Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"Women have always done extraordinary things. But then those things are forgotten." Copeland (Cub) endeavors to bring one such woman back into the spotlight in this time-jumping graphic novel that weaves together the true story of race car driver Janet Guthrie (b. 1938) with fictional 12-year-old Alexandra as she restores a '56 Jaguar XK 140 formerly owned by Guthrie. Alternating palettes differentiate present-day chapters rendered in full color from blue and yellow shaded historical recollections of Guthrie's life. Fine-line drawings burst with action-packed detail; a kinetic 1962-set prologue depicts a win for Guthrie that's dismissed by her peers. Alex experiences similar biases while working on the Jaguar, which she discovers in the barn of her new home in New Hampshire. The narrative encourages readers to avoid treating female athletes as novelties, making for an entertaining and educational entry into gender-based discrimination in sports that spotlights how it impacts future professionals: "When we can't build on the successes of those who came before us--it's a huge obstacle! Each generation has to start all over again." Alex has pale skin and freckles; past--set chapters depict Guthrie in swathes of blue and yellow. Ages 8--12. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up--The true story of Janet Guthrie, the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in 1964, alternates with the fictional story set in 2019 of a 12-year-old girl named Alex who rebuilds her grandfather's vintage Jaguar in this solid middle grade graphic novel. Guthrie's story is, unfortunately, not surprising. Despite her talent in car racing, Guthrie was shunned by most of the racing industry and fandom. Similarly, Alex's father does not realize her interest and talents are tangibly displayed in her work on the Jaguar because he is absorbed in his artistic pursuits and wants Alex to support him rather than the other way around. Guthrie and Alex find help from people who believe in them and enjoy victories in their small achievements. Race fans might recognize the names of several cameo appearances--albeit disappointing ones--from male racing legends in Guthrie's journey. Alex's chapters recreate the misogynism that still exists today around cars and racing. The drawings are clear and easy to follow, with bright colors used during 2019 and more faded, muted colors used during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. VERDICT Blending fiction with racing history, this satisfying story is a sound addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.--Kim Gardner
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two independent spirits--a tween from 2019 and a young woman from the second half of the 20th century--share a passion for cars and racing that drives their stories toward an exciting intersection. Twelve-year-old Alex fixes up old cars by watching videos posted online by a beloved Black woman mechanic and influencer. Meanwhile, in 1976, real-life racing legend Janet Guthrie (who appears here in a fictionalized portrait) becomes the first woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Both protagonists present white, both have fathers who don't always support their ambitions, and both show resilience as they work toward their goals, finding allies and overcoming obstacles in their sexist, male-dominated environments. Guthrie faces funding issues, broken bones, and incessant harassment--and even decades later, toxic masculinity affects Alex's journey. This juxtaposition affords readers an opportunity to put each character's achievements into context and consider historical and present-day movements for gender equity. Pattison effectively uses different color palettes to distinguish the two timelines, but inconsistencies in Copeland's draftsmanship and a lack of fluidity in the illustrations detract from the visuals: The racing scenes feel more static than speedy, and shifts in Alex's appearance between panels make her expressions difficult to read. Still, the emotive pull of the story is strong, and when the characters ultimately meet in a scene set in 2019, the book's galvanizing throughline--"onward!"--comes across clearly and movingly. An inspirational, information-packed tale inspired by a real feminist trailblazer. (author's note)(Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
