Speed Zone by Stephanie Bendixsen

Ill. by Chris Kennett . Pixel Raiders series book 3. Scholastic Australia, 2017. ISBN 9781760275679
(Age: 8+) Themes: Digital Worlds, Computer Games, Fantasy, Adventure. Bajo and Hex's Pixel Raiders series continues with level three of the game world in Speed Zone. Every one of the other BETA testers stranded in Dig World is relying on Rip and Mei to save them. The first event at the Desert Cliff Race Track is filled with fast-paced vehicles, packed with an array of weaponry and special effects, driven by super competitive crews. Mei is in the driver's seat of their dune buggy; she manages to control the unfamiliar vehicle, with directions from the pit crew and shouted instructions from Rip. Along roads perched on cliff edges they race, facing up to the tricks and challenges of the ruthless competitors. As the action continues 'The Noobs', Mei and Rip quickly learn how to manoeuvre their buggy, shoot their weapons and avoid the crazy camels on bicycles, miniature giraffes riding on scooters and gators driving monster trucks. Their badger pit crew lead by Fixet support their team, upgrading their racing car between races. The young drivers even share a meal with the badgers underground in their sett.
Speed Zone is another action-packed gaming adventure just right for young readers. Chris Kennett's cartoon graphics liven up the action and antics of the fanatical animal racers. Maps of each battle zone, captions, bold text and speech bubbles create a visually engaging read.
Students in lower primary classes could design new racetracks and fun vehicles for Mei and Rip.
Rhyllis Bignell