Elbow Grease (Elbow Grease #1)

by John Cena (Author) Howard McWilliam (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Elbow Grease

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

From superstar entertainer John Cena comes a new picture-book series all about perseverance and believing in yourself, featuring a little monster truck named Elbow Grease!

Meet Elbow Grease, a little monster truck with a big problem! He's smaller than his four brothers, but wants to prove that he has the guts and the grit to do big things. He decides that entering the Demolition Derby is the perfect way to show everyone that what he lacks in horsepower he makes up for in gumption. From multi-talented mega celebrity John Cena comes this exciting story about the importance of believing in yourself and never giving up. Full of high-octane illustrations and a new character kids will cheer for, this fun and fast-paced book proves that a little Elbow Grease . . . can go a long way!!

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Kirkus

Earnestly offers a legitimately inspiring message .... An enjoyable read.

Publishers Weekly

In his children's book debut, professional wrestler Cena kicks off a series about a family of monster trucks. Elbow Grease--'Bo for short--is the smallest truck in the entire Demolition Derby, and he has a battery that needs to be recharged daily. When the gumptious little blue monster truck decides he's all in for the big win, he's far away from the nearest plug. It would take a miracle to save the day at the big rally--but maybe a bolt from the blue will suffice? Cena hits the positivity and self-esteem messages too squarely ("He always tried his best and never, ever gave up"; "If you only stick with what you're good at, you'll never learn anything"), but jaunty back-and-forth banter among the brothers should please boisterous truck enthusiasts. McWilliams's detailed characters appeal without being overly cutesy--readers can see every groove in those humongous tires. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

 

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was super fun &…awesome!!!!!

i like John Cena

John Cena
JOHN CENA is a beloved entertainer and dedicated philanthropist. His films include Ferdinand (2017) and the upcoming Transformers spin-off Bumblebee in 2018. Inspired by Richard Scarry--one of his favorite children's book creators--John has brought kids Elbow Grease, a story for young readers inspired by his own experiences growing up with four brothers, and one that shares his inspiring personal credo: hustle, loyalty, and respect.

DAVE AIKINS is the illustrator of well over 100 books featuring characters from popular kid's TV shows such as Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob Squarepants, and The Cat and the Hat. He lives outside of Columbus, OH, with his wife, son, and dogs.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781524773564
Lexile Measure
540
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date
October 08, 2019
Series
Elbow Grease
BISAC categories
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV041030 - Juvenile Fiction | Transportation | Cars & Trucks
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
Library of Congress categories
Trucks
Brothers
Determination (Personality trait)
Ability
Monster trucks
Determination (Personality trait) in children

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