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Table of Contents
About The Book
In 1891, Marshall Taylor could ride his bike forward, backward, even perched on the handlebars. When his stunts landed him a job at the famous Indiana bike shop Hay and Willits, folks were amazed that a thirteen-year-old black boy could be such a crackerjack cyclist.
Little Marshall Taylor would use his dedication, undeniable talent, and daring speed to transform himself into Major Taylor, turning pro at the age of eighteen, winning the world championship title just three years later, and battling racism and the odds to become a true American hero.
About The Illustrator
James E. Ransome’s highly acclaimed illustrations for Before She Was Harriet received the 2018 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. His other award-winning titles include the Coretta Scott King winner The Creation; Coretta Scott King Honor Book Uncle Jed’s Barbershop; Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt; and Let My People Go, winner of the NAACP Image Award. James is also a recipient of the ALA Children’s Literature Legacy Award. He frequently collaborates with his wife, author Lesa Cline-Ransome, and their books include Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams and Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis. James is a professor and coordinator of the MFA Illustration Graduate Program at Syracuse University. He lives in New York’s Hudson River Valley region with his family. Visit James at JamesRansome.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (August 21, 2012)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781442481046
- Grades: 1 - 5
- Ages: 6 - 10
Browse Related Books
- 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade
- 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th Grade
- Age 4 - 8
- Age 9 - 11
- Children's Non-Fiction > Biography & Autobiography > Cultural, Ethnic & Regional
- Children's Non-Fiction > People & Places > United States > African-American
- Children's Non-Fiction > Biography & Autobiography > People of Color
- Children's Non-Fiction > Sports & Recreation > Cycling
Awards and Honors
- Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN)
- Emphasis On Reading Program Master List (AL)
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Intermediate Title
- Capital Choices Noteworthy Books for Children's and Teens (DC)
- Golden Sower Award Nominee (NE)
- KC3 Award Master List Nominee (MO)
- ALA Children’s Literature Legacy Award
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Major Taylor, Champion Cyclist Fixed Layout eBook 9781442481046
- Author Photo (jpg): Lesa Cline-Ransome Photo by John Halpern(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit