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Eva to the Max
A fast-paced, exhilarating novel-in-verse about a young motocross phenom, chasing her dream no matter the risks
Motocross is Eva’s life. Nothing beats the rush she feels ripping it up on the course—except maybe the moment just after the race when she removes her helmet, and the other riders realize they just got smoked by a twelve-year-old girl.
While fear of bullying leads Eva to keep her passion a secret at school, she’s known in the local racing circuit as “Eva Knievel,” a brazen competitor willing to risk it all to win. But when her daredevil behavior leaves her with a bruised ego and a busted bike, Eva is forced to reckon with the high costs of her beloved sport—financial, physical, and emotional.
As if that reality check weren't harsh enough, there's a new girl at school whose arrival not only threatens Eva's carefully crafted school persona, but her place on the podium, too.
Motocross is Eva’s life. Nothing beats the rush she feels ripping it up on the course—except maybe the moment just after the race when she removes her helmet, and the other riders realize they just got smoked by a twelve-year-old girl.
While fear of bullying leads Eva to keep her passion a secret at school, she’s known in the local racing circuit as “Eva Knievel,” a brazen competitor willing to risk it all to win. But when her daredevil behavior leaves her with a bruised ego and a busted bike, Eva is forced to reckon with the high costs of her beloved sport—financial, physical, and emotional.
As if that reality check weren't harsh enough, there's a new girl at school whose arrival not only threatens Eva's carefully crafted school persona, but her place on the podium, too.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Rebecca Caprara
9 books66 followersRebecca Caprara graduated from Cornell University and practiced architecture before shifting her focus from bricks to books. She writes stories for readers of all ages and loves experimenting with narrative forms and new genres. Her work ranges from poetry and picture books to middle grade and young adult novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 8, 2026
Eva is a star on the motocross course, but tries to keep it under wraps at school-- not everyone thinks it's cool for a girl to be a biker. While training for a motocross competition, Eva must also ride through changes in her friendships, butting heads with her mom, and how to proudly own her passion for the sport. I loved Eva's drive (no pun intended) and watching her grow into herself alongside her family and friends!
June 8, 2026
I like that this book focused on girls doing motocross- what a unique and interesting premise! I think that premise worked well with the verse/poetry format the author chose, however I had a hard time staying invested in this book. While accurate for her age, I didn’t love the main character’s vibes at the start of the book, and this book requires a lot of background knowledge about motocross and also art (the author refers to a lot of artist names because the main character’s best friend is into art). Maybe a glossary of terms from the book could help? Or even a diagram of a motocross bike with the different parts labeled? I think that would really help emerging middle school readers, or readers who might struggle to follow the story. And even adult readers like me!
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March 11, 2026Personally really enjoying and connecting to, but I'm a millenial. Much of the diction, I wonder--would gen alpha use or know these terms? Would they connect how Eva feels restrained by these gender norms? The mom gives very boomer vibes to me. To me it feels like it perfectly captures things I felt in the late aughts, but wonder if these things would feel a little different to kids in 2026. Would be curious to hear what others think.
June 25, 2026
An NIV filled with not only motocross action but a young girl trying to find where she fits into the competitive atmosphere of the dirt track, her family, as well as 7th grade.
12 year old Eva fell in love with bikes of all kinds when she was only three years old and with her former motocross champion father and godfather training her, continues to make her mark in the sport. Unfortunately, those at her school didn’t understand her interest in the male dominated sport and tormented her so much that this year, she is starting at a new school where she has determined the best course of action is to keep her head down and her MX world to herself. With school apparently handled, Eva is left trying to figure out her relationships with an older brother who dropped the sport in favor of studying for school and his SATS and a mother who does not understand why her daughter prefers muddy jeans to cute leggings and dangerous jumps on a track to slumber parties with girlfriends. But speed and daring twists and turns on a bumpy track is what makes Eva’s heart race with excitement and with numerous successes to her name, now has her sights set on a national competition via the regional meet coming up soon.
Capbara’s NIV differs from many others in the genre as her “chapters” reflect more rhyming poems than usual. She also incorporates plenty of concrete poetry and various other forms along with the free verse that is predominant in most NIV titles. No matter which type of poetry used, vivid verbs, descriptive similes and metaphors, onomatopoeia, alliteration, personification abound and convey the movement and passion of racers on dirt bikes clearly. Along with the literary excellence, there are themes of friendship and learning to listen, some life lessons in selecting role models and changing relationships, as well as a few harsh realities concerning the continuing discrepancies between sports for men and those for women. Also included is back matter covering the evolution of women in the sport of motocross.
