Tillie the Terrible Swede

How One Woman, a Sewing Needle, and a Bicycle Changed History

Illustrated by Sarah McMenemy
Ebook
On sale Nov 28, 2012 | 40 Pages | 978-0-307-98248-3
When Tillie Anderson came to America, all she had was a needle. So she got herself a job in a tailor shop and waited for a dream to find her. One day, a man sped by on a bicycle. She was told "bicycles aren't for ladies," but from then on, Tillie dreamed of riding—not graceful figure eights, but speedy, scorching, racy riding! And she knew that couldn't be done in a fancy lady's dress. . . . With arduous training and her (shocking!) new clothes, Tillie became the women's bicycle-riding champion of the world.
Sue Stauffacher's lively text and Sarah McMenemy's charming illustrations capture the energy of America's bicycle craze and tell the story of one woman who wouldn't let society's expectations stop her from achieving her dream.
  • WINNER
    Young Adult Services Division, School Library Journal Author Award
  • SUBMITTED
    Amelia Bloomer List Recommended Title
  • NOMINEE
    Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Award
  • NOMINEE
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
© Roger Gilles
Sue Stauffacher is a children’s book author who writes the Animal Rescue Team series. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Arizona in Tucson. In addition to writing books, Stauffacher has worked as a journalist, book reviewer, and teacher. She lives with her husband, Roger, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. View titles by Sue Stauffacher

About

When Tillie Anderson came to America, all she had was a needle. So she got herself a job in a tailor shop and waited for a dream to find her. One day, a man sped by on a bicycle. She was told "bicycles aren't for ladies," but from then on, Tillie dreamed of riding—not graceful figure eights, but speedy, scorching, racy riding! And she knew that couldn't be done in a fancy lady's dress. . . . With arduous training and her (shocking!) new clothes, Tillie became the women's bicycle-riding champion of the world.
Sue Stauffacher's lively text and Sarah McMenemy's charming illustrations capture the energy of America's bicycle craze and tell the story of one woman who wouldn't let society's expectations stop her from achieving her dream.

Awards

  • WINNER
    Young Adult Services Division, School Library Journal Author Award
  • SUBMITTED
    Amelia Bloomer List Recommended Title
  • NOMINEE
    Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Award
  • NOMINEE
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies

Author

© Roger Gilles
Sue Stauffacher is a children’s book author who writes the Animal Rescue Team series. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Arizona in Tucson. In addition to writing books, Stauffacher has worked as a journalist, book reviewer, and teacher. She lives with her husband, Roger, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. View titles by Sue Stauffacher

Books for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May we celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we think your students will love. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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