Bessie the Motorcycle Queen
What’s inside...
Join Bessie Stringfield, the motorcycle queen of Miami, on her incredible journey in this picture book by Charles R. Smith, Jr. and Charlot Kristensen. At 18, Bessie embarked on a cross-country adventure, defying societal norms for a young Black woman in 1929. Despite facing racial challenges, she earned her living by winning motorcycle races and became a trailblazer in women's racing and motorcycling. With vivid illustrations and evocative poetry, this book celebrates a pioneering Black woman who inspires children to chase their dreams.
Age
6-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire in Bessie and why?
How did Bessie overcome the challenges she faced in the story?
What can we learn from Bessie's adventures about trying new things?
If you could go on any adventure like Bessie, where would you go and why?
How do you think Bessie felt when she rode her motorcycle, and why do you feel that way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about challenges they've faced and how they've overcome them.
Discuss the historical context of Bessie’s adventures to help your child understand the different times and places in the story.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as changing your tone and volume, to bring Bessie's exciting adventures to life.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book, helping them visually express their understanding and emotions about the story.
Set a positive and open environment for the discussion, affirming your child's thoughts and feelings as they relate to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Bessie, the Motorcycle Queen, showcases her relentless spirit by overcoming various obstacles to achieve her dreams of riding motorcycles professionally.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting in the face of challenges, encouraging them to keep trying in their own endeavors, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Breaking Stereotypes
Explanation: Through the character of Bessie, the book challenges traditional gender roles by depicting a female protagonist excelling in a male-dominated field.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect individual talents and interests, regardless of gender, promoting equality and open-mindedness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Bessie demonstrates courage not only in pursuing a risky passion but also in standing up for her right to participate in races and events during a time when women were often excluded.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stand up for themselves and pursue their interests bravely, even when they might feel intimidated or face opposition.
Example Lesson: Self-Belief
Explanation: Even when others doubted her abilities, Bessie maintained a strong belief in herself and her skills, which ultimately led to her success.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to believe in their own abilities and to confidently approach tasks and challenges.