Subject
Automobile racing -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters
"The Motor Boys on the Pacific; Or, the Young Derelict Hunters" by Clarence Young is a children’s adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows three young boys—Jerry, Ned, and Bob—as they embark on a thrilling journey across the continent to the Pacific coast, where they will search for a mysterious derelict after the tragic loss of their beloved motor boat, the "Dartaway". At the start of the book, the boys are devastated to learn via telegram that their motor boat has been wrecked during shipping. This news prompts them to seek damages from the freight company, but they remain hopeful for new adventures. After receiving letters from their friend Nellie Seabury, who invites them to visit her family in California, they decide to make the journey out west. Along the way, unexpected events unfold, including a dangerous race against their rival, Noddy Nixon, and encounters with mysterious characters that hint at further adventures yet to come. The opening chapters set in motion a tale filled with friendship, excitement, and the promise of exploration, making the book an exciting read for young adventurers.
Patrick O'Connor
The Black Tiger
"The Black Tiger" by Patrick O'Connor is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Woody Hartford, a seventeen-year-old mechanic deeply immersed in the world of hot rod racing, and his dreams of competing with his prized possession, a 1940 Ford coupé affectionately named "Cindy Lou." The narrative explores Woody's dilemmas involving his aspirations for racing against the backdrop of teenage relationships and rivalry. The opening of the novel introduces Woody at his job at McNess Union Service Station, where his thoughts are split between the love of his hot rod and the two girls vying for his attention—Cindy Lou, whom he dreams of racing, and Mary Jane, who expects a night out with him. As Woody navigates the challenges of his youthful priorities, he interacts with eccentric characters, including his boss Worm, who has a unique perspective on cars. This portion sets the stage for both Woody's motor racing aspirations and his developing relationships, drawing readers into the excitement and tensions of his teenage life amid the culture of car racing.
Clarence Young
The Motor Boys Overland; Or, A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune
"The Motor Boys Overland; Or, A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune" by Clarence Young is a novel written in the early 20th century. This exciting installment follows a group of adventurous boys—Bob, Ned, Jerry, and their friend Andy—who delve into the world of automobiles. The boys, emboldened by their recent victory in a motorcycle meet and the acquisition of a touring car, decide to embark on a thrilling journey across the American West, ignited by the prospect of adventure and the treasure of a lost gold mine. At the start of the story, the boys take a leisurely drive in their newly-won automobile, sharing playful banter and friendship. Their journey is punctuated by high-energy moments, including an automobile race that highlights their competitive spirit. They soon find themselves intertwined with the tale of Jim Nestor, a miner with knowledge of a precious gold mine, whose misadventures set off a series of dangerous encounters with old foes. The opening chapters establish an atmosphere of youthful exuberance mixed with the thrill of the unknown, setting the stage for the Motor Boys' captivating expedition filled with challenges, rivalries, and excitement beckoning in the horizon.
Stanley R. Matthews
Motor Matt's Triumph; or, Three Speeds Forward
"Motor Matt's Triumph; or, Three Speeds Forward" by Stanley R. Matthews is a serialized adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This thrilling tale revolves around the exploits of Matt King, also known as "Motor Matt," a gifted young driver with exceptional skills and an adventurous spirit, as he navigates the competitive world of automobile racing. The narrative kicks off with Matt facing nefarious schemes from rival racers that threaten his entry into a prestigious race, setting the stage for a clash of wits and speed. The opening of the story introduces a tense situation where Matt's friend, Carl Pretzel, falls victim to a group of masked racers known as the "White-Caps." Carl is captured and taken to a hidden location, where sinister plans to keep Matt from racing are unveiled. Meanwhile, Matt is shown to be a resourceful and determined character, willing to overcome obstacles to prove himself in the upcoming race for the Borden cup. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the camaraderie between Matt and Carl, their shared ambition for racing, and the underhanded tactics employed by their opponents, setting up a high-stakes conflict that promises excitement and adventure.
Roy Rockwood
The Speedwell Boys and Their Racing Auto; Or, A Run for the Golden Cup
"The Speedwell Boys and Their Racing Auto; Or, A Run for the Golden Cup" by Roy Rockwood is a fictional adventure story written in the early 20th century. The book follows the escapades of brothers Dan and Billy Speedwell, who are part of the Riverdale Outing Club and eager to participate in thrilling motor races and adventures. Their journey begins amidst a series of conflicts with reckless drivers, the aftermath of a dramatic car crash, and even the pursuit of criminals tied to a bank robbery. The opening of the story introduces readers to the Speedwell brothers as they witness a chaotic scene involving a boy named Maxey Solomons, who is struggling to control his poorly driven automobile. This soon escalates into an accident where Maxey’s car is overturned, prompting Dan Speedwell to leap into action to follow the reckless drivers who caused the mishap. He soon learns that these same reckless drivers are tied to a larger narrative, which includes a robbery. As the brothers become more entwined in the events of the day, they also seize the chance to purchase a wrecked car, setting the stage for further thrills and challenges ahead. This engaging opening sets a tone of adventure, camaraderie, and suspense that will appeal to readers looking for an exciting narrative filled with youthful determination and racing escapades.
Recently surfaced classics