Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite

The Beast, once a powerful and shiny car admired by all who knew it, sat abandoned for many years in an old shed behind Mr. Peter's garage. Johnny started working in Mr. Peter’s garage when he was 12; he did small jobs, such as sweeping, emptying the garbage, and washing windows. Johnny did his tasks with such devotion that everyone noticed the improvement in the shop’s appearance, and Mr. Peter was impressed. With this, Mr. Peter paid more attention to Johnny, and he soon noticed that, at intervals, Johnny disappeared from the shop for several minutes. One day, Mr. Peter trailed Johnny to the old shed behind the garage, and he saw Johnny fondly admire one of the old cars parked there, a car of particular interest. After this incident, Mr. Peter decided to involve Johnny in car repairs. Over time, Johnny became a fine mechanic, but he never stopped thinking about the old car in the garage. On his seventeenth birthday, Johnny woke up with a smile on his face because he was finally eligible to get a driver’s license. That same day, Johnny asked Mr. Peter for the old car in the garage. Johnny and The Beast by Walter J. Hill unravels the history and redemption of The Beast.

Johnny and the Beast is a heartfelt story that cuts across the themes of devotion, passion, love, friendship, and loss. The story started quite simply and lightheartedly, although with good foreshadowing, but it took a more serious and emotional turn as it progressed. I liked the use of foreshadowing in this book, and I liked the beautiful drawings that illustrated the story. I especially liked Johnny’s hardworking and devoted nature; he was an inspiring character, and his passion fueled this story. I also liked that I learned a few things about the mechanics of cars, such as why copper wire is better for electrical wiring than aluminum wire. I enjoyed Johnny and The Beast by Walter J. Hill, and I recommend it, especially to car enthusiasts.