Name: Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000
ISBN: 9781416964858

Eric Wight

Fourth-grader Frankie Piccolini's vivid imagination does not help him advance in rank with the rest of his Possum Scout troop, but winning the Pine Run 3000 model car race would give him the points he needs.

Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000

Sarah Sammis

Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000 by Eric Wight is the second book in this series of chapter book / graphic novel hybrids. The first in the series was short listed in the Cybil's last year. That's how my son and I first came across the series.

This time Frankie needs only a handful of points to move up to the next level in scouts. Since he didn't complete the knot tying badge his only other option is to win the Pine Run 3000, a model car race held once a year.

Plot wise the book is very similar to Babymouse Burns Rubber, a graphic novel nominated for this year's Cybils, being a combination of actual race events and imaginary scenes. Of the two race themed graphic novels, I preferred Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000.

My son has had this book on his wishlist since he read the first in the series. He loved this book, tearing through it in about an hour.