Smokin’ Race Cars.

Kelley, K.C.  Smokin’ Race Cars.  Enslow/Speeding Star  2013      48p     $13.95  ISBN 978-1-62285-095-2  elem  series: Fast Wheels  Sports  E-BNes 

This title, which explains all about stock car racing, will attract boys.  It gives the history of NASCAR, highlighting early heroes.  Then the car is described, with information about the engine, chassis, body, cockpit, and accessories.  All the excitement of race day comes though the writing.  Several of NASCAR’s prominent drivers are featured.

There are full-page inserts of extra information.  They highlight the drivers, tracks, procedures, and safety concerns, providing valuable insights.  A glossary, sources of further information, and an index are included.

The text is straightforward and on-target for the age group, and the photography is bright and colorful.  The small size of the book is inviting.  A great deal of amount of information is presented in only 48 pages.
 

Students will gobble this up.  It is inviting and well written, and it provides excellent information.
     

The Fast Wheels series has four titles: Smokin’ Motorcycles, Smokin’ Dragsters and Funny Cars, and Smokin’ Muscle Cars in addition to Smokin’ Race Cars.  Each one presents exciting facts in an interesting way.  

Summary: This book introduces elementary readers to NASCAR.  It briefly explains the history, the cars, procedures during a race and famous drivers.  Pictures and in-depth text make this title good for information.  Grades 3-6

NASCAR                                                      --Joan Theal

Kelley, Jane. The Desperate Adventures of Zeno & Alya.

Kelley, Jane.  The Desperate Adventures of Zeno & Alya.     Macmillan/Feiwel & Friends  2013  201p  $15.99  ISBN 978-1-250-02348-3       ms  Animals  E-BN   

When his master dies, Zeno, an African gray parrot, gets loose.  Zeno knows 127 words and is totally domesticated.  He flies around New York City looking for food, shelter, and a new “servant” (parrot-talk for “master”).  At the same time, Alya, who has leukemia, has almost given up.  She needs a friend desperately.  This is a story of frustration and persevering in spite of the setbacks.  Zeno tries his best to be understood by humans and to make his needs known, often with unsuccessful results, but he keeps trying.  Alya is frustrated that she can’t do the things she used to do and loves to do.  Her family does its best to help, but it isn’t enough.

 

This title often brings tears to the reader’s eye, but it is never maudlin or depressing.  It is about loss and cancer, but not about worry and defeat.   Instead it is a testament to the spirit of overcoming adversity and perseverance.

The story will hold the reader from the first page to the last, with the reader rooting for both Zena and Alya all the way through.  It will be enjoyed by readers from about age ten on up.  Adults will see it as a triumph of spirit.

Summary: An African gray parrot, Zeno, is on the loose and looking for a friend to take care of him.  Alya has leukemia and desperately needs a friend and a reason to keep living.  A perfect match, if it can only happen.           

Parrots-Fiction, Animal stories                                   --Joan Theal