Ride It! Patch It!

Ace, a clever and fearless girl, rides her bike through the neighborhood on her way to a race at the fair. During the race, she faces two major challenges: her bike chain slips off, and her tire goes flat. Rather than giving up, Ace uses her tools and problem-solving skills to fix each issue. These moments highlight her calm, confident approach to problems, showing readers that quick thinking and perseverance can help turn setbacks into success. 

The story has a simple and engaging plot without complicated conflicts. Ace is on a mission, hits a few bumps, and works through them with determination. The pacing is smooth with clear steps that young readers can follow. When her chain slips, she fixes it and continues the race. When her tire goes flat, she patches it and gets right back in the race. Though she does not win, she is proud of her accomplishment. 

There are no major supporting characters in the story, but the illustrations include background people, such as children who are also participating in the race. This visual detail helps situate Ace’s world and adds context to the story. Still, the main focus remains on Ace and her experience. 

Ace models resilience and good sportsmanship when the story closes with her smiling alongside the other racers. This ending reminds readers that success isn’t always about winning — it’s about doing your best and enjoying the ride. Ace’s inventive thinking and determined spirit make her a strong role model, and the focus on problem-solving and resilience gives the story a clear educational and emotional payoff. 

The Racing Ace series employs short sentences with bold fonts and varied text placement to maintain a quick pace throughout the story. This approach makes the language accessible and easy to follow, perfect for readers who are just beginning to build their reading stamina. The text features repetition of words and phrases to build rhythm and emphasize Ace’s determination. Phrases like “And slower, and slower, and slower” highlight the tension Ace feels as her bike starts to fail, creating anticipation for what will happen next. This subtle shift in rhythm mirrors the struggle, drawing readers into the action. 

The full-color illustrations are bright and dynamic, reflecting Ace’s energetic personality. Each page is designed to keep readers engaged, matching the thrilling speed and resilience of Ace’s journey. The illustrations add clarity to the process, which helps readers understand how the race ultimately unfolds. 

Racing Ace: Ride It! Patch It! is a safe and enriching read for young audiences. It’s a great choice for children interested in bikes, tools, or stories about brave and capable characters. It offers a powerful reminder that even when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for, persistence and a good attitude can still lead to a win. Readers can go on more adventures by reading Ty’s Travels: Zip Zoom by Kelly Starling Lyons and Hot Rod Hamster by Cynthia Lord. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None 

by Rayna Burlison