Note addressing the concern of at least one reviewer that readers may not understand the motocross specific jargon included in Eva’s story: Context is rich enough that even though a reader may not know specifically which motorbike or track part Eva or Cam might be referencing, he/she will clearly understand what is happening! I’ve never seen a motocross event or even been on a motorcycle and I never felt lost or confused. Far from it, I am intrigued by the speed and daredevil elements included in Eva to the Max!
Strong choice for libraries serving grades 4-8, especially those with high circulation in sports fiction and/or NIV.
*Profanity: none
*Violence: some verbal bullying and plenty of spills on the track resulting in injury
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Race is not a factor in Eva’s story so physical and cultural identifying information is scarce. Families are diverse economically and while Eva and Toby live in two parent homes, Cam’s family has recently experienced divorce.
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the digital ARC, Edelweiss and Dial Books/Penguin Random House.
12 year old Eva fell in love with bikes of all kinds when she was only three years old and with her former motocross champion father and godfather training her, continues to make her mark in the sport. Unfortunately, those at her school didn’t understand her interest in the male dominated sport and tormented her so much that this year, she is starting at a new school where she has determined the best course of action is to keep her head down and her MX world to herself. With school apparently handled, Eva is left trying to figure out her relationships with an older brother who dropped the sport in favor of studying for school and his SATS and a mother who does not understand why her daughter prefers muddy jeans to cute leggings and dangerous jumps on a track to slumber parties with girlfriends. But speed and daring twists and turns on a bumpy track is what makes Eva’s heart race with excitement and with numerous successes to her name, now has her sights set on a national competition via the regional meet coming up soon.
Capbara’s NIV differs from many others in the genre as her “chapters” reflect more rhyming poems than usual. She also incorporates plenty of concrete poetry and various other forms along with the free verse that is predominant in most NIV titles. No matter which type of poetry used, vivid verbs, descriptive similes and metaphors, onomatopoeia, alliteration, personification abound and convey the movement and passion of racers on dirt bikes clearly. Along with the literary excellence, there are themes of friendship and learning to listen, some life lessons in selecting role models and changing relationships, as well as a few harsh realities concerning the continuing discrepancies between sports for men and those for women. Also included is back matter covering the evolution of women in the sport of motocross.
Note addressing the concern of at least one reviewer that readers may not understand the motocross specific jargon included in Eva’s story: Context is rich enough that even though a reader may not know specifically which motorbike or track part Eva or Cam might be referencing, he/she will clearly understand what is happening! I’ve never seen a motocross event or even been on a motorcycle and I never felt lost or confused. Far from it, I am intrigued by the speed and daredevil elements included in Eva to the Max!
Strong choice for libraries serving grades 4-8, especially those with high circulation in sports fiction and/or NIV.
*Profanity: none
*Violence: some verbal bullying and plenty of spills on the track resulting in injury
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Race is not a factor in Eva’s story so physical and cultural identifying information is scarce. Families are diverse economically and while Eva and Toby live in two parent homes, Cam’s family has recently experienced divorce.
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the digital ARC, Edelweiss and Dial Books/Penguin Random House.
