History-Making NASCAR Driver Danica Patrick Subject of Enslow Biography

Danica Patrick made her automotive racing name competing in high-profile events such as the Indianapolis 500. Over the past three years, she has gradually moved her racing to the NASCAR stock car circuit. This past week, Patrick enjoyed an historic breakthrough, when she won pole position at the Daytona 500 race. She is the first woman to achieve this victory.

"I was brought up to be the fastest driver, not the fastest girl," Patrick said after the event. To learn more about Patrick's competitive character and exciting auto racing experiences, read Enslow Publishers' biography of the driver. Author J. Chris Roselius' 128-page work explores Patrick's compelling life and times on and off the racing circuit. This high-interest book, an excellent choice for reluctant readers, includes full-color photos, reader-friendly pullouts, and excellent chapter notes for further reading.

Danica Patrick: Racing to History, included in Enslow's "Heroes of Racing" series, is available directly from Enslow Publishers in a library-bound edition for $23.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.The book is also available from major vendors, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Revving Up Reading Engines for the Indy 500

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3302-3

The Indianapolis 500, one of America's great sports traditions, will be held over the Memorial Day weekend. This exciting event, typically witnessed by a quarter-million spectators and a worldwide television audience, offers the flair and adventure that young readers often enjoy. Prominent among contemporary Indy drivers is Danica Patrick. Her interesting life story is the subject of an Enslow Publishers biography that's available now.

Danica Patrick: Racing to History provides an accessible, fun window into Patrick's drive to succeed. The 128-page title, part of Enslow's "Heroes of Racing" series, combines exciting full-color photos, author J. Chris Roselius' strong text, and career statistics into a well-rounded look at Patrick's life and career. The book's 6.7 AR reading level makes it a useful choice for reluctant readers in secondary and high school.

The library-bound book is available directly from Enslow Publishers for $23.95; the price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for this title!

Danica Patrick and the Daytona 500

Hopefully the Daytona 500 will get underway tonight. Rain has forced the postponement of this race which is to be Danica Patrick's debut. This is the first of ten scheduled Sprint Cup Series events she is hoping to particpate in. She made the full-time move to NASCAR, racing for the Nationwide Series champtionship as a driver for JR Motorsports.

Part of Enslow's Heroes of Racing series, Danica Patrick is written for middle school students who enjoy and want to learn more about NASCAR racing. Other titles in this 12-titles series include:  Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Dale Earnhardt, Sr.; Darrell Waltrip; Jeff Burton; Jeff Gordon; Jimmie Johnson; Kevin Harvick; Mark Martin; Matt Kenseth; Richard Petty; and Tony Stewart.

On This Day in 1959, the First Daytona 500

Read here how the Daytona 500 changed Daytona Beach, Florida and the sport of NASCAR forever

Check out Enslow's Heroes of Racing series and our Wild Wheels! series both for reluctant readers who love the thrill of racing.

This series is also available in paperback

25th Annual Celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day

The National Association for Girls and Women in Sports celebrates the 25th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day with this year's theme, "Play, Believe, Achieve."

To celebrate Enslow is featuring our Danica Patrick: Racing to History title from our Heroes of Racing series.

Millions of sports fans know the name Danica Patrick—even if they've never watched an indy car race before. As a female driver, Patrick has broken ground for her consistent performances behind the wheel. In 2008, she won the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first woman to win in an Indy Car race.

For grades 5–9, this 128-page book is perfect for reluctant readers.

Happy Birthday Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Millions of fans today see Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the flaming red No. 8 car and think that with his name and family tradition, he was born to win races and accept the cheers of the crowd. But it was not easy. He had to grow up in the shadows of both his famous father and his grandfather, Ralph. Dale Jr. had to race cars knowing the fans would always compare him to those two other racing Earnhardts. In 1998 and 1999 he took home the Busch Grand National Series title, becoming the first driver to win such a championship after both his father and grandfather had won it before him. After his dramatic and emotional victory at the Daytona 500 in 2004—the race that took his father's life just three years earlier—Dale Jr. has emerged as one of NASCAR's best drivers. Exciting new title for reluctant readers!

Happy Birthday Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson is one of the dominating figures in NASCAR. He became the first rookie ever to lead in the point standings (and to date the only rookie to do so). He is the only driver to finish in the top five in the standings in his first five full seasons. He has never finished below fifth in the final standings and finished second twice (in 2003 and 2004) and won the Nextel Cup championship in 2006. He will only get better as he continues to compete at the highest levels of NASCAR. Great title for reluctant readers!

Today is Tony Stewart's birthday

Tony Stewart Rocket on the Racetrack
Author: Ryan Basen
State Affiliation of Author: NC
State Affiliation of Title: IN
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2998-9

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 128

Tony Stewart has won championships in sprint cars, indy cars, and stock cars. He currently races in NASCAR for Joe Gibbs Racing and captured the Nextel Cup championship in 2005. Today he is recognized as one of the biggest names in NASCAR and should continue to compile championships in the seasons to come.

Today would have been the birthday of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Dale Earnhardt, Sr. The Intimidator
Author: James MacDonald
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3297-2

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 128

Dale Earnhardt, Sr., remains one of the most revered figures in NASCAR. Before his tragic death on the track of the Daytona 500 in 2001, he won seven championships—tied with Richard Petty for the most in NASCAR history. He earned the nickname "The Intimidator" due to his aggressive racing style, which fans will never forget.

On this day in history

In 2008, Danica Patrick became the first female winner in IndyCar history by capturing the Indy Japan 300.

Danica Patrick's birthday is today

Danica Patrick Racing to History
Author: J Chris Roselius
State Affiliation of Author: MN
State Affiliation of Title: WI
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3302-3

ISBN-10: 0-7660-3302-3-->
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 128
Description: Millions of sports fans know the name Danica Patrick—even if they've never watched an indy car race before. As a female driver, Patrick has broken ground for her consistent performances behind the wheel. In 2008, she won the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first woman to win in an Indy Car race.