Unleash Your Inner Race or Car Fan with "Drive" by Cynthia L. Copeland

Are you ready to buckle up and speed through the pages of a thrilling race car adventure? Get ready to rev your engines with "Drive" by Cynthia L. Copeland, a middle grade graphic novel that puts you in the driver's seat of an exhilarating journey through the world of women in racing through the past 1960s through the present 2019. As a race fan or an avid reader seeking a read featuring women in racing, historical context, and contemporary feels, this book review is tailored just for you!

Book Overview

Drive by Cynthia L. Copeland

Coloring: Ronda Pattison

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Publication date: January 7, 2025

Genres: Contemporary Fiction with bits of Historical Fiction

Middle Grade Graphic Novel

Netgalley Shelfs E-book/ARC

Age Recommended: 10+

Thank You to Netgalley, author, and publisher for sending me a digital e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

This high-octane graphic novel delves into the untold story of Janet Guthrie, the first female racecar driver in the Indy 500, and a spirited twelve-year-old mechanic named Alex. Janet faces challenges and prejudice in the 1960s racing world, while Alex in 2019 restores a vintage Jaguar against all odds. Both protagonists defy stereotypes and push boundaries, showcasing the power of determination and passion. Their parallel journeys, depicted in different color palettes, highlight the progress made and the obstacles still to overcome in the realm of motorsports.

Date Started: June 16, 2024   Date Finished: June 17, 2024

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:

The cover of the graphic novel is beautifully illustrated, captivating, and effectively conveys the essence of the story. All the characters are intricately developed and possess unique qualities. Each character harbors a dream they aspire to achieve. By skillfully employing two distinct color schemes, the author enables readers to easily discern between the female characters, time periods, and narratives being followed. Janet Guthrie is not merely a fictional character within the narrative; she is a real-life female race driver and a 2024 NASCAR Hall of Famer. The readers gain a profound understanding of Janet Guthrie's triumphs and challenges throughout her racing career. Copeland masterfully weaves Janet's story into the graphic novel, providing readers with insight into Janet as an individual, a racer, and a trailblazer who inspires and motivates female racers and car enthusiasts. Alex, the 12-year-old aspiring to become a future car mechanic, is a relatable, inspirational, and motivational character in her own right.

The writing is so well-crafted that it leaves the reader wanting more, reluctant for the story to conclude. The author adeptly transitions between the two timelines, ensuring a seamless flow that keeps readers engaged with both female characters' narratives. The illustrations are exquisite, effectively capturing the settings, actions, and moods, immersing readers further into the story alongside the narrative. The plot is captivating, well-paced, and developed, promising to captivate young readers. The connections drawn between Janet and Alex by the author in both characters' timelines are seamlessly executed, offering rich details and establishing links between the past and present. The graphic novel delicately addresses the challenges faced by female drivers like Janet, as well as those encountered by female car enthusiasts and mechanics like Alex in contemporary times. Themes such as bullying, gender stereotypes, media and societal pressures are thoughtfully handled, providing readers with insights into these issues without detracting from the narrative or characters. As a female racing enthusiast, I found great pleasure in exploring the history of female racers and mechanics through the stories of Janet Guthrie and Alex in this graphic novel. "Drive" by Cynthia L. Copeland is a middle-grade graphic novel that adeptly intertwines the past, present, and future of female racers, car enthusiasts, and mechanics in a single narrative while effectively addressing the theme of equality within racing and car communities. It is highly recommended for fans of vibrant graphic novels featuring dual timelines, racing, cars, and the historical contributions of women who have paved the way for current and future female racers and car enthusiasts.

Discussion Questions for Drive by Cynthia L. Copeland

1.      What do you think of the book’s title? How does it relate to the book’s contents? What other title might you choose?

2.      What do you think about the book’s cover? How well does it convey what the book is about? If the book has been published with different covers, which one do you like best?

3.      Was there a specific scene that you liked?

a.      Which part(s) of the book caught your attention the most?

4.      What did you enjoy about this book?

5.       What did you dislike about the book?

6.      Which characters in the book did you like best?

7. Which characters did you like least?

8.      The book portrays female race car drivers and enthusiasts. What are some of the challenges women have faced and continue to strive for in terms of equality within the racing and car communities?

