Alice Across Americaby Sarah Glenn Marsh and Gilbert Ford - ADVISABLE

Alice Across America: The story of the first women’s cross-country road trip by Sarah Glenn Marsh, illustrated by Gilbert Ford.  NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2020. $19. 9781250297020

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The man from the Maxwell car company was impressed by Alice’s driving skill.  He had a proposal for her – would she be willing to be the first woman to drive across America?  The company would offer support, as long as Alice and her friends did the repairs and navigating. Alice, 22yo, jumped at the chance.  It took 59 days, but the intrepid quartet made it all the way.

Though not the first book about Alice Ramsey’s journey, its been 20 years since that first one.  It is an interesting tale – a great way to help young readers put history in to perspective.  Whether you are teaching about transportation, women’s first, or grit – there are teachers who will want this.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS