Lyn St. James: Driven to Be First FROM THE PUBLISHER
A biography of the race car driver who, in 1992, became the second woman ever to participate in the Indianapolis 500 and the first ever to be named rookie of the year in that race.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Trina Heidt
As a young girl, Lyn was very quiet and quite shy. She had thoughts of becoming a professional pianist and was dedicated to her practice, but it just didn't seem to be enough. Lyn also enjoyed spending time with her father tinkering with cars. In the back of her mind, Lyn knew she enjoyed working on cars but it wasn't until she was 19 and at her first Indy 500 as a spectator that she became convinced that she wanted to race. It was a long hard journey through the various racing circuits, but Lyn finally made it. She is now known as the fastest woman on wheels in the world of auto racing. Lyn is truly a pioneer in women's racecar driving.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-7Among the handful of American women to compete successfully in professional auto racing is Evelyn Cornwall, better known as Indy car driver Lyn St. James. Olney details her early life and shows the successes and setbacks that must be part of every competitor's rise to recognition in a dangerous yet satisfying career. The bias against women in motor sports is part of this story, but does not become a tirade. Descriptions of the dues that had to be paid, such as competing in increasingly difficult types of racing, continuously trying to convince sponsors to invest large sums of money in her career, and suffering accidents on the track and disappointments in her personal life make it clear that the road to success is a long one. St. James's character is revealed through many quotes. Highlights of her career are appended as is a two-page glossary of auto racing terms. Black-and-white and full-color photographs depict St. James in many stages of her life and career and vividly complement the lively text. A fascination biography of an outstanding competitor who is giving much back to the sport she loves by supporting the training and encouragement of women race drivers.Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY
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