Cars

Children's Literature

Speed. Not the drug, but the old-fashioned fast kind that has been a goal, a dream and a thrill since time immemorial. The "Speed" series—written by a woman, by the way—offers all the statistics and accomplishments and gleaming colors of the fastest machines on earth, sky or sea—cars, boats, trains, military vehicles, planes and motorcycles. Each book includes a very short glossary, an index, a few additional books or web sites and dozens of high-gloss photos of these fast machines poised for action or thundering at full speed. There are fast facts that young readers will love to quote to show their mastery of whatever machine fascinates them most—"the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage has power—85% of maximum torque is delivered at just 1,500 rpm!" There will inevitably be youngsters who challenge a particular statistic, which presents an opportunity to write to the author or even the car maker. It's probably worthwhile to draw attention to the fine print at the front of the book reminding daredevil readers that details about top speeds are for informational purposes only. Cars features the Lamborghini Diablo, McLarens, Porsche and even the tiny Smart Car, the world's smallest production car—it takes less than five hours to build one but it has a Mercedes Benz engine. The book, and probably the entire series, is sure to become one of the most borrowed in your classroom library. 2001, Blackbirch Press, $16.95. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Karen Leggett