Born to Run: The Story of Johnny 99

by Wendy Parnell

Johnny 99 has been caught racing in the street─again. Now he’s in trouble with his dad─again. Wanting to assert his independence and in hopes of finding adventure, Johnny 99 leaves his hometown to travel across the country. He returns home a changed car. Know someone who is a Bruce Springsteen fan? With almost one hundred references to Springsteen and his music, this book is the perfect gift for his music fans with its compendium of song titles, album titles and trivia for the reader to find. Are you a Springsteen fan? If so, you’ll want this book in your collection and on your coffee table. However, knowledge of Bruce Springsteen’s music is not a requirement for the enjoyment of this book. The book's themes of independence, adventure, redemption, love and family are largely universal and will appeal to a diverse from the elementary school set to the high school or college graduate who may find him or herself identifying with the book's protagonist, on up to any age reader. This is a picture book for all ages.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 25, 2015

Reviews

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book teaches a very important life lesson. Johnny 99 comes roaring home one night after street racing once again, waking up his slumbering parents with the loud roar and rumbling beat of his motor. Being very concerned and unhappy regarding this repeated bad behaviour his dad gives his son a very stern warning about his irresponsible and dangerous driving.

"Awww, Dad," Johnny 99 complained, "but I was born to run.
Can't a car like me have a little fun?"

After a silent moment Johnny 99's dad dispenses great wisdom to his son:

"Johnny, life is not a race to be won. Remember this please.
You want to take time to stop and smell the engine grease.
Besides, out in the street is not where you should race.
If you want speed, you know the racetrack is the place."

Johnny 99 decides then and there to leave his home and head out to explore new territory and burn his tires across America. But life isn't always easy and a game to be played. Johnny 99 sends postcard and letters nearly every day telling his parents his whereabouts and the adventures he is having.

One such adventure is when a bit of bad luck turns into a bit of good luck. Johnny 99 is involved in an act of kindness given to him from a state trooper and a highway patrolman. This cordial deed sets Johnny 99 on a brand new road to pay back that act of kindness the first chance he gets. His now positive, changed attitude saves the lives of many people who otherwise would have perished one dreadful night due to a heavy rainfall and a bridge that was swallowed up, and no longer there.

Johnny 99 receives the recognition he is craving by doing something extraordinarily brave and selfless. This totally changes his perspective on life and he decides then and there to head on back to his home town and his family, both of which he misses a great deal.

The entire town welcomes him back and celebrates the courage and quick thinking he displayed in that crisis situation. He is deemed a local town hero by all. They all witness the change in this rebellious, prodigal son and rejoice in the fact, along with Johnny 99 himself, that while travelling to so many places and experiencing so much excitement and fun....there really is no place like home!

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

In conjunction with the upcoming 40th anniversary of the epic release of Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen comes a short picture book inspired by his music. Johnny 99 is a race car that's been busted again for street racing. In his quest for independence, Johnny travels across the United States looking for adventure. When he finally returns home to his family, he's an altogether different vehicle.

This is an easy to read book that children will love. They won't get the musical references but the illustrations are bright and vibrant and the story has depth and meaning. Any child that loves cars will find great joy in this book. Parents, grandparents, babysitters, and more will have a fun time reading this to small children. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if lovers of The Boss start belting out the songs that are quickly referenced in the picture book.

Paperback review copy courtesy of the publisher, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jesse Jackson]

I went into the book knowing that I would be a fan if for no other reason that I'm a Bruce Springsteen fan and I had had Wendy on my Set Lusting Bruce Podcast. Once I read the book, I was no disappointed in fact I liked it more than I thought I would. It's a great story about traveling, becoming your own person and coming home. The book is filled with titles from Springsteen songs but that is only a minor part of the book. I love the message that the book shares and I would love to read more adventures of Johnny 99.

[Barb G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!!! Beautiful illustrations, and as a Springsteen fan, I completely enjoyed the clever use of his lyrics throughout the story. A bonus when purchasing directly from the author: two unique guitar picks and a personalized note.

[David Rubinoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!!

Bringing Springsteen into a classroom is always a great idea! This book makes the music more approachable to my 3rd grade class!

Thanks!