NASCAR in the Pits.
48 pp.
| Lerner
| April, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-8225-8741-5$27.93
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4-6
Science of NASCAR series.
These books examine the technology involved in the construction of racing machines and tracks, the importance of competent, fast-moving pit crews, and the skills necessary to become a winning driver. Science and math exercises are incorporated as sidebars, and the pages are very busy. NASCAR fans will appreciate the many photographs of their favorite cars and drivers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Science of NASCAR titles: NASCAR in the Driver's Seat, NASCAR at the Track, and NASCAR in the Pits.
48 pp.
| Lerner
| April, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-8225-8737-8$27.93
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4-6
Science of NASCAR series.
These books examine the technology involved in the construction of racing machines and tracks, the importance of competent, fast-moving pit crews, and the skills necessary to become a winning driver. Science and math exercises are incorporated as sidebars, and the pages are very busy. NASCAR fans will appreciate the many photographs of their favorite cars and drivers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Science of NASCAR titles: NASCAR in the Driver's Seat, NASCAR at the Track, and NASCAR in the Pits.
163 pp.
| Farrar
| April, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-35060-4$14.95
(3)
YA
The lives of car-obsessed teenagers merge one Saturday night at Headwaters Speedway. Along the way, tensions build: Trace suspects sabotage on his street stock car, while Melody tries desperately to keep her dad's small-town racetrack in business. Short chapters featuring strong characters may draw reluctant readers, while the detailed car talk and exciting action will appeal to racing fans.
32 pp.
| Gibbs Smith
| July, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4236-0119-7$15.95
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K-3
Illustrated by
Aaron Zenz.
This alphabet book explores the fast-paced world of stock car auto racing. Zippy cut-paper illustrations accompany the rhyming text: "P is for Pace Car, Pit Stop, and Pole. / Q is for Qualify--reaching your goal." NASCAR fans will appreciate the authentic terminology while the appended glossary of racing terms will be helpful to readers less familiar with the sport.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| October, 2007
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-2869-2$23.93
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4-6
Wild Wheels! series.
These books provide insight into the high-speed world of car racing. Types, styles, characteristics, and capabilities of the various racing machines are presented, along with the sport’s history, statistics, and notable personalities in the field. Racing enthusiasts will appreciate the photographs and text boxes that expand the simple but informative text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Wild Wheels! titles: Hottest Race Cars, Hottest Dragsters and Funny Cars, and Hottest NASCAR Machines.
(2)
YA
Seventeen-year-old Kyle quit the family business--stock car racing--to pursue music. When his older brother is injured, Kyle's pressed to take the wheel and rediscovers the thrill of racing. He compares driving to music and realizes both feel good. Lipsyte brings the sport to life with a driver's-eye view; readers will enjoy taking a lap in the fast lane.
Reviewer: Lauren Adams
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2008
127 pp.
| Kingfisher
| September, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-7534-6011-4$16.95
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4-6
New York Times Book series.
This overview of auto racing by a New York Times sports reporter opens with a firsthand account of the race that killed Dale Earnhardt. Some of Caldwell's articles are excerpted and intertwined with more straightforward information such as the sport's rules and regulations, all relayed in a smart, accessible tone. Fans will appreciate the many color photographs. Reading list. Ind.
48 pp.
| Lerner
| September, 2006
|
LibraryISBN 0-8225-3530-0$26.60
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4-6
Motor Mania series.
These informative books examine three types of vehicles used in racing, discussing the history, characteristics, and capabilities of each. Racing enthusiasts will appreciate the many well-captioned photos. A gallery of photographs of and commentaries on notable personalities and special racing cars, past and present, is included in each book. Sidebars, maps, and diagrams give more information. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Motor Mania titles: Hot Rods, Stock Cars, and Formula One Race Cars.
144 pp.
| Kingfisher
| October, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-7534-6040-8$19.95
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4-6
Glossy color photos of motorsport vehicles in action complement straightforward factual description. Some highlights include the different forms of racing, information about prominent tracks (diagrams are included), important racing figures, statistics, and the art and science of motorsport racing. This comprehensive volume, meant for browsing, will be gobbled up by racing fans. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
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K-3
Pull Ahead Books series.
These small, square books provide interesting and easy-to-read overviews about motorized vehicles. Basic facts are paired with photos that extend the simple text. Though the books are short, they answer questions frequently asked by young readers and are suitable for those just gaining confidence in reading. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pull Ahead Books titles: Police Cars, Powerboats, Stock Cars, Motorcycles, Ambulances, and Formula One Race Cars.