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Description
Inspiring Picture Book About a Pioneering Cyclist
She Rides Like the Wind tells the inspiring story of Alfonsina Strada, a woman who loved to ride her bicycle but had to fight hard for her dream in early 20th-century Italy. Known as the "devil in her skirt" and the "Pedal Queen," Alfonsina represented the wheels of change breaking down gender barriers when she resisted conformity in 1924 by taking part in the prestigious Giro D'Italia—making her the first and only woman in history to ride in one of cycling's three major stage races. Despite ridicule from townspeople who called her "tomboy" and initially forced her to dress as a boy to compete, she eventually threw off her disguise to ride openly as a woman, earning fame across Europe.
Written and illustrated by award-winning Spanish artist Joan Negrescolor, winner of the Junceda Award 2018, this colorfully illustrated picture book tells Alfonsina's story through spare, first-person text that follows her from childhood in the Italian countryside through her groundbreaking racing career. The bold, posterlike illustrations use a limited palette of striking oranges, yellows, blues, and greens that echo the style of screen-printed cycling race flyers, while expressive characters and fascinated animals emphasize Alfonsina's wildness and freedom. Rich in illustrative color and packed with a mighty message about injustice, this book demonstrates that a single brave person can change society, prejudices, and how people think—making it a powerful read for young cyclists and anyone who refuses to yield to limitations.
A Story of Courage and Freedom
- Tells the inspiring true story of Alfonsina Strada (1891-1959), pioneering female cyclist.
- Chronicles her journey from childhood in Italian countryside to racing fame across Europe.
- First and only woman to compete in the Giro D'Italia, one of cycling's three major stage races.
- Known as the "Pedal Queen" and "devil in her skirt" for breaking gender barriers.
- Shows how she initially dressed as a boy to compete, then courageously rode openly as a woman.
- Depicts her winning her first race at age 13 and becoming "faster than the wind."
- Written and illustrated by award-winning Spanish artist Joan Negrescolor.
- Bold, posterlike illustrations with limited palette of oranges, yellows, blues, and greens.
- Illustration style echoes screen-printed cycling race flyers from the era.
- Expressive characters and animal observers emphasize themes of wildness and freedom.
- Spare, first-person narrative makes story accessible for wide age range.
- Translated from Portuguese by Jethro Soutar.
- Powerful message about overcoming gender stereotypes and societal barriers.
- Demonstrates how one brave person can change prejudices and inspire others.
- Dedicated in part to "every woman who refuses to yield."
- Perfect for young cyclists and readers interested in women's sports pioneers.
UPC / Part Numbers
| Option | SKU | UPC |
|---|---|---|
| Default Title | 210000026360 | 9783899558531 |
