Full Throttle Series

Now that Jess DeLand has escaped her alcoholic mother’s grip, all she wants is a chance to be normal. To hang out with her wisecracking-but-intuitive boyfriend, Cody, learn as much she can about restoring cars from her mentor, Kasey, and fill in as substitute big sister to Rhett when her friend Teri Sue goes off to college. But when her past crashes headlong into her present, all hopes of normal go spinning off into the weeds. Jess’s attempts to spare her friends—and herself—from the things she’d rather keep secret threaten to destroy the new life she’s built. Maybe normal is too much to ask for. This gripping sequel to Driven is perfect for fans of Chris Crutcher, Laurie Halse Anderson, and John Green. Book 4 in the Full Throttle series.

Cody Everett has a temper as hot as the inside of a combustion chamber, and it's landed him at his uncle's trailer, a last-chance home before military school. But how can he take the guy seriously when he calls himself Race, eats Twinkies for breakfast, and pals around with rednecks who drive in circles every Saturday night? What Cody doesn't expect is for the arrangement to work. Or for Race to become the friend and mentor he's been looking for all his life. But just as Cody begins to settle in and get a handle on his supercharged temper, a crisis sends his life spinning out of control. Everything he's come to care about is threatened, and he has to choose between falling back on his old, familiar anger or stepping up to prove his loyalty to the only person he's ever dared to trust. Named one of BookBub’s “6 Seriously Awesome YA Books Even Adults Can Get Into” and praised by teachers as perfect for reluctant readers, Running Wide Open is a feel-good story you’ll remember long after you finish the last page. Great for fans of Chris Crutcher, Laurie Halse Anderson, and John Green. “Nowak capably depicts a realistic, likable teenager with typical teenager flaws.... An endearing story about a teenager, his mentor, and what a difference true, unselfish love can make.” ~ Kirkus Reviews “The roar of engines practically explodes off the page in this compelling, heart-thumping debut. Cody Everett is a straight-shooter with attitude, smarts, and whip-cracking wit; he doesn't pull any punches, and neither does author Lisa Nowak. The collision of Cody and the world of stock car racing makes for a great story, one of the best I've read in a long time. Running Wide Open is a book not to be missed.” ~ Christine Fletcher, author of Tallulah Falls and Ten Cents a Dance “I thoroughly enjoy Lisa Nowak’s books and have especially enjoyed using her Full Throttle series in working with my students. The characters are all so believable and definitely relatable to adolescents. I find that the lessons they learn are valuable and at times similar to things my students are dealing with. In one student's case, I was able to draw from situations in the books to use as comparisons and possible solutions. It was great to not have to ‘lecture.’” ~ Linda Ryan, School Counselor, Londonderry H.S. Book 1 in the Full Throttle Series

Being shipped off to live with his uncle Race was the best thing that ever happened to fifteen-year-old Cody. Then a wreck at the speedway nearly ruined everything. Cody’s making every effort to get his life back on track—writing for the school paper, searching for the perfect girlfriend, and counting the days until he gets his drivers’ license—but there’s no escaping the nightmares that haunt him. A chance to build his own car seems like the perfect distraction. Until Cody realizes he’ll have to live up to Race’s legendary status. But that’s the least of his worries, considering he doesn’t have his dad’s permission. All he has to do is the impossible: keep Race from discovering his lie until he can convince his dad that racing’s safe. Yeah, sure. That’ll be easy. This inspirational sequel to Running Wide Open is a story of integrity and true loyalty. Popular with both teens and adults, it’s perfect for fans of Chris Crutcher, Laurie Halse Anderson, and John Green. Full Throttle Book 2

The last thing on Jess DeLand’s wish list is a boyfriend. She’d have to be crazy to think any guy would look twice at her. Besides, there are more important things to hope for, like a job working on cars and an end to her mom’s drinking. Foster care is a constant threat, and Jess is willing to sacrifice anything to stay out of the system. When luck hands her the chance to work on a race car, she finds herself rushing full throttle into a world of opportunities—including a boy who doesn’t mind the grease under her fingernails. But can a girl who keeps herself locked up tighter than Richard Petty’s racing secrets open up enough to risk friendship and her first romance? This companion to Running Wide Open and Getting Sideways is a heartwarming story of friendship and trust. Popular with both stock car racing enthusiasts and readers who don’t know a tailpipe from a tie-rod end, it’s perfect for fans of Chris Crutcher, Laurie Halse Anderson, and John Green. While Driven is the third book in the Full Throttle series, it serves as an alternate entry point, particularly for girls who love science or sports.