So You Want To Be A Race Car Driver (So You Want To Be A...)
About
WINNER — 2026 Literary Global Children's Book Awards (Sports Category)
The green flag drops. In that moment there is no yesterday, no tomorrow, no anything outside the forty feet of track directly in front of you. There is only the line — the precise, invisible path through the corner that separates fast from fastest — and whether you can find it before anyone else does.
So You Want To Be A Race Car Driver takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most physically demanding and most technically complex professions in sport — not the highlight-reel version, but the real one. The years of karting and climbing that happen before a single professional contract. The specific discipline of driving at the edge of control, where the difference between a perfect lap and a catastrophic one is measured in milliseconds and millimeters. The team of engineers, strategists, mechanics, and coaches working in precise coordination so that one person, strapped into a machine they helped build, can perform at the absolute limit of what physics allows. The race that goes exactly to strategy — and the one that comes down to pure instinct in the final corner.
This is a book about what race car drivers actually do: the engineering they study so they can communicate exactly what the car is doing at two hundred miles per hour, the physical conditioning they pursue to withstand forces that would disorient most people, the mental preparation they bring to managing risk and pressure simultaneously, and the razor-sharp focus they maintain across every single lap of every single race. It’s also a book about what the work costs, what the life demands, and why the people who do it say that when everything comes together — car, team, driver, and track — there is nothing else like it on earth.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real race car driver’s preparation looks like — from simulator sessions to race-day strategy
- The science of speed — aerodynamics, tire behavior, and the engineering that makes modern racing possible
- The physical and mental demands the sport makes — and how drivers train body and mind to meet them
- The history of motorsport and the legendary drivers who pushed the limits of what was thought possible
- What young people can do right now to discover if this might be their calling
Honest, specific, and genuinely illuminating, So You Want To Be A Race Car Driver doesn’t talk down to young readers — it brings them all the way in. Because the child who wants to know what this work is really like deserves a real answer.
For readers who feel the pull toward something fast and precise and fully alive. For the kid who watches the cars blur past and doesn’t just feel the speed — they feel something shift.
The track doesn’t reward hesitation. Neither does the dream.
Ages 10–14 · Nonfiction · Careers & Professions · Illustrated
Praise for this book
"An energetic and thoughtfully constructed introduction to the world of professional racing, So You Want To Be A Race Car Driver blends aspirational storytelling with surprisingly sophisticated nonfiction insight.
From its opening dedication—'For every kid who ever leaned into a turn... Faster!' —the book positions itself squarely in the imagination of young readers, inviting them not just to dream of speed, but to understand it. What follows is not a simple celebration of racing, but a layered explanation of what the job truly demands. Concepts that might seem too advanced for its audience—precision braking, telemetry data, and split-second decision-making—are broken down into accessible, engaging language. For example, it reframes racing as a mental discipline as much as a physical one: drivers are described not as reckless daredevils, but as 'calm, precise, and always three corners ahead in their minds.'
Structurally, the book is exceptionally well organized. Each spread introduces a new dimension of the profession—tools, teamwork, daily routines, risks, and rewards—creating a seamless, cumulative reading experience. Sections like 'A Day in the Life' and 'The People You Work With' provide a narrative flow that keeps readers engaged while steadily expanding their understanding. The pacing is brisk but never overwhelming, making it particularly effective for independent readers in the target age range.
The illustrations are vibrant, often carrying as much narrative weight as the text. High-speed track scenes, detailed cockpit views, and behind-the-scenes pit crew moments give the book a dynamic visual rhythm. These images don't merely decorate—they reinforce key ideas, such as the teamwork behind racing or the intense physical strain drivers endure. The consistent red-and-black palette and motion-focused compositions enhance the sense of speed and immersion.
What elevates the book further is its honesty. The section on 'The Hardest Parts of the Job' addresses fear, physical exhaustion, and the consequences of mistakes. At the same time, it celebrates the intellectual challenge and discipline required, reinforcing a message that success comes from focus and continuous learning.
The inclusion of real-world figures such as Ayrton Senna, Danica Patrick, and Lewis Hamilton adds historical and cultural context, while the glossary and practical advice sections encourage readers to take tangible steps toward their interests. The closing note underscores the book's central philosophy: racing is not just about speed, but about intelligence, precision, and perseverance.
If the book has a limitation, it's that its density of information occasionally edges closer to middle-grade nonfiction than a traditional picture book. However, this same depth is likely to appeal to curious, detail-oriented readers—especially those who might not typically engage with reading.
A polished, visually engaging, and intellectually respectful introduction to motorsport—this is a standout example of nonfiction picture books done right, balancing excitement with substance and inspiration with realism."
"Speed-loving kids who talk about laps and pit stops will find a clear, respectful match in Linda Soules's Race Car Driver. Part of the 'So You Want To Be A…' series, it treats future racers as thinkers, not just spectators.
