Drive (A Graphic Novel)

October 14, 2024
“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.

December 1, 2024
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(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2025
Grades 5-8 Alex is obsessed with classic cars, so after she and her dad move to her late grandfather's house in remote New Hampshire and she discovers a vintage 1956 Jaguar in the garage, she enthusiastically sets out to restore it. Her dad doesn't understand her interest in the car, instead expecting her to help with the housework and cleaning so he can write his novel, but she finds an ally in a helpful librarian, who finds creative ways to help Alex at every turn. Interwoven with Alex's story is a biographical account of Janet Guthrie, the first woman to compete in a NASCAR race. Janet's story details her progress in racing as well as the routine sexism she experienced as a very talented, but under-resourced, race car driver. Janet's struggles nicely parallel Alex's often frustrating path into the world of vintage cars, and the two threads come together very satisfyingly in the end. Plenty of exciting race scenes and illustrations of classic cars will give this lots of appeal for middle-grade readers who are just as obsessed with cars as Alex.

COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2025
This graphic novel celebrates the contributions of women throughout automotive history, along with providing a critique of the industry's persistent sexist practices. A prologue set in 1962 begins at an amateur car race with the skillful real-life driver Janet Guthrie. While respected by some of her peers, many others express a combination of anger, humiliation, and jealousy over her success. The story then shifts to 2019 New Hampshire, where (fictional) twelve-year-old Alexandra is similarly passionate about cars. Alex discovers a treasure trove of cars at her recently deceased grandfather's country home; however, her single father is unsupportive of her interest. Alex experiences highs and lows while working to restore a vintage Jaguar: the support of a local librarian; comments on her appearance and questioning of her knowledge. Throughout, Janet's life and career as a groundbreaking female racecar driver (somewhat coincidentally) intertwine with Alex's experiences, culminating in a multigenerational meet-up, complete with surprise appearance by Alex's favorite female YouTube mechanic. Copeland's streamlined art features a doodle-y thin black line and flat colors with minimal shading. Constantly shifting page layouts, from traditional panels to epistolary interludes to exciting (and coherent) race sequences, result in strong visual storytelling. An author's note separates fact from fiction and reminds readers that "girls can stand on the shoulders of those who came before them only if they know their stories." Patrick Gall

(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)