Motorcycles

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. Japan definitely has the corner on speed in motorcycles—Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki. Each one seems glossier and more dramatic than the previous. In action, the bikes are nearly always photographed on a professional racetrack with riders in helmets and uniforms. The book provides extensive details about each engine and transmission for the serious young motorcycle enthusiast. The text is easy to read, full of quotable statistics and complemented by little boxes of "fast facts" about each bike. The entire series would be popular and well-thumbed in your classroom library. 2001, Blackbirch Press, $16.95. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Karen Leggett