From top fuelers to funny cars, dragsters rule the racing world with their sleek design and powerful engines. Learn the ins and outs of these cars and how they came to be such fan favorites. Grade 5-8–Speed, daring, and power are just the ticket for thrill-seeking readers. An action-packed first chapter introduces the topic of each title, while the next chapter covers the development and history of the sport, mentioning well-known individuals of past and present. The final two chapters concentrate on the current trends in vehicle design and modification. The wide, single-column narratives are printed on a variety of background colors, and chapter headings are white on black boxes, while subtopics are printed in yellow on black. Unfamiliar terms appear in bold-faced red and are defined at the foot of the page in stylized racing flames. Fast fact boxes provide extra tidbits throughout. The texts, which stress safety, are liberally illustrated with close-up and action-filled color photos and vintage black-and-white ones where appropriate. Indy Cars , Dirt Bikes , Choppers , and Monster Trucks have charts listing general statistics (e.g., top speed, engine size, type of fuel, and type of tire). The only discernable question about this series concerns Dragsters . It is unclear as to how the top fueler gets its name from its fuel, nitromethane. Also, the book describes how drivers' reaction times are used to break competitive ties, but reaction to what is not explained. All of the titles have some redundant captions. Overall, though, these titles are worth serious consideration. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Award-winning author Sean McCollum has written more than 30 nonfiction books and hundreds of articles for children and teens. Currently living in the United States Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, he has sailed on ships big and small, and always checks where the lifeboats are stowed. Yarn dyed Badge included on chest