Books about mechanical engineering for a teenager?

I'm interested in mechanical engineering on cars, and I want to buy a book that will help me understand how to do it because I am a complete beginner. I would like to use the book as an aid, as my dad is going to help me too. Although he isn't a mechanical engineer, he knows a lot about it. I know there is a lot to learn in mechanical engineering, but I would like to learn the basics because then I can go on to learn more complex things. Also, the book has to be easy for a 14-year-old beginner to understand.

I know I am asking a lot. I will be grateful for any information you have to offer.

Thanks for your time.

If you want to fix cars, find a Chilton or Haynes book. $14 at your nearest Canadian Tire store (or Walmart - any department store that does oil changes), or check the local library.

Each book basically contain photos of the complete disassembly and reassembly of one model of car.

If you want to design cars, if you live in a major city, there's only $2 between you and the bus stop to get to the local community college or university library, where you can read all the first year books your heart desires. It may be a little heavy mathematically, but if you ask enough questions, you can eventually find all the answers.

Perhaps reading a grade 12 physics text (force, torque, power) etc might help. Sign up for auto-shop courses at highschool, if offered.

Consider taking a nightschool course at a college that has automechanics. Might cost $400, but that might be a better C-mas present than the latest X-Box. :)

Your local library may have a shelf of repair books for domestic and foreign cars. Usually the books have very good diagrams and cross-sectional views of engines and components as well as other features of the car, including wiring diagrams. That might be a good start.