9.      After reading the book, what are some of the things you learned while reading?

10.  After reading the book, what are some things you would change or expand upon in the book?

Further Reading on Women Mechanics and Racers:

• A Life at Full Throttle by Janet Guthrie

  • the author recounts her journey of breaking barriers as a female race car driver. Guthrie shares the challenges she faced in a male-dominated sport, the perseverance required to overcome obstacles, and the thrill of achieving success on the racetrack. Through her experiences, she highlights the importance of determination, passion, and resilience in pursuing one's dreams, inspiring readers to defy expectations and pursue their ambitions with full throttle.

• Rosie, a Detroit Herstory (Great Lakes Books) by Bailey Sisoy Isgro (Author), Nicole Lapointe (Illustrator)

  • Rosie, a Detroit Herstory recounts the vital role of women workers in Detroit during World War II. These women took on traditionally male roles, contributing significantly to the war effort by producing essential supplies like ships and tanks. Despite facing challenges, their hard work and determination became a symbol of American patriotism. The book, aimed at children aged 8 to 12, sheds light on the legacy of these women and the importance of their contributions. Illustrated by Nicole Lapointe, this informative and engaging story highlights the collective strength of these women and their impact on history.

• Lone Rider: The First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World by Elspeth Beard

  • Join Elspeth Beard on an extraordinary journey as she becomes the first British woman to motorcycle around the world. In "Lone Rider," she shares her remarkable experiences and challenges faced during this epic adventure. Discover the courage and determination that propelled her across continents, offering readers a glimpse into a truly inspiring and groundbreaking expedition.

• The Bugatti Queen: In Search of a Motor-Racing Legend by V. Sackville-West

  • "The Bugatti Queen" recounts the captivating life of Helle Nice, a fearless woman who defied conventions to become a prominent figure in motorsport. From humble beginnings in a French village, she transitioned from a dancer to a renowned racer, mesmerized by the thrill of speed and machinery. Helle Nice's remarkable career saw her compete in prestigious Grands Prix and conquer the perilous American speedbowls, setting new land-speed records along the way. Despite a harrowing accident that nearly halted her racing journey, her resilience and passion for motor-racing shine through. Miranda Seymour expertly delves into Helle Nice's extraordinary tale, unveiling a world of audacity and adrenaline that defined the pre-war era of motorsport.

• Driven: A pioneer for women in motorsport by Rosemary Smith

  • Rosemary Smith's "Driven: A pioneer for women in motorsport" highlights the remarkable journey of a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of motorsport. Through her passion, determination, and skill, Smith shattered barriers and paved the way for women in the industry. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring female drivers, showcasing the power of breaking stereotypes and pursuing one's dreams relentlessly.

• Faster: How a Jewish Driver, an American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Beat Hitler's Best by Neal Bascomb

  • During the rise of Nazi Germany, a driver facing discrimination due to his Jewish heritage, an automaker struggling to stay afloat, and an adventurous American heiress joined forces to defy Hitler's dominance at the Grand Prix. "Faster" vividly captures this era of glamour and the daring spirit of motorsport, showcasing a remarkable upset that symbolized resistance against the Nazis in a time of great darkness.

• Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide by Patrice Banks

  • a comprehensive manual tailored for women seeking to empower themselves with essential car maintenance knowledge. Through clear instructions and practical advice, Banks equips readers with the tools to confidently tackle common vehicle issues. This guide serves as a valuable resource for bridging the gap between women and the traditionally male-dominated world of auto repair, fostering independence and self-reliance in automotive care.

Conclusion: Buckle Up and Dive Into "Drive"

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of cars, competition, and self-discovery with "Drive" by Cynthia L. Copeland. Whether you're a die-hard race fan or simply someone in search of an electrifying read, this book has something for everyone. So, fasten your seatbelt, feel the contemporary adrenaline rush, and join Janet and Alex on a journey that will leave you in awe and inspiration.

Remember, the checkered flag is not just a symbol of victory but also a reminder that with drive, determination, and a little bit of courage, you can conquer any race that life throws your way!

Dive into "Drive" today and experience the thrill of a lifetime!