I had a few bikes in my day. I figured I was pretty good even as I fell off, had my dress caught in spokes stuff, ran into things. Oh yes, my athletics knew no boundaries of ineptitude. Of course, there was this young man in the 1800s who would have given me a ride for my money. His name was Major Taylor: World Cycling Champion. And I guess he was good. He won a few races (starting at age 13) and would fight racism, overcome struggles and yet, would be (at first) buried in an unmarked grave.
Major Taylor was not just a man who broke the color barrier by being the first and one of the firsts to achieve history for people of color. He would show the world that he had what it took to be a champion. He would be the underdog that could. And Charles R. Smith’s book shows you a lot of that. Granted it is “just” a picture book and does not get into the “down and dirty” but the facts are strong and delightfully presented. The main focus of the story is the the Six-Day Race he would partake in at just age 18. However, we do get much of the background and history of the man and even a little of the times. The rhyming prose poetry gives things an edge that makes it in the style of Casey At the Bat. This bouncy tone allows the reader to see the seriousness of things, but also allows for a not so intense experience. And Leo Espinosa’s illustrations continue the tone. 
Espinosa made illustrations that were classically inspired but are very modern. They are smooth and while not flashy, have a punch. They are clean and bold, colorful and have a feeling of the times, but almost movie like. I enjoyed them, and they are great for giving pieces of the puzzle that the text cannot show (the side eyes the other racers give Taylor are frankly, priceless). Includes several extras.
