EVA TO THE MAX by Rebecca Caprara

 

Author Rebecca Caprara takes readers on a wild ride into girls' motocross racing. This novel in verse follows Eva and her new friend Cam as they try to qualify for the AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Eva is only twelve. She has been riding bikes since she could grip the handlebars. Her father and his business partner were great riders until they tried a trick that went wrong, ending with Eva's father in a wheelchair. They are now her trainers and the mechanics for her motorcycle. They are also her number one fans. 

Eva's mother is definitely not a fan. She wishes Eva would stop riding motocross and pick something more feminine. She is thrilled when Eva meets the new girl at school and strikes up a friendship. Unfortunately, Cam is also into motocross and has the same goals to ride into the championship.

The sport is rough and expensive, so Eva faces challenges that threaten her dreams to win and go professional. Readers will follow the ups and downs as Eva braves dangerous courses and challenging competition.

STRAYS by Gia Gordon

 

Everyone has a time when they feel left out and alone. Campbell has felt that way since her mother died. Even before that, her mother wasn't always "present." Campbell's father hasn't shared his feelings about what happened. He has had his own tragedy to deal with.

Luz is Campbell's best friend. She also has family issues, but Campbell feels safe and comfortable when she is at Luz's house. They share their feelings and usually try to help each other.

One day Campbell witnesses a man in a creepy, white van dumping a little puppy along the side of the road. She tries to find the little dog, but he hides in an empty lot. Campbell is torn about what to do. She would love to rescue the puppy, but her father is the director of the local animal control. He is obsessed with keeping strays off the streets. She knows if a stray is picked up, it has three days to be adopted or it will be euthanized. Hopefully, Campbell can figure out a way to save the dog before her father picks it up.

Author Gia Gordon takes readers on an adventure with two friends, a little dog, and emotions aplenty. STRAYS teaches we all need understanding and a place to feel safe and at home.