Children's Literature: A hundred years ago, the automobile was a novelty?a toy for the rich and famous. Prior to Henry Ford's revolutionary assembly-line process, automobiles were essentially built-to-order, one at a time. European automakers eager to capture this young market devised races?emphasizing endurance over speed?to prove the superiority of their products. The New York Times and the Paris newspaper Le Matin sponsored the granddaddy of all such races, with a course that began in New York and ended in Paris (going the long way across the United States, Siberia and Europe). That race, which included entries from France, Italy, Germany, and a last-minute American car, was as much about the pluck, ingenuity, and determination of the crews as it was about mechanical dominance. Blackwood's engaging storytelling brings to life the men behind the wheel, from the Italian poet to the determined American mechanic. He is especially effective at illustrating transcontinental travel in an age before paved highways, routine snow removal or gas stations. Comparisons between the 1908 racecars and current automobile specs (e.g. 15 horse power engines versus 300 in a modern SUV) help to highlight the tremendous undertaking of the race. Black-and-white photographs of the participants, cars, events, and sights of the race enlarge this remarkable story. A short list of related websites, a bibliography, end notes, a map, and an index enhance the book's use for research, but there can be no doubt that students will embrace this thrilling narrative for their recreational reading as well. Reviewer: Heather Christensen