Pedal, Balance, Steer
Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World
2025 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book Winner
Annie Londonderry proves women can do anything they set their minds to—even cycle around the world—in this nonfiction picture book for cycling enthusiasts, budding travelers, and anyone who dreams of reaching a difficult goal.
In the 1890s, times were tough, and opportunities for women were few and far between. When mother-of-three Annie Londonderry saw an ad promising $10,000 to a woman who could cycle around the world in a year, something no one thought possible, she decided it was time to learn to ride. She waved goodbye to her family in Boston and set off for Chicago.
Annie was exhausted when she arrived fifty-nine days later—and she realized she’d never make it across the Rockies before…
$24.99
February 20, 2024
Alison Jay has been drawing and painting since she was a child. She is the illustrator of many picture books, including If Kisses Were Colors by Janet Lawler and Listen, Listen by Phillis Gershator, and is the author and illustrator of Bee and Me. Alison lives in London, England.
One Girl's Voice
Vivian Kirkfield; Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon
Pedal, Balance, Steer
Vivian Kirkfield; Illustrated by Alison Jay
Vivian Kirkfield is a retired early childhood educator and the author of several books for children, including Pedal, Balance, Steer: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World; From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves; and Pippa’s Passover Plate. Her books have garnered accolades and awards including the NSTA Best Stem Book K-12, Social Studies Notable Trade Book for Young People, and a Eureka! Honor. Visit viviankirkfield.com
One Girl's Voice
Vivian Kirkfield; Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon