locolibrarian's review
4.0
A tad long and drawn out. Some of the story could be scary to younger kids. Ensure discussions occur so younger kids understand.
msgabbythelibrarian's review
5.0
I knew nothing about Bessie Stringfield, but I now find her story fascinating. A coin flip to determine where you will go travelling next?! A black woman riding a motorcycle all over...including the American South in the 1920's and '30's?! Unheard of and yet inspiring.
What I really appreciated is that this book is simple enough for children (rhyming text that doesn't overwhelm each page) but again strong vocabulary is used. Additionally, this book is honest about Jim Crow laws and Klan involvement. What she undoubtedly experienced. I appreciate that as a mom who wants her daughter to learn all sides of history.
What I really appreciated is that this book is simple enough for children (rhyming text that doesn't overwhelm each page) but again strong vocabulary is used. Additionally, this book is honest about Jim Crow laws and Klan involvement. What she undoubtedly experienced. I appreciate that as a mom who wants her daughter to learn all sides of history.
constantcatreader's review
4.0
A tad long and drawn out. Some of the story could be scary to younger kids. Ensure discussions occur so younger kids understand.
missprint_'s review
3.0
Back matter includes a note from the author about "Bessie's Story" and bibliography with 2 books and 3 web pages. One quote from the author's note: "Bessie spun some tall tales, so it was hard to know the true details of her life." Uh ...
I don't know. Bessie Springfield is definitely fascinating but I'm not convinced of the feminist content. I could be convinced it's there but also feel like most of the story is framed to focus on the barriers she faced as a Black person more than as a Black WOMAN. The rhyming text is weak and falls apart in a couple of places. The artwork is nice but I wish the double page spread with the "reveal" of Bessie's un-helmeted face after the show was framed differently--it's so hard to see her with the page seam running down her face!
I don't know. Bessie Springfield is definitely fascinating but I'm not convinced of the feminist content. I could be convinced it's there but also feel like most of the story is framed to focus on the barriers she faced as a Black person more than as a Black WOMAN. The rhyming text is weak and falls apart in a couple of places. The artwork is nice but I wish the double page spread with the "reveal" of Bessie's un-helmeted face after the show was framed differently--it's so hard to see her with the page seam running down her face!
kverity's review
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
4.0
Did I know about this person in history before this book? No. Do I want to know so much more about her now? Yes! I really enjoyed this picture book--the rhyming text keeps the pace moving along quickly and works quite well with the content (there weren't very many rhymes I would consider "stretches"). The illustrations are vibrant and fun to look at. The book celebrates Bessie's accomplishments, but also recognizes the many obstacles she faced as a Black woman in the 1900's. Highly recommend sharing with students!
allbookedup4's review
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
This book introduced me to a hidden figure in Black history who rode her motorcycle across the country as a Black woman in the 1920s and 1930s. Rhythmic narration coupled with vivid illustrations makes this a top notch read.
misspentdays's review
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
A fun and fast paced biography of Bessie Stringfield. I was ready to hit the road with a penny to guide my travels when I finished.
A brief appearance by the Klan at Stone Mountain, but overall a light, inspiring read.
A good choice for elementary aged kids.
A brief appearance by the Klan at Stone Mountain, but overall a light, inspiring read.
A good choice for elementary aged kids.
pwbalto's review
4.0
I adore this clear, energetic art, with wide-open faces and places... but I find the rhymes very strained, and design that in places chops lines in half makes the rhyming text harder to scan.
readingthroughtheages's review
4.0
Interesting biography about Bessie Stringfield, a Black woman who raced her motorcycle across the country. How did she decide where to go in the continental United States? With a flip of her penny on a map! The author tells her story which includes traveling in the south during the time of Jim Crow laws.