This book demystifies the job with real clarity, explaining that racing is not simply pressing the gas, but solving dozens of corner problems per lap with braking measured to the meter. Readers meet the engineers, strategists, and pit crews behind every helmet, learn how telemetry works, and tour different disciplines from Monaco's street circuit to NASCAR ovals. Profiles of Senna, Danica Patrick, and Lewis Hamilton add human depth, while the closing activities (cone courses on a bicycle, sim racing, go-karts) give parents easy weekend ideas. The book even connects racing safety to everyday cars, which sparked a real dinner-table conversation at our house.
The writing is clear and enthusiastic, with memorable lines such as "smooth is fast" that young readers will carry with them. Soules is honest about the focus, stamina, and teamwork racing demands, without losing the excitement. The glossary and reflection questions are a real help, and the tone respects curious minds throughout.
For ages ten to twelve, this is a strong career guide: inspiring, well researched, and genuinely useful for shared reading. Parents and teachers looking for something beyond speed and spectacle will find real value here. A confident recommendation for any curious young reader."
"Have you ever tracked how fast you can go on your bike, then tried to go faster? Do you love playing those sim racing games that make you feel like you are really in the cockpit of a race car? If so, then the book So You Want to Be a Race Car Driver by Linda Soules just may be for you. Being a race car driver may be dangerous, but thanks to the team working with the driver and better technology in race cars, many racers thrive in this sport and achieve satisfaction with this career.
This book shares what it’s like to be a race car driver, as well as what race cars are actually like. The kind of car in a race is not the same kind of car that a person drives to work. A race car is equipped with several controls that help the racer to maneuver, drive, and control their car while racing at 200 miles per hour – or higher. The place where the racer sits is called a 'cockpit,' and like what a pilot has to do inside the cockpit of a plane, the driver has to do while inside the car. The steering wheel is not like the steering wheel in a regular car; it is shaped differently, and it has many buttons on it to help control the car, the tires, and to help the racer. The pictures in this book provide good examples of the equipment the team uses during an automotive race, and that includes an example of what the steering wheel in a race car can look like. The driver also has a radio inside their helmet that allows them to communicate with the engineers while racing.
These are just some of the very interesting facts young readers will learn about being a race car driver when they read this book. They will also learn about the different types of races, the challenges that a driver can face, as well as what it takes to be a good race car driver.
Readers will also get to experience a typical 'day-in-the-life' of a race car driver and understand the kind of people a racer will work with. And that’s not all. They will also get to learn just how automotive racing has helped to improve the cars that everybody else drives. As it says on page 25, 'Race car drivers are the test pilots of the automobile world.' Items tested on race cars and in automotive racing have been added to regular cars to help them perform better and be safer. These improvements include better brakes, seatbelts, and fireproof technology for the cars on the road.
Finally, another thing which young readers may appreciate about this book is how automotive racing is not just a sport for boys. Girls can be race car drivers too. In fact, this book shares about one particular female race car driver who was the first woman to win the pole position at the Daytona 500. So young girls who dream of growing up to be a race car driver just might be inspired by the information they glean from this book.
So You Want to Be a Race Car Driver by Linda Soules is a perfect introduction to the world of automotive racing for young readers who dream of achieving speed behind the wheel. Filled with information about the sport and what it takes to be a racer, this book will inform and inspire readers who dream of driving those laps and achieving their next level of speed and stamina."
"It gives you facts without sugarcoating it. I was surprised about how much I didn't know about the profession... A very genuine approach to what being a race car driver entails."
"My son and I learned so much about race car driving that we didn't know. It was great to hear about all that a race car driver needs to know. It's not about just driving. They are engineers and it's almost like they are one with the race car."
"Loved the time stamped play by play of a day in the life of a race car driver. Such a cool book for kids that are interested in F1."
"Another great book in the series! So many great facts and interesting details for those interested in race car driving, the sport itself, or just random people. Gives the reality of the seriousness and danger behind racecar driving."
"I never would have thought reading about race at driving could be so interesting....The author's choice to not only highlight male drivers in the sport but also female drivers... allows young readers to relate on a personal level."
"I still love these books. They are formatted well and well thought out. It is easy to read and learn a lot of information. Beautiful and vibrant illustrations too...Some of the best parts include a day in the life; realistic parts of the jobs, tools of the trade, glossary, and just brief narratives about what is awesome and not so awesome about the job. I highly recommend these books."
"My child absolutely loved this book! If you have a little one who is obsessed with race cars, engines, or anything fast, this is such a fun read. The story does a great job introducing what a race car driver does in a way that is easy for kids to understand while still keeping them entertained. The illustrations are bright, exciting, and really hold their attention."
"I also appreciated that it teaches about the job itself — not just driving fast, but the hard work, practice, and teamwork involved in being a race car driver. It’s a perfect mix of educational and fun. We’ve read it several times already and it continues to be one of his favorites at bedtime. Definitely recommend for any young racing fan!"
"This book is so cool and teaches you everything you need to know to become a race car driver...I will definitely be reading more of this series!"
