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lattelibrarian's review
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
3.5
This was a fantastic book sharing with us Bessie's daring life. The colors were bold and bright and the poem at times a little off kilter...but it's a phenomenal book and proves that people can do anything they set their minds to, even when the world seems set against them.
carolineinthelibrary's review
5.0
A really cool, poetic story about Bessie Stringfield, a young Black woman who spent her life riding motorcycles across the country, despite facing prejudice and racism in many of the Jim Crow segregated states she rode through. I'd never heard a Bessie and I love to read stories about little known people from history, so this was a fun read! Sometimes the rhyme scheme got a little lost or muddled, but the story is so engaging I can forgive it.
litlover13's review
5.0
I absolutely love this story! I have never heard of Bessie Stringfield and hearing about a strong female who paved the way for women. Plus, I love how the use of the bright illustrations accentuate the plot lines of the story. As a fellow Harley lover this book makes me proud to share a common love of motorcycles.
librarianryan's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
When ever I read this title, Jim Goche starts playing in my head. He was singing about Roller Derby Queen, but I easily change it to Motorcycle Queen. I think Bessie would have liked it. Bessie was a woman before her time. She was free with her own set of wheels to take her any place at the flip of a penny. This book does an excellent job of giving the reader a window to her world. The author made poetry, and did not miss the hard, or the sad parts. Everything was coved from her wins to her chases. Add the amazing illustrations on top, and this book is just excellent.
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!
library_kb'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!