Major Taylor; World Cycling Champion, written by Charles R. Smith Jr. and illustrated by Leo Espinosa. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2023. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Faster and faster
and faster around the track, 
pump those legs, Major,
to break away from the pack.

Just an eighteen-year-old boy
racing against men, 
pedal, Major, pedal,
make those wheels spin." 

Marshall Taylor's racing career begins when he is just 13 years old; a ten-mile road race he is not keen to enter. The bike store owner convinces him to try. He wins! Three years later, he chooses a long- distance race; seventy-five miles from Indianapolis to Matthews, Indiana. Fifty begin, and Marshall is the only racer left at the end. A few races follow, including one where he is disqualified for being Black. 

Later that same year, in December, he enters the Six-Day Race at Madison Square Garden. He is an 18-year-old boy, racing against accomplished men in the grueling challenge. He is the only Black rider. On the first day, he rides 300 miles. It is his intention to prove just how good he is, in spite of his age and race. Charles Smith chronicles Marshall's growth as a racer over the six days of the race. In this way, he shows readers the strength, stamina, and unique riding ability of a racer few know.

"A military jacket that 
made you stand out
made you look regal
gave you some clout, 
so they called you "Major"
because you commanded attention
when you performed on your bike
with speed and precision."

With thirty minutes to go on the sixth day, a two-bike crash knocks him out. His eighth place showing, after riding over 1700 miles, makes the racing world take notice. It isn't long until 'Major' Taylor is a world champion!

The poetic text is lively and emotional, with accompanying digital artwork that perfectly matches the action of a young racer on his road to greatness. Readers will want to know more. To that end, Mr. Smith provides a useful look at Major's life story - from great joy to utter despair. The final two pages provide a timeline for Major's Milestones and a bibliography for further reading. 

"One hour of sleep
 for every eight on the bike
kept you in the race, 
 but you fought to stay upright."