May 30, 2026
A riveting and heartfelt middle grade novel in verse told with short poems that practically leap off the page with their verve and action filled words. I really enjoyed this book Eva, a young girl determined to make it in motocross. There was a moving family story of resilience and togetherness and great women in sports rep. Excellent on audio and highly recommended especially for fans of authors like Jasmine Mendez.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Eva Rummell is determined to preserve her father's racing and stunt legacy by riding in motocross races. Her older brother Dustin has no interest in the sport, nor does her best friend Toby, who used to race but quit after he wiped out and got a concussion. Now he makes sculptures out of found materials. Eva's mother isn't wild about her racing, and definitely wants Eva to be more ladylike. School is difficult. At a previous school, Eva was bullied for liking motocross, so now doesn't share her interest with anyone, and doesn't have any friends other than Toby. When Dustin points out to her that the family is struggling financially and that Eva's sport takes a lot of resources, she decides to try to qualify for the AMA National Championship at Loretta Lynn's ranch so that she can get a sponsorship. Her father was injured in a stunt when Eva was four, and is in a wheelchair. He and Toby's dad, Gray, run a repair shop and help train Eva. Eva has a 1967 Mustang that she got for free and is trying to repair. When a new girl, Cameron, starts at her school, Eva befriends her, but is very surprised when she sees Cameron competing in a motocross race. Since Eva doesn't want anyone at school to know about her sport, she insists that Cameron keep it quiet as well. When Eva gets angry during one race, she has an accident that ruins her bike. In order to replace it, she decides to sell the Mustang, since her parents don't have the money, and she would have to step away from racing otherwise. Eva is a fan of Evel Knievel, but Dustin points out that he wasn't the nicest person. There is some tension with Toby, since Eva rarely asks about his art, and also because his father spends more time helping Eva with motocross. Eva's dad agrees to train Cameron along with Eva, and the two practice together a lot. When the girls find out that the qualifying race for their division has been cancelled, they ask the organizer if it can be put back in if they sell 200 tickets. They manage to do this, even though it means letting people at school know about Eva's involvement. The qualifying race is crucial to Eva's continued participation in the sport, and she finishes third to Cam's first in the first race. In the second, Cam crashes, and Eva stops to help her. Both girls not only end up qualifying, but because of their teamwork, also get a sponsorship from FZL. The end of the book includes information about the history of girls and women participating in motocross.
Strengths: I can't think of any other books about motocross except Christopher's Dirt Bike Racer or Jake Maddox's Motocross Double Cross, so this was a fun book to see. Eva is an interesting character, and her relationship to the sport is very complicated. Her mother runs a consignment shop and has taken another job at a pharmacy; there's a lot of tension in the relationship, mainly because the mother is so worried that Eva will get injured. I loved Dustin, and his devotion to applying for college and studying for the SATs! The information about training and races was fascinating. I do have one student who spends a lot of time racing dirt bikes, and he recently broke his arm in a race, so Eva's injuries (including- eek!- chipped teeth!) are very realistic. This novel in verse is much more poetic than many I have read; it's not just prose cut up into shorter lines. The information about Evel Knieval and women's motocross added extra depth to the narrative.
Weaknesses: While it's great that Eva loves poetry, I'm not sure that my readers who are interested in motocross will want a novel in verse, or if my very few novel in verse readers will want a story about motocross. On a personal level, motocross racing seems like a bad environmental choice, and is so dangerous that I can't imagine letting any of my children or grandchildren participate in it!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Farid's Wave (which is also a novel in verse), Roe's Air, Copeland's Drive, or Englefried's Learning to Fall. Caprara has a number of titles, all different from each other, including The Ripple Effect (2025), Mission Multiverse (2018), and The Magic of Melwick Orchard (2018).
Eva Rummell is determined to preserve her father's racing and stunt legacy by riding in motocross races. Her older brother Dustin has no interest in the sport, nor does her best friend Toby, who used to race but quit after he wiped out and got a concussion. Now he makes sculptures out of found materials. Eva's mother isn't wild about her racing, and definitely wants Eva to be more ladylike. School is difficult. At a previous school, Eva was bullied for liking motocross, so now doesn't share her interest with anyone, and doesn't have any friends other than Toby. When Dustin points out to her that the family is struggling financially and that Eva's sport takes a lot of resources, she decides to try to qualify for the AMA National Championship at Loretta Lynn's ranch so that she can get a sponsorship. Her father was injured in a stunt when Eva was four, and is in a wheelchair. He and Toby's dad, Gray, run a repair shop and help train Eva. Eva has a 1967 Mustang that she got for free and is trying to repair. When a new girl, Cameron, starts at her school, Eva befriends her, but is very surprised when she sees Cameron competing in a motocross race. Since Eva doesn't want anyone at school to know about her sport, she insists that Cameron keep it quiet as well. When Eva gets angry during one race, she has an accident that ruins her bike. In order to replace it, she decides to sell the Mustang, since her parents don't have the money, and she would have to step away from racing otherwise. Eva is a fan of Evel Knievel, but Dustin points out that he wasn't the nicest person. There is some tension with Toby, since Eva rarely asks about his art, and also because his father spends more time helping Eva with motocross. Eva's dad agrees to train Cameron along with Eva, and the two practice together a lot. When the girls find out that the qualifying race for their division has been cancelled, they ask the organizer if it can be put back in if they sell 200 tickets. They manage to do this, even though it means letting people at school know about Eva's involvement. The qualifying race is crucial to Eva's continued participation in the sport, and she finishes third to Cam's first in the first race. In the second, Cam crashes, and Eva stops to help her. Both girls not only end up qualifying, but because of their teamwork, also get a sponsorship from FZL. The end of the book includes information about the history of girls and women participating in motocross.
