Titans

A young girl rides in a mechanical horse race to save her family in this action-packed "mind-blowingly intense" tale ( Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
Ever since the Titans appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan's world has revolved around the mechanical horses. It's not just the thrill of the race. It's the engineering of the horses themselves and the way they're programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she'll ever touch.
She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines and the working-class friends and neighbors of Astrid's who wager on them.
But when Astrid's offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year's derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it's more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.
Praise for Titans
"Right from the start, Scott commands attention with a simple yet compelling premise, which tackles topics of privilege and class as it entertains. Cinematic, but with real heart at its core, it's a thrilling SF update to the classic 'girl and her horse' tale." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Scott balances excitement, tension, risk, and athleticism successfully." - Bulletin, starred review
"The refreshing lack of romantic subplot allows for greater focus on Astrid's goals, as well as her relationship with family and friends, and the end result is a solid, exciting story about a determined girl faced with difficult circumstances." - Booklist