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.

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