Wednesday, June 5, 2013

WHEELS OF CHANGE by Sue Macy (LS5623 ~ Mod.8)


Bibliography:   

Macy, Sue. 2011. WHEELS OF CHANGE:  HOW WOMEN RODE THE BICYCLE TO FREEDOM (WITH A FEW FLAT TIRES ALONG THE WAY). Des Moines, IA:  National Geographic Society.  ISBN 9781426307614 

Plot Summary:   

Author, Sue Macy, takes a unique look at women’s history in connection to the history and evolution of the bicycle.  Attitudes, fashion, opportunities, and laws concerning women have changed greatly since the 1800’s.  Surprisingly, many of these changes are a direct result of the bicycle.  Through Macy’s research, many comical misconceptions from history are revealed for the reader to appreciate today. 
Medical issues:  “Bicycle eye”, “Bicycle face”, “Bicycle fright”  
List of Don’t:  “Don’t carry a flask”, “Don’t coast.  It is dangerous.”, and “Don’t say, ‘Feel my muscle.’”    

Reading this book should make men and women alike thankful that we have made so much progress, and hopefully, go out and jump on their bicycles … “imagining everybody is looking at you.” 

Critical Analysis:   

WHEELS OF CHANGE is a quick read, and provides readers with accurate information about women’s history and the history of bicycles.  The information is clearly organized with pictures that show the evolution of both women’s fashion and the design of the bicycle.  Macy’s style of writing makes the information fun and entertaining to read, while providing visuals that give the reading a better understanding of the factual information being presented.  With the pictures and the comical facts given about this seemingly one-gender interest topic, both male and female will enjoy this nonfiction book.  All will ride away smarter, with a smile upon their faces.    

Weakness: 

Older students that might connect with much of the history within this book might connect with riding a bike any longer.

Reviews:   


·        2011 Favorite Book by San Francisco Book Review
·        2011 Best Children’s Books by Washington Post
·        2012 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
·        School Library Journal:  “Macy’s light, conversational style and her enthusiasm for her subject infuse the book with sparkle and wit…”
·        Booklist:  “A strong, high-interest choice for both classroom and personal reading – for adults, too.”


Connections:   

Age Level:  10 and up
Reading Level:  8.5
Pages:  96
Genre:  Nonfiction / Informational 

·        Read, research and discuss during March, Women’s History Month
o   Choose one of the women seen in “WHEELS OF CHANGE”, research, and present information. 
o   Expand on how the bicycle helped this woman achieve success.
·        Students research and create a timeline of the bicycle from various perspectives
o   Invention and progression of their design over time
o   Women’s history
o   Preserve environment       
·        Focus on fitness during May, National Fitness Month and National Bike Month
o   Promote and offer a challenge for “Bike to School Day”
§  Resent past event – May 8, 2013
o   Research health benefits from use of bicycle.
o   Research local/national bicycle rules and laws.

No comments:

Post a Comment