Pedal, Balance, Steer by Vivian Kirkfield and Alison Jay - ADVISABLE

Pedal, Balance, Steer: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Alison Jay. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Calkins Creek (Astra), 2024. $19. 9781635926828 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

In 1894, when Annie hears that two businessmen will award $10,000 to the first woman to cross the world by bicycle, she decides to take up the challenge. Leaving her three children and husband behind, she had huge hurdles to overcome - from her attire, to the bike itself, to danger along the way. 

First off - I am a HUGE Alison Jay fan. I didn't feel that her style fit this particular topic. Beyond that - the story is fascinating! And the Internet has a wealth of information about her and her ride, including some artifacts from her trip. Annie is Latvian, living in America. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS