The Van Buren Sisters vs. the Pants Police
by J.F. Fox, Anna Kwan
A true story about two sisters, four wheels and hordes of angry fashion police! Addie and Gussie Van Buren were raised by their father to be confident, competitive and not much concerned with stuffy opinions about what women can and can't do. So, when World War I broke out in Europe, the sisters believed women should be able to join the fight. To prove that women would make excellent battlefield messengers, they decided to drive their motorbikes across the country, dressed sensibly in leather coats and pants. Only, this was 1916, and women didn't ride motorbikes. And women certainly did not wear pants! Despite being stopped repeatedly for wearing "men's" clothing, the Van Buren sisters showed that "woman can, if she will"! Part of the Head-to-Head History series, this irreverently told, inspiring story by J. F. Fox showcases one of the many battles in the history of the women's movement. This thrilling story continues to delight people today, including the descendants of the Van Buren sisters who commemorate their accomplishments by re-creating the iconic ride with dozens of other women bikers. This highly readable book adds historical context with notes at the back of the book, and a glossary and bibliography expand the content and help promote inquiry-based learning. Historical details are incorporated into Anna Kwan's illustrations, which use comic-style speech bubbles and plenty of humour to keep the tone fun and lively. AGES: 5 to 8 AUTHOR: J. F. Fox is the author of Napoleon vs. the Bunnies, a Head-to-Head History book. She is a former editor at Lee & Low Books and has ghostwritten over seventy books for children. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two sons. Anna Kwan is the illustrator of Napoleon vs. the Bunnies, a Head-to-Head History book. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, she is based in Toronto. SELLING POINTS: . Inspiring true story told with humor and irreverence . The iconic ride is still re-created by the sisters' descendants and dozens of women bikers. . Includes historical context for the sisters' achievements
Hardcover
English
Brand New
Author Biography
J. F. Fox is the author of the Head-to-Head History series, featuring quirky showdowns from the past. The first title, Napoleon vs. the Bunnies, was recently referenced in a question on Celebrity Jeopardy! A former editor at Lee & Low Books, she has ghostwritten over seventy books for children and lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two sons.
Anna Kwan is the illustrator of the Head-to-Head History series. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, she is based in Toronto.
Review
A fun choice to round out picture book biography shelves, especially where titles on little-known women in history are needed.--School Library Journal
It is not just history but a story that shows no matter what the world says, if an idea is going to change the world, then there will always be a way to make it happen.--Children's Literature
Plenty of humor and captivating historical facts combine in this delightful new picture book celebrating two pioneers who proved women can do whatever they dream of.--A Mighty Girl
A lesser-known tale that will remind readers of Amelia Earhart, the inspiring story coupled with the curmudgeonly laws will educate young readers as well as keep them on the edge of their seats.--BookList
... an enjoyable storytime.--Kirkus Reviews (Praise for Napoleon Vs. the Bunnies)
Historical drama with a comical twist.--Booklist (Praise for Napoleon Vs. the Bunnies)
Review Quote
Historical drama with a comical twist.-- Booklist (Praise for Napoleon Vs. the Bunnies)
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