Strengths: I can't think of any other books about motocross except Christopher's Dirt Bike Racer or Jake Maddox's Motocross Double Cross, so this was a fun book to see. Eva is an interesting character, and her relationship to the sport is very complicated. Her mother runs a consignment shop and has taken another job at a pharmacy; there's a lot of tension in the relationship, mainly because the mother is so worried that Eva will get injured. I loved Dustin, and his devotion to applying for college and studying for the SATs! The information about training and races was fascinating. I do have one student who spends a lot of time racing dirt bikes, and he recently broke his arm in a race, so Eva's injuries (including- eek!- chipped teeth!) are very realistic. This novel in verse is much more poetic than many I have read; it's not just prose cut up into shorter lines. The information about Evel Knieval and women's motocross added extra depth to the narrative.
Weaknesses: While it's great that Eva loves poetry, I'm not sure that my readers who are interested in motocross will want a novel in verse, or if my very few novel in verse readers will want a story about motocross. On a personal level, motocross racing seems like a bad environmental choice, and is so dangerous that I can't imagine letting any of my children or grandchildren participate in it!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Farid's Wave (which is also a novel in verse), Roe's Air, Copeland's Drive, or Englefried's Learning to Fall. Caprara has a number of titles, all different from each other, including The Ripple Effect (2025), Mission Multiverse (2018), and The Magic of Melwick Orchard (2018).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Twelve year old Eva loves motocross, a passion she inherited from her father who now also serves as a mechanic and cheerleader for Eva at her races. Unfortunately, Eva’s mother does not share Eva’s enthusiasm for the sport, particularly because Eva’s father was paralyzed while participating himself. Despite this conflict, Eva is determined to attempt the next step in her competitive career, by trying to earn a place at the coveted AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships. But the journey to success is as unpredictable as the terrain she rides, and Eva must keep her emotions in check as she endeavors to achieve her goal. This middle grade novel in verse is an immersive and heartfelt exploration of one young person’s attempt to showcase her skill and bring her dreams to fruition. The delivery of the narrative is perfectly suited to the story because each passage waxes and wanes along with the actions being described by the text. Both the intensity of the racetrack and the depth of Eva’s emotions can be felt in each segment of the narrative, and periodic inclusions of quotes from Eva’s idol Evel Knievel punctuate the events of Eva's story. While on the surface the book is focused on Eva’s love of motocross, familiar middle grade experiences of embracing one’s identity, managing friendships, and balancing familial obligations are all important elements of the plot, as well. Together, these story pieces make the book both entertaining and enlightening for middle grade readers, regardless of their personal connection to motocross. This is a standout addition to library and classroom collections for middle grade readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Any story that highlights the struggles of young women in a male-dominated space is important. While we as a society have come so far, as Eva to the Max demonstrates, unless we actively fight against erasure and exclusion we cannot hope to maintain our strides.
Eva is a fun, relatable character in that she's rough around the edges. Not traditionally feminine she has a hard time relating to other girls, but through her journey is forced to reconsider what 'being a girl' looks like or means and if it's as fluid as she thinks then maybe she specifically is the problem not girlhood as a concept. I like that she was allowed to experience the full spectrum of emotions without shame not just anger as is most common for tomboy archetypes.
I learned a lot about a sport I know very little about. Despite my lack of knowledge, the book is written in an easily accessible way where the slang and terminology doesn't alienate the reader. It invites you into this secret world and you feel immersed in the feeling of it if not the practicalities. Races were nail biting because I understood the stakes for Eva and the nature of competition, but I rarely needed to know exact logistics. Even so, it encouraged me to do some research on my own which is always a plus.
Structurally sound, paced well, and written with a lot of heart, this is a book that has a lot of versatility in that it can appeal to girls that need the reminder the world is their oyster and boys that are typically wary of female protagonists.
Eva is a fun, relatable character in that she's rough around the edges. Not traditionally feminine she has a hard time relating to other girls, but through her journey is forced to reconsider what 'being a girl' looks like or means and if it's as fluid as she thinks then maybe she specifically is the problem not girlhood as a concept. I like that she was allowed to experience the full spectrum of emotions without shame not just anger as is most common for tomboy archetypes.
