The Fastest Girl on Earth! Meet Kitty O’Neil, Daredevil Driver!

Gr 1-3–Speed! Action! Excitement! This incredible biography shares the adventures of daredevil and record breaker Kitty O’Neil (1946–2018). The book begins at the onset of a world record attempt, then cuts back to Kitty’s childhood and the events leading up to the current attempt. Kitty lost her hearing in childhood but as the book explains, “that didn’t slow her down.” Short sentences throughout the work build anticipation to Kitty’s big challenge of breaking the women’s land-speed record. The illustrations are colorful and detailed, which will keep children engaged and support comprehension. With its exciting pace, this book could be used as a read aloud or enjoyed individually. The back material includes facts about Kitty O’Neil’s records, sports, and stunts, as well as details about her supercar, the SMI Motivator. Young race fans and car enthusiasts will appreciate these details. There are also author’s notes which, like the facts and details, are written with young readers in mind. With exciting prose and positive representation, this book would be an excellent addition to biography collections.