Smokin' Open-Wheel Race Cars (Fast Wheels!)
Fast Wheels! Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Read about open-wheel race cars, the drivers, and the races they compete in, such as Formula One and the IZOD IndyCar Series. In five fast-paced chapters, author Erin Egan takes readers through the wild world of open-wheel racing, exploring the history, personalities, and famous races associated with the different styles of open-wheel race cars.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-13
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes open-wheel race cars different from other types of cars?
Can you describe how the drivers might feel when they are racing?
Why do you think speed is important in racing?
How do teamwork and safety play a role in racing according to the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, express genuine interest in their thoughts to encourage more open and detailed responses.
Ask your child to draw their favorite race car from the book and describe why they chose that particular one.
Relate the themes of speed and competition to everyday scenarios like running in the playground, to make the conversation more relatable.
Discuss the importance of safety gear in racing and correlate it to wearing helmets while biking or pads for skating to emphasize safety in all sports.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The book highlights how race car drivers work closely with their pit crews and teams to achieve success on the track.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and working together with others to accomplish goals, which is applicable in school projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: Drivers often face challenges and setbacks during races, but they continue to push forward and strive for improvement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to stay determined and persistent in the face of difficulties, whether they are dealing with academic challenges or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting safety
Explanation: The book discusses the various safety measures and gear used in open-wheel racing, emphasizing their importance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to always consider safety in their activities and understand the role of protective measures in preventing injuries.
Example Lesson: The science of speed
Explanation: Readers are introduced to basic concepts of physics and mechanics that explain how race cars are designed to achieve high speeds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply scientific thinking and curiosity to explore how different objects move and operate in their environment.