Eva to the Max

★ “With strong character development, characters who have distinct dreams and interests, and the tough lessons Eva learns along the way, this book has the same weighted literary quality as Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover. The rhythmic verses are well done with the shapes and imagery described in the different poems bringing flashes of the motocross track to life. Those who do not have an interest in motocross will love this book for the character dynamics and the ambition of working toward a goal… This book realistically captures themes of shifting friendships, sportsmanship, and family all in impressively rhythmic verse; a necessity for all middle grade collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Exciting, inspiring, and intense.” —Kirkus

“Dynamic … Energetic verse … deftly relays exhilarating races alongside Eva’s struggle to balance chasing her dreams with navigating interpersonal upheaval.” —Publishers Weekly

“The story’s pace is fast and studded with girlpower, shoptalk, and a lot of growth … anyone with a specific passion will identify with the novel’s core story of commitment.” —Booklist

“The novel-in-verse format is perfect for this fast-paced, kinetic story—readers feel the vibrations from the engine and hear the rev of the throttle as the poems take various shapes on the page… Readers will be inspired by how Eva and Cam stand up to sexism on the racetrack and push each other toward the finish line.” —Horn Book Magazine

“An impressively crafted, high-action verse novel about a determined motor cross riding 12-year-old who learns that there’s more to life than riding… The storytelling in this novel is impeccable. Readers will feel every bump in the road as Eva rides through everything from gender equality in sports to navigating a sometimes-rocky relationship with her mother, and figuring out how to be a good friend. It feels authentic to tweens, relatable, and poetic at the same time as the author shows off in her verse storytelling with shape poems, rhyming, and so much more. A stand-out release.” —Reading Middle Grade

“Eva to the Max follows a young racer pursuing one of the ‘many ways to be a girl.’ It’s a relatable story for the ‘sporty girls’ out there, exploring family and friendship dynamics, self confidence and resilience, leadership, and the societal struggles that female athletes and young adults are often faced with. Important lessons are presented in a refreshing and easily digestible format!” —Leanne Junnila, Women in Motorsport Canada Founder/Director

“A fresh and compelling read … Eva To The Max balances a coming of age story with an in depth look into the world of motocross in a way that is both inviting and exciting … Race to pick this one up!” —Cordelia Jensen, author of Lilac and the Switchback

Rebecca Caprara graduated from Cornell University and practiced architecture for several years before shifting her focus from bricks to books. She is the author of The Magic of Melwick Orchard, a Massachusetts Book Awards “Must Read” selection; Worst-Case Collin, an International Youth Library White Ravens selection, an NCTE Notable Verse Novel, and a finalist for the Mark Twain Readers Award; and Spin, an ALA Rise: Feminist Book Project Top Ten selection.

Rebecca is the recipient of the 2017 Marguerite W. Davol Picture Book Manuscript Scholarship, as well as the Jane Yolen Scholarship from the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators.

An avid globetrotter, Rebecca has lived in Italy, Singapore, and Canada. She is now growing roots in Massachusetts with her family.

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