"This is a great book for teenagers. It explains what the reality of being a race car driver is like. The physical aspects, the mechanical knowledge they need, the amount of work and training involved. It also shows a day in the life of a driver and some biographies of famous race car drivers."
"I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves race car drivers...Truly a great book to read."
"I love how it focuses more on the engineering aspect rather than just the driving."
"As a girl who enjoys watching Formula 1 racing and NASCAR racing, this book was great for learning more about what it takes for each driver to do what they do. I feel as though I know much more about the sport after reading this book. It is a quick and educational read. I recommend to anybody who is interested in becoming a race car driver, or who is simply interested in the sport."
"I read this book with my 6 year old grandson because he is always saying he wants to drive race cars and go fast. His dad raced go karts when he was young. He was especially excited reading about the legendary drivers and the teams of engineers and mechanics that help make racing possible. The book explains how drivers train, stay focused, and work together with their crew before every race.
My grandson loved the sections about the powerful race cars, safety gear, and learning how drivers handle sharp turns at high speeds. He kept pointing at the illustrations and asking questions about the pit crews and what drivers do on race day. I liked that the book showed racing is not just about going fast, but also about discipline, teamwork, and practice."
"So You Want To Be A Race Car Driver does a great job showing that racing is about far more than just driving fast. I liked how the book breaks down the different paths into racing and explains the importance of practice, teamwork, safety, and sponsorships, which made the career feel realistic instead of glamorous. This book mattered to me because it gave a clear picture of what it actually takes to succeed in motorsports, and I’d recommend it to young racing fans, students exploring careers, or anyone curious about life behind the wheel of a race car."
"If you have a child who is completely fascinated by race cars, racetracks, and the excitement of motorsports, 'So You Want To Be A Race Car Driver' by Linda Soules is a book they’ll probably want to read more than once. What made this one stand out to me is that it feels less like a simple children’s book and more like a real introduction to the world of racing written in a way kids can actually enjoy and understand.
One thing I really liked was how the book talks about legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and explains how even famous racers had to practice constantly and learn control before becoming champions. The section discussing the idea that 'smooth is fast' was especially memorable because it teaches kids that racing is not just about slamming on the gas pedal. The book explains how staying calm, making smooth turns, and keeping control of the car are what actually make drivers faster and safer on the track. I thought that was a really smart lesson to include for young readers.
The book also does a great job showing what happens behind the scenes during race day. I liked the parts explaining how pit crews work together during tire changes and how engineers help adjust the cars to improve speed and handling. Those details made the racing world feel real and exciting instead of just flashy. It helps kids understand that racing is a team effort, not just one person driving a fast car.
Another thing that stood out was how the book walks readers through the early stages of becoming a driver, starting with kart racing and basic track safety. It makes the dream of becoming a race car driver feel achievable because kids can see the actual steps drivers take to get there.
The illustrations add a lot of energy too. The colorful race scenes, speeding cars, and track action make every page feel lively and exciting. You can tell the book was created for kids who genuinely love motorsports.
Overall, this book feels informative, encouraging, and genuinely fun. It mixes real racing knowledge with kid-friendly storytelling in a way that keeps young readers engaged while teaching them important lessons about focus, patience, teamwork, and practice. It’s a great pick for any young racing fan who dreams about one day crossing the finish line under the checkered flag."
"This book was so fascinating even for an adult! I read this book to pick up a few race car facts for my son who is 3. He loves cars and is constantly racing them."
"I was very impressed with this book. It is very well researched and the art work is extraordinary. I had no idea the foot pedal area of the race car can get 130 degrees or that the drivers could lose 10 pounds in sweat!"
"It explained that racing is more than just sitting in a car and driving. It takes a whole team effort to successfully drive a race car. It also explains the ups and downs along with different safety protocols."
"As a teacher, So You Want to Be a Race Car Driver by Linda Soules is an engaging and inspiring resource for young readers who are curious about exciting careers beyond the traditional classroom discussions. Linda Soules does a wonderful job breaking down the fast-paced world of race car driving in a way that is both accessible and educational for children. She has a long list of books dedicated to different career paths that I like. It gives students options. As a teacher that helps teach so many more students too.
Just like her other books, she has a way of making things stand out. Her book goes beyond just the thrill of racing and highlights the dedication, training, teamwork, and perseverance required to succeed in this profession. From learning about vehicle safety and the mechanics behind racing to understanding the discipline and focus needed to become a professional driver, the book provides meaningful insight while keeping readers entertained.
From a classroom perspective, this book is a fantastic way to spark conversations about goal setting, determination, STEM connections, and career exploration. Students who love cars, speed, or hands-on learning will be especially captivated, but even reluctant readers may find themselves drawn in by the exciting subject matter.
The writing is age-appropriate, informative, and encouraging, making it an excellent addition to classroom libraries, career study units, or independent reading collections. Linda Soules has a wonderful talent for introducing children to fascinating career paths in a way that makes big dreams feel possible. A highly recommended read for young aspiring racers and curious learners alike!"