I learned a lot about a sport I know very little about. Despite my lack of knowledge, the book is written in an easily accessible way where the slang and terminology doesn't alienate the reader. It invites you into this secret world and you feel immersed in the feeling of it if not the practicalities. Races were nail biting because I understood the stakes for Eva and the nature of competition, but I rarely needed to know exact logistics. Even so, it encouraged me to do some research on my own which is always a plus.
Structurally sound, paced well, and written with a lot of heart, this is a book that has a lot of versatility in that it can appeal to girls that need the reminder the world is their oyster and boys that are typically wary of female protagonists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars
Eva loves motocross. You will love Eva. Fans of great middle great verse novels will love this book. There's more!
Eva - or "Eva Knievel" as she is called in certain circles - has a real passion for her motocross life, and this is one of the most charming elements of the book. This character is dedicated, she works hard, and she makes all kinds of sacrifices to meet her commitments and make her goals materialize. I am always happy to see characters with these vibes, especially when they are targeted for this specific audience. Eva is also mindful of the barriers her family's socioeconomic status causes for her in this realm. While many readers won't be able to relate to the motocross elements, the family ties, the SES piece, and the combo of friendships and bullying will be super relatable and helpful to readers of all kinds.
I always love a good verse novel, and it turns out Eva does, too! There's a great moment featuring a little intertextuality that fans of other MG verse will find particularly charming. If it's good enough for Eva, it's good enough for Eva's readers (and she picks some bangers)!
This is a speedy, approachable read that's pretty sanitized, as one expects for this audience, but it also comes with some healthy doses of reality. I'll look forward to sharing this one with my students.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dial Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Eva loves motocross. You will love Eva. Fans of great middle great verse novels will love this book. There's more!
Eva - or "Eva Knievel" as she is called in certain circles - has a real passion for her motocross life, and this is one of the most charming elements of the book. This character is dedicated, she works hard, and she makes all kinds of sacrifices to meet her commitments and make her goals materialize. I am always happy to see characters with these vibes, especially when they are targeted for this specific audience. Eva is also mindful of the barriers her family's socioeconomic status causes for her in this realm. While many readers won't be able to relate to the motocross elements, the family ties, the SES piece, and the combo of friendships and bullying will be super relatable and helpful to readers of all kinds.
I always love a good verse novel, and it turns out Eva does, too! There's a great moment featuring a little intertextuality that fans of other MG verse will find particularly charming. If it's good enough for Eva, it's good enough for Eva's readers (and she picks some bangers)!
This is a speedy, approachable read that's pretty sanitized, as one expects for this audience, but it also comes with some healthy doses of reality. I'll look forward to sharing this one with my students.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Dial Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Eva loves motocross but when she gets relentlessly bullied about it she is forced to change schools, and keep her motocross career hidden. But when Eva pushes herself and her bike to hard in a race Eva finds out the truth behind the cost of her decisions. There is also a new girl at school that not only threatens Eva’s secret but also her chances to get sponsored by company that will help with the cost of her beloved sport.
I never thought I would like a book in verse, but the subject matter kept me going and I loved every lap of this book. I love any book were the female out plays the guys and wins. I guess I see myself there as when I grew up there weren’t enough girl to make a league or their own motos, so we always got mixed in with the guys. Like Eve there was always to ones to bully girls about playing sports with the guys, and like her I am sure many hide the fact that they played to curtail the bullying even though they might have been better than the guys. I found Eva to be everything a girl athlete is and hopes to become she is very believable as are all the characters. I did like the writing style and found it flowed well and with the short subsections made it easy for a dyslexic reader. I am glad there are more books out the where girls get to break out of their shells. I loved Eva and hope to see more stories like hers.
Review copy provided by Edelweiss
I never thought I would like a book in verse, but the subject matter kept me going and I loved every lap of this book. I love any book were the female out plays the guys and wins. I guess I see myself there as when I grew up there weren’t enough girl to make a league or their own motos, so we always got mixed in with the guys. Like Eve there was always to ones to bully girls about playing sports with the guys, and like her I am sure many hide the fact that they played to curtail the bullying even though they might have been better than the guys. I found Eva to be everything a girl athlete is and hopes to become she is very believable as are all the characters. I did like the writing style and found it flowed well and with the short subsections made it easy for a dyslexic reader. I am glad there are more books out the where girls get to break out of their shells. I loved Eva and hope to see more stories like hers.
Review copy provided by Edelweiss
June 7, 2026
Young readers from the age 10 and up who love the sport of motocross will want to add this to their reading list. This one is for all the girls out there who love the sport.
