Bessie the Motorcycle Queen

Hop on the bike with Bessie Stringfield, the motorcycle queen ofMiami, in this powerful picture book from Coretta Scott King medalistCharles R. Smith, Jr. and debut picture book illustrator CharlotKristensen.The folks they lined up to meet the Motorcycle Queen, seated sidesattleon her motorbike machine.In 1929, 18-year-old Bessie Stringfield hopped on her motorcycleand headed out on an adventure, an unusual choice for a young Blackwoman at the time. Paying her way by winning motorcycle races,she criss-crossed the country through small towns, big cities, andwide open spaces.But not everyone was happy to see Bessie's brown face peeking outfrom underneath her helmet. And more than once, Bessie found herselfmaking some quick exits on the back of her bike to escape JimCrow. A trailblazer in the world of women's racing and motorcycling,Bessie Stringfield was a figure who will inspire all childrento pursue their dreams.From the first line, award-winning author Charles R. Smith Jr.'spoetry evokes emotion, excitement, fear, and wonder in equal measures.Charlot Kristensen portrays Bessie and the American landscapewith vivid imagery that is sure to capture the attention of youngreaders.A much-needed story about a Black woman who paved the way for futuregenerations, for fans of The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander andKadir Nelson and My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero andZeke Peña.