Bessie the Motorcycle Queen
Upbeat, adventurous story about motorcycling pioneer.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Bessie the Motorcycle Queen is a picture book written by Coretta Scott King medalist Charles R. Smith, Jr. (Brick by Brick). The book details the story of a hidden figure from American history, Bessie Stringfield, an accomplished African American motorcycle rider and competitive racer in the 1920s and '30s. Her adventurous story is told in a fast-paced, rhythmic way -- almost mimicking a motorcycle ride. The story does touch upon Jim Crow era laws and the Ku Klux Klan. Themes include being fearless and chasing after adventure.
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What's the Story?
BESSIE THE MOTORCYCLE QUEEN transports readers as they learn about the lively and daring story of Bessie Stringfield. After being given a motorbike at 16, Bessie fell in love with riding. Three years later, she set off on the road looking for adventure! Allowing her route to be decided by the flip of a penny, she traveled alone to every corner of the country. She became known as the "Motorcycle Queen," and large crowds drew to see her thrilling tricks and skills. While riding 60 miles an hour and steering with no hands was all fun and games, sometimes life on the road was hard. Many people were shocked when they learned Bessie was a Black woman, and she wasn't met with kindness in many states due to segregation. No matter what she faced, Bessie was fearless. She didn't allow racism of the 1920s and '30s to stop her. She kept riding freely!
Is It Any Good?
This book is sure to inspire young readers. Bessie the Motorcycle Queen tells an important, and largely unknown story. The author was inspired by finding Bessie in a "someone you should know" post on social media during Black History Month. Smith was right to pursue this story, because Bessie is someone we should know. The fast-paced sentences and colorful images make for an engaging reading experience and bring Bessie's story to life. The book does not shy away from important topics like racism and segregation, while also leaving readers with a positive message about fearlessness and chasing adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Bessie the Motorcycle Queen, Bessie loves racing on her motorcycle. Have you ever been on a motorcycle? What did it feel like to ride on one? If not, would you ever want to take a ride on a motorcycle? Why or why not?
Did you know who Bessie Stringfield was before you read this story? There are lots of hidden figures in history. Pick something you want to learn more about, and see if you can find a story about someone new along the way!
How do you think Bessie felt while traveling around the country alone? Why wasn't she welcome in some places?
Bessie has a beautiful blue motorcycle! Grab some crayons or colored pencils, and draw your dream bike.
Book Details
- Author: Charles R. Smith Jr.
- Illustrator: Charlot Kristensen
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Integrity, Perseverance
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Orchard Books
- Publication date: September 21, 2022
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: October 5, 2022
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