Race to Cable Town (Book 1) by Edward Penner
Race to Cable Town by Edward Penner is the kind of book that pulls you in right from the start and doesn’t let go. It’s got everything young readers are looking for — it’s packed with action, humor and mystery, making it a fantastic read for young adventurers.
A Thrill Ride from Start to Finish
At its core, this book is about curiosity, determination and the power of friendship. Tom and Andy are best friends who love to explore and take on new challenges and adventures. When they discover an old letter in Tom’s attic, they stumble upon a mystery that leads them to Cable Field, a racetrack where kids come from all around to compete in bike races. But there is more to the place than just racing, there is history hidden in the woods, and Tom and Andy are determined to uncover the truth about Clayton Cable.
More Than Just a Race Track
One of the most gripping parts of this book has to be the breakneck racing scenes! They’re fast, intense, and super fun to read. Andy is a tough competitor, but when he goes up against Dean, the proud owner of the coolest and fastest custom-made bike, the race is closer than anyone expects! Reading the words on the page is so engaging that you start to feel like you’re right there, zooming around the track, dodging bumps, and rushing toward the finish line!
There is more about this book to enjoy than mystery and thrilling racing scenes: the illustrations! The illustrations throughout the book add such a charming quality bringing the characters and their surroundings to life! Whether it’s the high-speed action of a bike race, the eerie feeling of the mystical woods, or the hilarious expressions on the characters’ faces, the artwork makes every scene more engaging.
Lessons That Stick with You
As an adult, I try to pick out books for young readers that have a lingering message or books that will provide a lesson that the reader will remember, and I believe Race to Cable Town fits into that category perfectly! One of the biggest themes of the book is perseverance. Whether it’s Andy pushing himself to face Dean in a race or Tom’s determination to solve the mystery of Clayton Cable, both characters show that success comes from effort and never giving up. Even when things don’t go their way, they find new solutions and keep moving forward, which is an inspiring message for young readers.
This book also shines a light on the importance of teamwork and friendship. Tom and Andy support each other no matter what, even when faced with challenges like bullies or seemingly impossible obstacles. The book highlights how working together and trusting your friends can lead to amazing discoveries — whether it’s solving a mystery, fixing a statue, or competing in a seemingly impossible race.
If you’re looking for a book that’s fun, fast-paced, and full of heart, Race to Cable Town is a great choice. It’s the kind of story that will make kids want to go out and have their own adventures — and maybe even hop on a bike for a race of their own!
About Edward Penner:
Edward Penner is a Canadian author from Ontario. He’s the author of the series The Adventures of Tom and Andy which includes The Legend of Black Eyed Bart, Books 1 – 5 and The Mysteries of Verner Castle. In addition to writing adventure stories for children, Edward is an electrical engineer, a computer programmer, an avid reader and a music lover.
