Written by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Illustrated by Leo Espinosa
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2023. Biography.
One hundred years ago, one of the most popular spectator sports was bicycle racing, and the man to beat was Marshall "Major" Taylor, who set records in his teens and won his first world championship by age twenty. The first African American world champion in cycling and the second Black athlete to win a world championship in any sport, Major Taylor faced down challenge after challenge, not least the grueling Six-Day Race, a test of speed, strength, and endurance. With energy, heart, and pounding verse, Charles R. Smith Jr. evokes the excitement of the crowd at Madison Square Garden as Major powered through exhaustion, hallucinations, and racist abuse from fellow riders, who tried to crash his bike throughout the competition. Leo Espinosa's dynamic illustrations capture the action, and as day six draws to a close, and Major's odds narrow, there is little doubt that his triumphant rise and legacy as an international cycling champion are assured--whatever the outcome of one race--in this high-octane tribute to a trailblazing athlete. --Publisher
Written by Gabrille Snyder
Illustrated by Robin Rosenthal
New York: Abrams Appleseed, 2020. Picture Book.
When the gate is left open, one dog escapes the yard for an adventure on tricycles, trolleys, and trains. This hilarious story counts up to ten and back down again as more pups join the fun--and one very determined cat goes on the chase! --Publisher
By Elizabeth Verdick & Brian Biggs
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2020. Picture Book.
When Lulu graduates to a bicycle with training wheels, rusty, old Trike feels lonely in the garage and worries about Lulu's safety on her shiny, new bike. --Publisher
Written by Larry Dane Brimmer
Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
New York: Acorn, 2022. Easy Reader. 44 pages.
Ace gets her mountain bike ready for the big bike race, but during the race Ace's bike chain comes off the sprocket, and a tire goes flat--luckily she has her tools with her to fix the problem so she can finish the race. --Editor
Written by Teresa Robeson
Illustrated by Junyi Wu
Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, 2020. Picture Book.
Lunzi and Huangche were made in the same bicycle factory and remained close in a shop, but when Huangche is purchased before Lunzi, she races through Beijing seeking her friend. Includes glossary of Mandarin Chinese terms and descriptions of the places visited. --Editor
By Alison Farrell
San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2018. Picture Book.
Little Etta the elephant visits her aunt's house in Cycle City, where everybody rides a bicycle, and the streets are crowded with many unique bikes that are waiting for the parade to begin. --Editor
Written by C.L. Reid
Illustrated by Elena Aiello
North Mankato, MN: Picture Window Books, 2023. Easy Reader. 27 pages.
Emma is too scared to ride her new bike but her brother helps her practice and gain the confidence she needs to conquer her fears. Includes an ASL fingerspelling chart and a sign language guide. --Editor
By Corey R. Tabor
New York: Balzer + Bray, 2017. Picture Book.
Fun-loving, mischievous Fox from Fox and the Jumping Contest is back in this charming and hilarious tale of friendship, adventure and snacks. It's the day of the animals' annual bike ride, and Fox is not excited. Every year it's the same old, same old. --Editor
By Byron Barton
New York: Greenwillow Books, 2015. Picture Book.
Tom tells all about his bicycle, his ride to work past trucks, cars, and even elephants, and his job as a circus performer. --Editor
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