CYBILS JUNIOR HIGH NONFICTION NOMINEE/FINALIST: Motor Girls by Sue Macy


ABOUT THE BOOK

Come along for a joy ride in this enthralling tribute to the daring women - Motor Girls, as they were called at the turn of the century - who got behind the wheel of the first cars and paved the way for change. The automobile has always symbolized freedom, and in this book we meet the first generation of female motorists who drove cars for fun, profit, and to make a statement about the evolving role of women. From the advent of the auto in the 1890s to the 1920s when the breaking down of barriers for women was in full swing, readers will be delighted to see historical photos, art, and artifacts and to discover the many ways these progressive females influenced fashion, the economy, politics, and the world around them.

REVIEW

This beautifully designed book presents the reader with a history of women and the automobile.  It was fascinating to read about how women stepped forward from the beginning to enjoy this new technology, despite its flaws, and despite opposition from many people.  Macy does a great job of introducing the reader to the basics of the creation of the automobile and how specific women were involved in the creation and development of the horseless carriage.  The book documents how women enjoyed learning to drive as well as using their newfound skills to improve their lives and that of women everywhere.  There are chapters about some of the women who proved that females were perfectly capable drivers by driving across the country.  Stories about the first female race car drivers were intriguing.  I especially appreciated the chapters on how women used their driving skills to help fight during World War I as well as working for women's rights.  The illustrations and photographs are well chosen and nicely complement the text.  The side notes include articles from the time period and the feature articles highlight interesting facts about women and cars.  The back matter makes this a great resource for teachers as well as a fascinating read in and of itself.  Short biographies of influential women are also included.


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