Member Reviews
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
‘Born Driven’ by Saxton Moore Jr. with illustrations by Nolwe Azul Tamis is a picture book based on Wendell Scott, the first African American NASCAR champion.
Young Wendell Scott wanted to be a race car driver. He had a lot of obstacles to overcome, but a winning attitude certainly helps. When his town held a soapbox derby, Wendell wanted to race. The other kids had fancier cars and made fun of Wendell’s. When a tragedy occurs during the race, most drivers would give up, but Wendell overcomes obstacles to finish the race.
This was a great kid’s story about someone I didn’t know. It’s pitched perfectly to young readers with the story and art. The book concludes with a nice biography and pictures. This was a good, positive read.
This storybook commemorates the first African-American NASCAR driver and team owner by telling the story of his first race in a format that little readers can understand. Wendell loves to mechanic, but unfortunately his skin colour meant he couldn't buy parts, so he entered a cobbled-together car. It is about perseverance, overcoming challenges and achieving the impossible, among other things. I was particularly pleased to see the section at the end of the book where more is said about the life of the driver beyond this little episode.
Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a lovely book for children who love cars/race cars. I enjoyed learning more about the first African American NASCAR driver and thought it was extra special having it written by his grandson. The images were great to keep children’s attention and text was all in child friendly tone, even addressing the racism of Wendell not being able to buy car parts. I also appreciated the mini factfile and website provided at the back.
This is a short cute story about an iconic racecar driver. A good book for any kids that dreams of going fast.
Thank you, Oni Press, for the advance reading copy.
The book is a short illustrated memoir of the first African American NASCAR champion Wendell Scott. As a child he was persistent on winning despite facing discrimination and bullying because of his skin colour.
I love how accessible and entertaining the writing is. Equally eye catching is the artwork!
This book will be a fun read for the young readers. It will tell them a real story to motivate them on how to be persistent and resilient.
An adorably illustrated story of Wendell Scott the first African American NASCAR driver and team owner. This is a fun and exciting story for young readers.
I really enjoyed hearing about Wendell as I did not know about him before this book. It was short and sweet, it did lack some depth but for a children's book it was enjoyable. I was happy to learn about this history!
It reads like something produced by a non-profit, which it is. Appreciated learning about this man though. ARC from NetGalley
This is cute af. Love a story about having a passion and going for it even if people doubt you! Good for him!
This was a great book about facing adversity and I loved the history behind it. I think children will enjoy the message and the illustrations.
Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Born Driven is aninspiring little book, it follows the true story of Wendell Scott, the first African American NASCAR champion. The book talks about Wendell's childhood and how he loved racing and overcame obstacles to achieve everything, This is a very short picture book type graphic novel that explores the themes of persistence and dreaming, little kids would love the illustrations and message from this book.
The illustrations are colorful, vibrant and apt for this beautiful little story.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For young Wendall Scott, anything was possible if you put your mind to it. So for Wendall, he was determined to join the street race alongside other kids. With the help of his friends, he created a street car from things around the neighborhood. Despite being African American, Wendall persevered through it all. He was fast and intelligent as he raced to the finish line. "Born Driven" is an encouraging picture book on following your dreams and never letting go.
Born Driven is an inspirational story based on the life of Wendell Scott, the first African American NASCAR champion. The story chronicles some of the challenges and obstacles he had to overcome, his innate curiosity in how things work (so he could learn to fix them!), and his insatiable desire to always do and be better. Great illustrations for an inspirational story. This is a great book to teach kids that constantly striving to do and be better will help you reach your goals!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!
Born Driven was a fun book to read with my young son. I was not previously aware of Wendell Scott until reading this book. This book was a great opportunity to teach my son about his amazing story. The illustrations are bright and fun and the story engaging.