Synopses & Reviews
Marshall Taylor could ride his bike forward, backward, even perched on the handlebars. When his stunts landed him a job at the famous Indiana bike shop Hay and Willits, folks were amazed that a thirteen-year-old black boy in 1891 could be such a crackerjack cyclist. andlt;BRandgt; How little Marshall Taylor -- through dedication, undeniable talent, and daring speed -- transformed himself into the extraordinary Major Taylor is chronicled in this inspiring biography. Here is the story of a kid who turned pro at the age of eighteen, went on to win the world championship title just three years later, and battled racism and the odds to become a true American hero.
Synopsis
Discover the inspiring true story of extraordinary professional cyclist Major Taylor in this nonfiction picture book from Coretta Scott King Award winners Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome. In 1891, Marshall Taylor could ride his bike forward, backward, even perched on the handlebars. When his stunts landed him a job at the famous Indiana bike shop Hay and Willits, folks were amazed that a thirteen-year-old black boy could be such a crackerjack cyclist.
Little Marshall Taylor would use his dedication, undeniable talent, and daring speed to transform himself into Major Taylor, turning pro at the age of eighteen, winning the world championship title just three years later, and battling racism and the odds to become a true American hero.
About the Author
Lesa Cline-Ransome is the author of several books for children including the award-winning andlt;iandgt;Satchel Paigeandlt;/iandgt; and andlt;iandgt;Major Taylor, Champion Cyclistandlt;/iandgt;, both illustrated by her husband, James E. Ransome. A graduate of the Pratt Institute, she holds a Masterandrsquo;s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from NYU. She lives with her family in upstate New York. Visit her at LesaClineRansome.com.James E. Ransomeandrsquo;s highly acclaimed illustrations for andlt;iandgt;Knock, Knock: My Dadandrsquo;s Dream for Meandlt;/iandgt; won the 2014 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. His other award-winning titles include Coretta Scott King Honor Book andlt;iandgt;Uncle Jedandrsquo;s Barbershopandlt;/iandgt; by Margaree King Mitchell; Deborah Hopkinsonandrsquo;s andlt;iandgt;Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quiltandlt;/iandgt;; andlt;iandgt;Let My People Goandlt;/iandgt;, winner of the NAACP Image Award; and andlt;iandgt;Satchel Paige,andlt;/iandgt; written by his wife, Lesa. Mr. Ransome teaches illustration at Pratt Institute and lives in upstate New York with his family. Visit James at JamesRansome.com.