Eva has kept her love for the sport a secret because of her fear of being bullied because she is a girl. But she is determined to be the best at the sport and will not let this fear damage her participation in the sport.
Young girls will learn the life lesson of determination and self-confidence as they follow Eva in her story of being successful in this exciting sport.
The text is written in a form that some readers may never have experienced in a chapter book. The text is written in verse form which contributes to the easy read.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Rebecca Caprara is an award-winning author of children's books. She bases her books on topics that middle school children can relate to such as friendship, bullying, and passion for their interests. She is especially interested in conveying the life lesson of girl power to all the girls out there.
This verse-written novel for middle schoolers was published by Dial Books for Young Readers, ages 10 and up. It has an ISBN of 979-8-217-00499-7.
Eva has kept her love for the sport a secret because of her fear of being bullied because she is a girl. But she is determined to be the best at the sport and will not let this fear damage her participation in the sport.
Young girls will learn the life lesson of determination and self-confidence as they follow Eva in her story of being successful in this exciting sport.
The text is written in a form that some readers may never have experienced in a chapter book. The text is written in verse form which contributes to the easy read.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Rebecca Caprara is an award-winning author of children's books. She bases her books on topics that middle school children can relate to such as friendship, bullying, and passion for their interests. She is especially interested in conveying the life lesson of girl power to all the girls out there.
This verse-written novel for middle schoolers was published by Dial Books for Young Readers, ages 10 and up. It has an ISBN of 979-8-217-00499-7.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rebecca Caprara has perfected the art of the middle-grade novel in verse, with this book action-packed with onomatopoeia and phenomenal uses of space and shape. With such a unique topic, I think young readers will gravitate towards Eva's story and want to learn more. What kid (honestly, what reader) doesn't love a daredevil?
While it is certainly on the long side, there are several poems that are more about outlining the track than about the plot and some sections that are just a quote, which will support less confident readers. The themes of friendship and daring to be yourself and what it means to be a girl are pretty straightforward, but the writing style and the topic keep these themes fresh. Can't wait for this book to be on reading lists for state library awards, I certainly hope Missouri takes notice.
Anyway, I am off to figure out if there are any MX races I can watch, I want to learn more (and kids will too)!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
While it is certainly on the long side, there are several poems that are more about outlining the track than about the plot and some sections that are just a quote, which will support less confident readers. The themes of friendship and daring to be yourself and what it means to be a girl are pretty straightforward, but the writing style and the topic keep these themes fresh. Can't wait for this book to be on reading lists for state library awards, I certainly hope Missouri takes notice.
Anyway, I am off to figure out if there are any MX races I can watch, I want to learn more (and kids will too)!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read
June 12, 2026Author Rebecca Caprara takes readers on a wild ride into girls' motocross racing. This novel in verse follows Eva and her new friend Cam as they try to qualify for the AMA AMATEUR NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Eva is only twelve. She has been riding bikes since she could grip the handlebars. Her father and his business partner were great riders until they tried a trick that went wrong, ending with Eva's father in a wheelchair. They are now her trainers and the mechanics for her motorcycle. They are also her number one fans.
Eva's mother is definitely not a fan. She wishes Eva would stop riding motocross and pick something more feminine. She is thrilled when Eva meets the new girl at school and strikes up a friendship. Unfortunately, Cam is also into motocross and has the same goals to ride into the championship.
The sport is rough and expensive, so Eva faces challenges that threaten her dreams to win and go professional. Readers will follow the ups and downs as Eva braves dangerous courses and challenging competition.
Eva is only twelve. She has been riding bikes since she could grip the handlebars. Her father and his business partner were great riders until they tried a trick that went wrong, ending with Eva's father in a wheelchair. They are now her trainers and the mechanics for her motorcycle. They are also her number one fans.
Eva's mother is definitely not a fan. She wishes Eva would stop riding motocross and pick something more feminine. She is thrilled when Eva meets the new girl at school and strikes up a friendship. Unfortunately, Cam is also into motocross and has the same goals to ride into the championship.
The sport is rough and expensive, so Eva faces challenges that threaten her dreams to win and go professional. Readers will follow the ups and downs as Eva braves dangerous courses and challenging competition.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a digital ARC from Penguin Young Readers Group via NetGalley. This novel-in-verse stars Eva, a 12 year old from a motocross family. Eva lives to ride her dirt bike and fix up her Mustang. She had to change schools because kids picked on her for being a “mudrat.” Eva begins to realize how expensive her sport is and thinks competing at a higher level will help her get sponsorships that will support her passion. However, she has to balance friendships new and old, family, and training through the whole process.
