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Bessie the Motorcycle Queen - by  Charles R Smith Jr (Hardcover) - 1 of 1

Bessie the Motorcycle Queen - by Charles R Smith Jr (Hardcover)

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About this item

Highlights

  • 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.
  • 6-8 Years
  • 9.13" x 11.02" Hardcover
  • 40 Pages
  • Juvenile Nonfiction, Biography & Autobiography

Description



About the Book



"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. 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"--



Book Synopsis



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.



Review Quotes




Praise for Bessie the Motorcycle Queen:

2023 NCSS Septima P. Clark Book Award - Winner: Elementary Category

Imagination Soup Best Children's Nonfiction Books of 2022

"A Black woman whose early 20th-century adventures seem right out of a tall tale...zooms across the pages of this appealing picture book biography. . . .The illustrations and text are full of energy and make for a highly engaging class read."--School Library Journal (starred review)

"The illustrations. . .incorporate color in exciting ways while providing Bessie a classic vibe for her adventures. Unexpected pops of purple, pink, and teal create a strong visual interest that will help draw readers into Bessie's story. A great tale about one bad biker." -- Kirkus

"A fast-flying starter biography, this tale of motorcycle queen Bessie Stringfield is ideal for fans of cars, travel, racing, and Black history. . . .Add this book to biography collections and look for ways to put it in the hands of readers interested in motorcycles as well as those seeking to learn about the Jim Crow era through a new lens." --Booklist

"Smith compiles the uncertain details of Stringfield's life story into a digestible tale of a Black woman who lived on her own terms. Kristensen's lively unlined illustrations emphasize bright landscapes."--Publishers Weekly

"This book is sure to inspire young readers. ...Engaging." --Common Sense Media




About the Author



Charles R. Smith, Jr. is an award-winning author, photographer, and poet with over thirty books to his credit. His awards include a Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration (2010) for his photographs accompanying the Langston Hughes poem, My People, and a Coretta Scott King Honor Author Award (2008) for his biography on Muhammad Ali, Twelve Rounds to Glory. Many of his books have also garnered reluctant reader awards, proving that kids that don't like to read do like to read his books. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and currently lives in Poughkeepsie, New York. You can find him at charlesrsmithjr.com.
Charlot Kristensen is a Dublin based illustrator, designer, and book author. As a Black artist she often depicts underrepresented characters in empowering ways to help change their narratives. Some of her most renowned clients include HuffPost, Google, Scholastic, Penguin Random House, and the New York Times. You can find her at charlotk.myportfolio.com.
Dimensions (Overall): 9.13 Inches (H) x 11.02 Inches (W) x .47 Inches (D)
Weight: 1.15 Pounds
Suggested Age: 6-8 Years
Sub-Genre: Biography & Autobiography
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
Number of Pages: 40
Publisher: Orchard Books
Theme: Women
Format: Hardcover
Author: Charles R Smith Jr
Language: English
Street Date: September 20, 2022
TCIN: 85572209
UPC: 9781338752472
Item Number (DPCI): 247-01-2502
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.47 inches length x 11.02 inches width x 9.13 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.15 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

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Q: In which year does Bessie's motorcycle adventure begin?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
  • A: Bessie's adventure begins in 1929 when she, at just 18 years old, sets out on her motorcycle.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: Who illustrated the picture book?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
  • A: The book features illustrations by Charlot Kristensen, a debut picture book illustrator known for her vibrant imagery.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What age group is this book suitable for?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
  • A: This book is recommended for children aged 6-8 years, making it an ideal choice for early readers.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What is the primary theme of the book?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
  • A: The book highlights the adventures and challenges of Bessie Stringfield, a trailblazer in women's motorcycling, and explores themes of perseverance and empowerment.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
    Ai generated

Q: What notable recognition did this book receive?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
  • A: The book won the 2023 NCSS Septima P. Clark Book Award in the Elementary Category.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 16 days ago
    Ai generated

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