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A review by elizabethlk
Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield's First Ride by Joel Christian Gill
4.0
Earlier this year, I read Joel Christian Gill's Bessie Stringfield: Tales of the Talented Tenth, no. 2. It was my first time reading anything about Bessie Stringfield, and I was fascinated. When I found out Gill was authoring a picture book about Stringfield's life, I knew I was going to have to read it. I definitely find myself charmed by Fast Enough as well.
Stringfield led a fascinating life, and this picture book really does it justice for younger readers. I liked the way Gill presented the story in a way that children could relate to, with Stringfield's desire to be "good enough" as a major factor in the tale. Starting the story off by showing Stringfield as a vibrant young girl with a need for speed on her bicycle really worked here, especially as the story built around the character's reality and her dreams. Ending the story with a description of the life of the real woman was a nice touch, and will satisfy curious kids and adults alike.
I think the illustrations were especially lovely, with Gill's art style really bringing the characters to life, especially bringing Bessie Stringfield herself to life. Getting to see a young black girl with natural hair was especially great to see.
I definitely recommend Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield's First Ride. This vibrant and vital piece of history is brought to life with lovely messages, extra historical information, a sweet and relatable story, and top notch illustrations. Kids and adults will both find something to like about this one.
Stringfield led a fascinating life, and this picture book really does it justice for younger readers. I liked the way Gill presented the story in a way that children could relate to, with Stringfield's desire to be "good enough" as a major factor in the tale. Starting the story off by showing Stringfield as a vibrant young girl with a need for speed on her bicycle really worked here, especially as the story built around the character's reality and her dreams. Ending the story with a description of the life of the real woman was a nice touch, and will satisfy curious kids and adults alike.
I think the illustrations were especially lovely, with Gill's art style really bringing the characters to life, especially bringing Bessie Stringfield herself to life. Getting to see a young black girl with natural hair was especially great to see.
I definitely recommend Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield's First Ride. This vibrant and vital piece of history is brought to life with lovely messages, extra historical information, a sweet and relatable story, and top notch illustrations. Kids and adults will both find something to like about this one.