I thoroughly loved this. The prose are beautiful and reminded me in part of Kwame Alexander’s books about basketball and soccer. I love that the author pays homage to other YA authors in Eva’s English classes. I liked how women’s issues in sports was depicted. It is a perfect combination of sports and life lessons perfect for middle grade readers who are looking for excitement and slice of life.
I thoroughly loved this. The prose are beautiful and reminded me in part of Kwame Alexander’s books about basketball and soccer. I love that the author pays homage to other YA authors in Eva’s English classes. I liked how women’s issues in sports was depicted. It is a perfect combination of sports and life lessons perfect for middle grade readers who are looking for excitement and slice of life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved this fast paced action packed novel-in-verse about Eva chasing her dreams in motocross and wanting to make it to the AMA National Championships. She encounters some problems on the way when her bike breaks down and money is tight at home. She meets Cam, a new student, at school who she finds out also does motocross. They both want to make the qualifiers that will lead them to the AMAs. When they find out the promoter wants to shut down the girls’ bracket from ages 11-16 he tells them if they sell 200 tickets he will let them race. Of course, the girls sell the tickets. The day of the qualifiers Cam comes in first and Eva third. In the second and in last race, Cam falls off and gets hurt. Evan stops to help her. What happens now? Will they finish the race?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
MX is where Eva feels the most herself--where she thrives. However, it is also the thing that keeps her at a distance from her peers at school, from her mom, and, eventually, from her best friend Toby. Nobody seems to understand why she cares so much about racing. When she meets a new girl at school, she and Cam seem to hit it off right away and find a deeper connection than Eva could have imagined. Through a lot of hard work and self-reflection, Eva begins to repair her relationships while doing what she loves.
This novel in verse would be great for a middle grade library collection. The topic is not one I often see, so I enjoyed that aspect. Personally, I felt like some areas were just sections of prose broken up by spacing and not necessarily very poetic, but that's just my opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
This novel in verse would be great for a middle grade library collection. The topic is not one I often see, so I enjoyed that aspect. Personally, I felt like some areas were just sections of prose broken up by spacing and not necessarily very poetic, but that's just my opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At her old school twelve-year-old Eva was bullied mercilessly for her interest in the sport of Motocross. It got so bad that her parents moved her to a new school and now Eva just wants to blend in and go unnoticed everywhere except on the track, where she is determined to take it to the next level and eventually turn pro. She's scared even to make friends. So when a new student shows up and is friendly to her, she's not sure how to handle it. Eva's problems are compounded when the new girl shows up as a competitor in her Motocross circles as well.
This fast-paced novel-in-verse is perfect for reluctant middle grade readers who need to feel like they're making progress through the book quickly. It's also perfect for sports fans and athletes who will sympathize with Eva's ambitious personality. There's also friendship and family drama included at just the right level to be believable, but not enough to bog down the story.
Recommended for middle grade readers everywhere!
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This fast-paced novel-in-verse is perfect for reluctant middle grade readers who need to feel like they're making progress through the book quickly. It's also perfect for sports fans and athletes who will sympathize with Eva's ambitious personality. There's also friendship and family drama included at just the right level to be believable, but not enough to bog down the story.
Recommended for middle grade readers everywhere!
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2026
Eva to the Max fills some holes in the sports fiction and action/adventure categories that kids in my school are going to be so excited to have filled! We don't have enough extreme sports, females in unique sports, sports novels-in-verse and this one hits all those in an interesting and exciting way! Other things that made me happy while reading:
- the emphasis on supporting your friends and family in their interests and dreams, whether that be motocross, art, or something else
- that it tackles how to be brave in sharing your talents and skills with the world
- the way it approaches friendship struggles
I enjoyed reading this and the upper elementary/middle school kids will too!
- the emphasis on supporting your friends and family in their interests and dreams, whether that be motocross, art, or something else
- that it tackles how to be brave in sharing your talents and skills with the world
- the way it approaches friendship struggles
I enjoyed reading this and the upper elementary/middle school kids will too!
