Glam Prix Racers Book 1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 10 The Glam Prix Racers takes on the Cyclops Camper Crew and the Vroombots in the first stage of this race. The Vroombots sabotage the race at a few points, but the teamwork of the Glam Prix Racers means they can tackle all challenges!This book is for ages seven to ten, and for that age group especially, it's a lot of fun. It's hardback with quality paper and loads of bright colors and incredibly cute art. Let me first say that I'm thrilled there's a racing book with a girl leading character and designed in a way to appeal to all kids, not just boys. Mio is a red-haired mermaid (looks a lot like a certain other red-haired mermaid) and drives Mudwick, her monster truck! They have a need for speed, and I'm already excited. They're the main characters, and it's nice to see them put friendship and teamwork before racing ahead. Then there's Flipp (a Black fairy girl engineer!) and Furie, her pink-flame-covered train engine who communicates differently than everyone else (images in puffs of smoke instead of words). Flipp's hair is even twin afropuffs that look like gears. They're the smart duo good at fixing mechanical problems. Yes, you read all that right: Black girl magic and STEM in one character and nontraditional communication in her partner. This book is on fire with representation so far! There's also: Unee (unicorn) and U-turn (motorized unicycle), who bring energy and cheer; Deelux (dragon) and Dapper (dune buggy), who are daring; and sookie (a yellow flying monkey creature?) and Smoosh (ice cream truck), who bring creativity. The motos (vehicles) are given life by Sparklecharge, and in this story we get to see what happens when they run out! The Cyclops Camper Crew aren't really in this book, and seem to mainly be there to give another set of racers on the track. The Vroombots are led by V-Best, the shortest Vroombot who is the most human-looking (has a "hairstyle") and wants all the Sparklecharge by any means. V-Best is clearly the villain, but we don't know their motivation, so there's room for redemption and a happy ending. The other two don't have names yet, but one has extra-long limbs likes to dance (and doesn't talk!) and the other is big and boxy and mishears things as animal puns, altering his transformations to fit. They have fun, but they also follow orders. The race goes through different areas of this world, each with different themes for how it looks and what grows / lives there. It has a Candyland-type vibe, only a larger variety than just candy types. The different areas provide different terrains for racing, so different challenges as well as visuals. And I like that the race has side quests for extra points, as these add even more variety to the adventure. Every member of the Glam Prix racers gets a chance to shine in their own, unique way. And they interact with other creatures in the world, too -- there's even an assortment of themed gnomes hiding in the art, with a page in the back showing them all for readers to make sure they saw each one. The art is super cute with big eyes and simple but memorable designs. The pacing and layout work well to keep the energy up while also not making every scene a literal race. This is the first of a three-part race / adventure, and it's definitely entertaining enough for me to want more, so I'm glad there two more books to look forward to. And at $11 for over 200 pages of full-color, it's quite affordable and well worth it. Written: August 20, 2021
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