At the local book store, the kids section is filled with ‘How to be a YouTuber‘ and ‘Your Guide to Becoming a 9-Year Old Influencer‘. It’s a sad comment on the state of children’s literature today. Back when I was a little kid, the book “Josef, The Indy Car Driver” helped ignite in me an interest in motorsports, and put me on a lifelong pursuit of racing glory.
A collaboration between author / illustrator Chris Workman and 2-Time IndyCar Series Champion Josef Newgarden, the racing-themed children’s book explores Josef’s story in a way that kids can relate to. The book shows aspiring racers, 5-years-old plus, little Josef’s path to becoming a professional race car driver.
His story takes the reader from go-karts, to the Skip Barber Racing School, then to Europe to compete in British Formula Ford, finally returning home to win the Indy Lights Championship. Rather than a job description, the book tries to teach kids to chase their dreams.
It’s a mixture of Josef’s true life story, and some basics of motorsports. So many little kids believe they’ll go from the go-kart track to the Indy 500, but “Josef, The Indy Car Driver” teaches kids that even though mommy and daddy tell you you’re ‘the best’ there’s still years of hard work ahead.
Filled with excellent illustrations, the book is an easy read at 56 pages. And for kids who liked it, Josef just released his follow-up children’s book “Josef’s Big Dream: An Indy 500 Story” this past spring.
Helpful indeed
I hope to get Josef’s new book soon!