To celebrate Women's History Month we look at "Motor Girls: How Women Took the Wheel and Drove Boldly Into the Twentieth Century" (National Geographic Kids Books) by Sue Macy [Review & Giveaway]

To celebrate Women's History Month we are looking at how women drove boldly into the Twentieth Century. Various contributions of women to the events in history and in today's world is highlighted in a variety of manners. Chat With Vera celebrates and acknowledges the women who bravely jumped into the seats of early automobiles and challenged the roads that lead to their abilities to participate more in the events that changed the world. International Women's Day is on March 8.

ISBN 978-1426326974
Ages 10+ - Grades 5 & Up
Hardcover 96 pages $18.99

Motor Girls: How Women Took the Wheel and Drove Boldly Into the Twentieth Century (National Geographic Kids Books) by Sue Macy

Sixty plus pages of photographs and drawings placing various women in automobiles during the turn of the century coupled with text that states the facts of events as they unfolded showing women rolling boldly forward will enable the reader to share the history and excitement of these participants who paved the way so today's women, young and old, would have the opportunity to drive a vehicle themselves and in various capacities.

Theirs was not an easy road. They were faced with strong opposition because they were women and seemingly unsuited for such activities. They drove perilous roads in unstable cars fitted with narrow wheels and weak tires.

History buffs will really enjoy viewing the plethora of antique photographs that vividly tell the story of these strong, adventurous women. I personally found the fragile and open cars daunting and further admire these women who ventured forth in them.

These historic pictures show the lady on the left car is mired in the mud on the road. The man is trying to help her.
The picture on the right shows a lady cranking the car to start it. A lot different from today's ignitions.

This book is surely a tribute to the daring women — Motor Girls, as they were called (and featured in a poem) at the end of the 1800s and early 1900s. Women who dared to change and who dared to learn new skills considered unsuited for them.

These ladies were ambulance drivers in World War I. Quite the controversary to have a woman that near battle
and also to drive. But how brave they were and what a tremendously important task they undertook.

These women, "Motor Girls," chose to drive cars for a variety of reasons. It was fun. It liberated them from the constraints of culture of that time. They could earn money driving a vehicle. It gave them the opportunity to get "out 'n about" on their own.

A good book to have in any library. Be sure to see if your local library has a copy. If they don't, request it.

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.

Here is a peek at a few pages to whet your appetite for more. Click here (pdf file)

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 3

ENDS March 24 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only

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A girl with a book in a hammock,

As she gracefully swung to and fro,

Was the dream of the men in the summer,

A very few seasons ago.

The hammock gave way to lawn tennis,

And then came the "bike" for a whirl;

Like shadows in light they all fade out of sight,

giving place to the Motor Girl.

--"The Motor Girl," Lyrics by Charles J. Campbell ©1909

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.