Pedal, Balance, Steer
Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World
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- $199.00
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- $199.00
Descripción editorial
2025 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book Winner
Annie Londonderry proves women can do anything they set their minds to—even cycle around the world—in this nonfiction picture book for cycling enthusiasts, budding travelers, and anyone who dreams of reaching a difficult goal.
In the 1890s, times were tough, and opportunities for women were few and far between. When mother-of-three Annie Londonderry saw an ad promising $10,000 to a woman who could cycle around the world in a year, something no one thought possible, she decided it was time to learn to ride. She waved goodbye to her family in Boston and set off for Chicago.
Annie was exhausted when she arrived fifty-nine days later—and she realized she’d never make it across the Rockies before winter, and certainly not riding a heavy women’s bike and wearing a corset and petticoats. So Annie got herself a better bicycle and comfortable bloomers, and headed back East to try a different route. Facing robbers, sprained ankles, and disapproving stares, Annie missed her family and wanted to quit. But she journeyed on, all over the world. And, when she finally reached California and the Southwest, she kept pedaling. Her family was counting on the prize money, and people around the world, especially women, were watching.
Annie came through for all of them, arriving in Chicago fourteen days before her deadline and proving that women could do just about anything.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Using the titular refrain, this stirring chronicle highlights the tenacity of record-breaking cyclist Annie Londonderry (1870–1947) via the Latvian-born biker's arduous round-the-world journey. Motivated by the substantial prize offered to the first woman to cycle around the globe, mother of three Londonderry decides to give it a try, despite not knowing how to ride. She sets off from Boston after only two cycling lessons, a single pair of underwear tucked into her pocket. The trip is not without challenges: she's robbed, set upon by bandits, has her bike confiscated, and endures many accident-induced bruises and injuries. En route, she also hones valuable storytelling, presentation, and entrepreneurial skills, and Kirkfield articulates the inspiration she offered to those following news of her progress. Jay employs oil on paper with a crackled effect in delicate stylized renderings. Concluding lines reinforce a motivational takeaway: "She'd proven that she could do anything she put her mind to." Secondary characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note concludes. Ages 7–10.
