Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
Summary: In 1973, a girl in her Paris home dreams about going somewhere else. One day she packs up her motorcycle (her packing list includes tools, a sleeping bag, cookware, and a pretty white dress), and heads to Canada (she flies; it’s not clear how the motorcycle gets there). She travels on her motorcycle from Montreal to Alaska, then flies to Japan. From there, it’s on to a number of Asian countries, then back into Europe: Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, and finally, home to France. She has become the first woman to travel around the world by motorcycle. Includes additional information and photos about Anne-France Dautheville, the Frenchwoman on whom this story is based, and an author’s note. 48 pages; grades 2-6.
Pros: A fun, true story that may inspire others to lead a more adventurous life. The illustrations are full of interesting details and lists like “How to drink tea in India” and “How to make a fire”. The information at the end will answer many of the questions about the real-life woman who made this journey.
Cons: I was surprised there was no map anywhere showing Dautheville’s route.
