For centuries, men have come up with reasons why women can’t do things, whether its wear pants, wield a welding torch, fly airplanes, explore space, vote……
And in all of those cases, their arguments bordered on the ridiculous (well, if I remove the sugar coating, they actually were ridiculous).
Case in point, my featured informational fiction book today:
When our story begins, it’s 1896, and a little girl named Louisa Belinda Bellflower watches as her brother, Joe, takes off on one of those new-fangled bicycles that are all the rage.
She, however, is left to read books about bicycles under a tree in a dress. BORING. So what does she do?
textⓒLarissa Theule illustrationⓒKelsey Garrity-Riley
Yay, Louisa! I’m with you. Although they worry about doing this behind their mother’s back, an even bigger concern is BICYCLE FACE!!!
“It’s real, you know, everyone says so, even Dr. Brown,”says Joe.
“He says girls aren’t strong enough to balance, that your eyes will bulge, and your jaw will close up from the strain of trying—maybe FOREVER.”
Yikes! Although nervous, Louisa remains determined. And she’s going to need that determination because she’s not successful the first, the second, the third time…..She falls and falls and falls….until she asks her brother:
“How’s my face.”
When Joe tells her she looks exactly the same as ever, she’s relieved (even though she hurts all over from falling) and renews her determination to succeed. This time, she wheels away with a face filled with joy.
And when their mother finds out, she says:
“Those pants seem quite practical.”
With a cartwheel, Louisa agrees. The next thing you know, Mother is sewing a pair for herself, and they both ride off into the sunset.
Set against the backdrop of women’s suffrage, the mother is shown making rally posters, assembling women to protest, etc., so it’s not surprising that she jumps on board so quickly with Louisa’s efforts.
One section of back matter describes the history behind the term “bicycle face,” and a second section adds information about women’s suffrage. I love the quote from Susan B. Anthony featured at the beginning of the story:
“Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel.”
And now I will, too.
The color palette for the illustrations appear to be influenced by images included in the back matter, one a poster and the other an illustration from the book titled “Puck,” that shows how the bicycle “reformed” apparel for both men and women.
Resources/Activities:
Talk about all of the things that girls or women have been told they can’t do for whatever reason. See who can come up with the longest list. Who “is allowed” to do these things today?
Pair with Lillian’s Right to Vote by Jonah Winter to highlight the fact that not all women gained the right to vote at the same time (a point made in the back matter of Born to Ride)
Pair with Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison, and talk about how girls should follow their dreams and not be dissuaded by naysayers.
Go for a bike ride and then write a poem about how it makes you feel.
Title: Born to Ride: A story about bicycle face
Author: Larissa Theule
Illustrator: Kelsey Garrity-Riley
Publisher: Abrams, 2019
Themes: overcoming sexism, bicycles, women’s suffrage
For more perfect picture book recommendations, visit Susanna Hill’s website.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
I haven’t read this one yet. So glad you’re featuring it! Fingers crossed that the library has a copy.
Imagine my surprise this morning when I discovered that today is NOT Friday! I plead massive head cold that I’m just now recovering from. In any case, I hope your library has a copy. If not, please suggest it! Thanks!
This PB was so perfect you couldn’t wait ’til Friday!
I’m going to seek this one out.
Yes! That’s my excuse. Thanks!
Wow! Bicycle Face! So incredibly ridiculous it’s hard to believe anyone could make that argument with a straight face. Hooray for Louisa and her mom! I will check this out — sounds fantastic!
Yes, ridiculous, especially when I think about being pregnant and giving birth. We were “too delicate” to handle all these other things, but huMANity depends on women being willing to put their lives at risk to perpetuate the species….I think you’ll enjoy this book!
I chuckled as I read your review. The outrageous excuses given to girls when they wanted to do the same thing as their brothers. Both my granddaughters are going to get this book for Christmas. What a great discussion starter with kids. Should be in every classroom!
Yes! And Yay!!!! It’s truly hard to believe how far-fetched these obstructions to equality stretched. I think they’ll LOVE this book!
Great minds think alike, Jilanne. Our #PPBF picks this week work so well together. Strong women, determined not to let society dictate what they can and can’t do! Love Louisa. Looking forward to reading this one.
Yes! So true. Have you seen this book? I just found out that several people have already written about Greta. https://www.amazon.com/Our-House-Fire-Thunbergs-Planet/dp/1534467785
Interesting book. Haven’t heard of this one. Thanks for sharing.
I hadn’t come across this one on my travels yet but I like the storyline, being a contrarian is always a good thing.
Yes, I just saw a quote: If someone tells you that you can’t do something, do it twice and take pictures. LOL.
Haha, I like that! In fact its that sort of quote that makes a great start to the day, with a big cup of coffee of course.
I placed a hold on this one. How crazy and silly. I’ve got my bicycle face on and maybe I’ll ride my bike to the library to pick this book up.
Make sure you clench your jaw, 😂