Mario Andretti (Race Car Legends)
Gr 6-9--These two series entries aimed at racing aficionados bring some fresh material to a dated area of most libraries. However, the colorful covers raise expectations that are soon deflated by occasionally fuzzy, dark, black-and-white photos and rather bland writing. The outer page margins are extremely wide and the narrow inner margins draw readers' eyes toward the gutter (some photos edge into it). Both titles reveal the drive, endurance, and super-quick reflexes necessary to succeed at this high-speed sport. Both include pages of career statistics, chronologies, and further readings and videos, and are indexed to assist researchers. The Allisons chronicles the racing careers, and little else, of brothers Bobby and Donnie (both forced to retire by severe injuries), and Bobby's sons Davey and Clifford (both killed in racing-related accidents). Mario Andretti includes more personal material as well as career highlights, and is written in a livelier style. Acceptable reading during ESPN commercials for those who thrill to the roar of finely tuned engines and the smell of hot carburetors.Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NYCopyright 1996 Cahners Business Information, Inc.