Books About Race Cars

The Best Race Cars Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about race cars? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Race Cars

The Sinister Signpost
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1936

The Sinister Signpost

By Franklin W. Dixon · Book #15 in the The Hardy Boys series

Mysterious signposts vanish as car crashes and thefts escalate. Can they solve it?

175 pages· 16,064 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 3,294 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Frank and Joe Hardy face a baffling case: drivers crash after seeing ominous signposts that disappear without a trace. As they dig deeper, they uncover a plot involving a stolen experimental motor and a kidnapped racehorse. With danger lurking at every turn, can the young detectives unravel the mystery before it's too late?
A.J. Foyt
Sale price
$2375
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1996

A.J. Foyt

By Josh Wilker · Race Car Legends series

How did a Texas mechanic become one of the most winning drivers in racing?

64 pages
$25.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: This biography follows A.J. Foyt from his Houston childhood around his father's garage to a career as one of the most dominant race car drivers ever, including his record four Indianapolis 500 wins.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Sale price
$2845
Picture Book · Ages 8–13 · 2017

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

By Emily Rose Oachs · Car Crazy series

A racing legend designed this pony car to rule the track.

24 pages
3.7 Goodreads · 9 ratings
$29.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Racecar driver Carroll Shelby built the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 for speed and power on the track. This high-interest, low-reading-level book looks at the car's history, its engine and its race-ready features.
Back on Track
Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2017

Back on Track

By Random House Disney

A legendary race car, pushed aside by faster rivals, fights to get back in the game.

24 pages
3.5 Goodreads · 77 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, Lightning McQueen is pushed out of the sport he loves. With help from an eager young race technician and inspiration from the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, he sets out to prove he isn't finished yet. A Step 2 reader based on Disney/Pixar's Cars 3.
Race to Celebrate
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2026

Race to Celebrate

By Random House Disney, Disney Storybook Art Team (Illustrator)

A small desert town plans a secret party for its favorite racer.

24 pages
4.0 Goodreads · 11 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Mater, Sally, Cruz and their friends in Radiator Springs plan a surprise party for the first annual Lightning McQueen Day, a new adventure published for the 20th anniversary of Cars.
Race the World!
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Race the World!

By Ace Landers · Hot Wheels series

Speedy cars zoom across the globe in a race around the world.

32 pages
3.9 Goodreads · 53 ratings
Hardcover
Summary: Hot Wheels cars speed across the globe in a race around the world. This Level 1 Scholastic Reader uses short, simple sentences and bright pictures to help beginning readers follow the action.
Flyer McTire
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026

Flyer McTire

By Beth Ferry, Matt Myers (Illustrator)

A cast-off race car tire looks for a new purpose and finds an unexpected friend.

32 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 35 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Flyer McTire loves zooming around the racetrack, and he never gets tired. But when he is fired and sent to the dump, he wonders whether there is any place left for him. Then a chance meeting with a young boy shows him that a new, more important job may be waiting, and that his best race is still ahead.
Indy Cars
Sale price
$2845
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Indy Cars

By Thomas K. Adamson · Full Throttle series

Discover the thrilling evolution of Indy cars from factory tracks to legendary races.

24 pages· 491 words· Est. 5 min read
5.0 Goodreads · 1 ratings
$29.95Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Explore the exhilarating journey of Indy cars, from their humble beginnings on a factory test track to becoming icons of speed and innovation. Uncover the rich history and thrilling races that have captivated fans worldwide. What challenges did these open-wheel racers face on their path to fame? Dive into the world of high-speed competition and uncover the secrets behind one of the most famous racetracks in history. Perfect for young readers eager to learn about the fascinating world of motorsports.
Speed Camp
Sale price
$2405
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2009

Speed Camp

By Jake Maddox, J. Gunderson, Sean Tiffany (Illustrator) · Jake Maddox on the Speedway series

Dylan must build a winning race car with an unexpected partner.

63 pages· 4,876 words· Est. 41 min read
4.2 Goodreads · 22 ratings
$25.32Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: At Top Speed Race Camp, Dylan is paired with Jo, a partner unlike any he imagined. As they face the challenge of building a stock car, Dylan grapples with his assumptions and the pressure to outpace his rival, Robby. Can he overcome his surprise and work with Jo to achieve victory, or will his preconceived notions hold him back? The race is on, and the stakes are high in this thrilling tale of teamwork and competition.
Race Day
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2010

Race Day

By Gail Tuchman

Engines roar, tires screech, and the race to the finish line begins. Who will claim victory?

24 pages· 110 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
3.4 Goodreads · 80 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Feel the adrenaline as drivers zip up their jumpsuits and racecars roar to life. With engines revving and tires screeching, the competition is fierce. Pit stops, crashes, and popped tires add to the chaos. Who will navigate the challenges and cross the finish line first? Experience the thrill of race day in this action-packed adventure.
Ages 3–6Picture Book Club

Great books for ages 3–6, every month.

Two hardcover picture books a month, perfect for reading aloud, with coordinated spines for a beautiful shelf.

See the Picture Book ClubFrom $19.95 a box
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