Kat's Magic Helmet

This officially licensed INDYCAR picture book tells the true story of Indy 500 driver Katherine Legge — how a young girl found her confidence as the only girl on the karting track and proved she belonged.

What if your racing helmet held the magic to make you brave? Written by Katherine Legge and Andy Amendola, this inspiring picture book follows the real early racing journey of professional driver Katherine Legge — one of motorsport's most fearless trailblazers — through bravery, self-doubt, and the discovery that true confidence comes from within. For kids ages 3–8.

Kat was always on the move, but in big groups and around new people she felt shy — until her dad surprised her with a go-kart and a shiny helmet. Behind the wheel, everything changed. Through setbacks, a crash that breaks her beloved helmet, and moments of real self-doubt, Kat learns the magic was never in the helmet. It was in her all along.

Perfect for: Whether she dreams of the racetrack or just needs a reminder of her own inner strength, this is the book that shows young girls the magic was theirs all along — and makes a meaningful gift for any child ready to be brave.

• Based on the true early racing story of professional driver Katherine Legge
• 40 beautifully illustrated pages exploring bravery, confidence, and perseverance
• Powerful message for any child who has felt shy, different, or unsure of themselves
• Perfect for ages 3–8, classrooms, and inspiring young girls in any field

Katherine Legge is a trailblazing British racing driver known for breaking boundaries across motorsport. She was the first woman to win pole position in Champ Car and is the fastest female qualifier in Indianapolis 500 history. Over a 20-year career spanning IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, and Formula 1 testing, Katherine has earned a reputation for fearless versatility and perseverance that makes her one of the most compelling figures in modern motorsports.

Andy Amendola is the founder of Red Racer Books, a proud Hispanic American, and a dad of two. He discovered his love for motorsports later in life and wanted to share that excitement with his kids through books. When he realized there were very few children's books about motorsports, Andy set out to write his own.

Today, Andy continues to create stories for Red Racer Books while collaborating with writers, drivers, racing insiders, and illustrators to bring racing-inspired ideas to life. He lives just outside Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, children, and their speedy pup, Skye.