July 12, 2026
Almost 12 year old Eva is an avid motocross athlete, and has a dream to become a pro. The book told in verse and in poetry, follows her and the highs and lows of her life. I liked that the book is about a sport that isn’t written about a lot in middle grade literature. I like that Eva experiences some consequences from her anger issues and grows from that experience. Some of the sports terms used were unfamiliar to me. I think kids who like the sport or are interested in reading about finding friendships in middle school will enjoy the book. No romance, a few mild swears, bullying, and some mild elements of danger in the races. 6th grade and up
March 2, 2026
Fantastic novel in verse. The onomatopoeia and the action verbs made the story come to life. Also, I loved how the text was arranged and placed on the page. So engaging. I loved the story of Eva and the people in her life. The Eval Knieval quotes were a good touch, because they can be applied outside of sports. Terrific use of language throughout the book. I'm going to add "badbutt" to my vocabulary. I would put this book on my mock Newbery list for 2027. Excellent. I highly recommend this book (even if you don't like sports).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is ambitious. A novel in verse about motorcross for middle schoolers? With actual emotional depth? Count me so, so, so in.
Loved the concept, loved the execution, and was seriously impressed at the idea in the first place. I just really appreciate a book that had meat on its bones; one that clearly shows that the author respects their audience enough to let them figure it out on their own.
Had a slight issue with the amount of crass language, insults, and hints at swear words (like “badbutt”), so this will not end up in my classroom, but still I understand why it has to be there.
Loved the concept, loved the execution, and was seriously impressed at the idea in the first place. I just really appreciate a book that had meat on its bones; one that clearly shows that the author respects their audience enough to let them figure it out on their own.
Had a slight issue with the amount of crass language, insults, and hints at swear words (like “badbutt”), so this will not end up in my classroom, but still I understand why it has to be there.
June 2, 2026
I'm on a Rebecca Caprara kick! I've read several of her novels in verse and haven't been disappointed. This is a middle-grade selection that follows Eva as she chases her motocross dream. With themes like family, friendship, and growth, this is a fantastic read fans of Starfish and Crossed.
Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
June 22, 2026
NIV. Such a unique topic for middle grade! This only lost a star because I thought Eva's actions and words during the races made her seem much older, but maybe that's because I am not familiar with the motocross environment. The text formatting adds so much to the story. This is the correct way to use the Novel-In-Verse format!! Eva eventually appreciates her family and friends and all they have done/do help her pursue her dreams.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A middle grade NIV + sports appeal for both girls and boys + strong family values + friendship+ dedication + sportsmanship, and perseverance towards goals, all add up to 10 stars! You will want to add this to your TBR. It comes out in May, better yet order multiple copies because it’s sure to be a hit.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for this free ARC! All opinions are my own.
Twelve-year-old Eva loves motocross, but doesn't share that part of her life at her new school due to bullying at her old one. She struggles to control her temper and to open herself up to new friends, but she has to conquer both of these things if she wants to become a professional rider.
Twelve-year-old Eva loves motocross, but doesn't share that part of her life at her new school due to bullying at her old one. She struggles to control her temper and to open herself up to new friends, but she has to conquer both of these things if she wants to become a professional rider.
June 22, 2026
Fun and fierce, this is a fantastic verse novel which follows Eva through the emotional ups and downs of following her motocross dreams. It weaves in bullying, disability, rivalry, new friendships, dealing with tempers and mistakes, determination, taking responsibility, and gender/sexism. I haven’t read a book quite like this one but it still feels familiar and the characters are all really well drawn and full of depth. Some of the vocab is maybe a bit too noughties rather than current generation but it’s a cracking read I think kids will love anyway.
May 9, 2026
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was a little slow of a start for me but it picked up. I loved the themes of friendship and family. I enjoyed watching Eva grow as a character and learning a little about motocross.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. I enjoyed the read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. I enjoyed the read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Excellent novel in verse with plenty of action, strong female characters, and friendship/family struggles. Eva is a complex character who grows throughout the story. I enjoyed the concrete format of some of the verses. And it is so great to see females in a male-dominated sport.
June 6, 2026
I come from a motocross family so I loved the vibe of this book ❤️ Girls kick a$$ in motocross but sadly you just don't hear about it nearly enough so this book hopefully brings more spotlight to girls in the sport.
June 14, 2026
Cute upper elementary or middle level book. Told entirely in verse just like Crossover by Kwame Alexander or Alone by Megan E. Freeman… but Eva to the Max is about a middle school girl who rides motocross. Enjoyed and will recommend to some future 6th graders if they want a good yet quick read.
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