Bessie the Motorcycle Queen
by Charles R Smith (Author) Charlot Kristensen (Illustrator)
Hop on the bike with Bessie Stringfield, the motorcycle queen of Miami, in this powerful picture book from Coretta Scott King medalist Charles R. Smith, Jr. and debut picture book illustrator Charlot Kristensen.
The folks they lined up to meet the Motorcycle Queen, seated sidesaddle on her motorbike machine.
In 1929, 18-year-old Bessie Stringfield hopped on her motorcycle and headed out on an adventure, an unusual choice for a young Black woman at the time. Paying her way by winning motorcycle races, she criss-crossed the country through small towns, big cities, and wide open spaces.
But not everyone was happy to see Bessie's brown face peeking out from underneath her helmet. And more than once, Bessie found herself making some quick exits on the back of her bike to escape Jim Crow. A trailblazer in the world of women's racing and motorcycling, Bessie Stringfield was a figure who will inspire all children to pursue their dreams.
From the first line, award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr.'s poetry evokes emotion, excitement, fear, and wonder in equal measures. Charlot Kristensen portrays Bessie and the American landscape with vivid imagery that is sure to capture the attention of young readers.
A much-needed story about a Black woman who paved the way for future generations, for fans of The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson and My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña.
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Kirkus Reviews
A great tale about one bad biker.
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School Library Journal
K-Gr 3--A Black woman whose early 20th-century adventures seem right out of a tall tale (though supported with substantial back matter and a bibliography to help readers find out what is true and where poetic license was used) zooms across the pages of this appealing picture book biography. Born in the 1910s (sources don't agree on the exact year), Bessie was a free-spirited African American female motorcycle racer and adventurer. She let a penny flip determine her path across America; that could take her to places where it was dangerous for a young Black woman to be on her own. Facing Jim Crow, the Klan, and segregation, Bessie pursued a life lived on her own terms thanks to her skill with a motorcycle and an indomitable spirit. The author does not dwell on the danger nor downplay it, and it's not theoretical: drivers use their cars to try to hit Bessie; people in white sheets barrel down on her; one page is titled "Races vs. Racists"; sometimes, Bessie wins but leaves behind her prize and the "angry [white] faces." The illustrations and text are full of energy and make for a highly engaging class read-aloud. The back matter adds details to the life of this legendary American woman whose bravery and tenacity deserve to be known. VERDICT Use this title to add some VROOM to a class discussion about American history, strong characters, brave women, and notable African Americans.--John Scott
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
JNF054100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Motor Sports
JNF057040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Transportation | Motorcycles
Picture books
United States
African American women
Motorcyclists
Women motorcyclists
Stringfield, Bessie
