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Major Taylor, Champion Cyclist
Discover the inspiring true story of extraordinary professional cyclist Major Taylor in this nonfiction picture book from Coretta Scott King Award winners Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome.
In 1891, Marshall Taylor could ride his bike forward, backward, even perched on the handlebars. When his stunts landed him a job at the famous Indiana bike shop Hay and Willits, folks were amazed that a thirteen-year-old black boy could be such a crackerjack cyclist.
Little Marshall Taylor would use his dedication, undeniable talent, and daring speed to transform himself into Major Taylor, turning pro at the age of eighteen, winning the world championship title just three years later, and battling racism and the odds to become a true American hero.
In 1891, Marshall Taylor could ride his bike forward, backward, even perched on the handlebars. When his stunts landed him a job at the famous Indiana bike shop Hay and Willits, folks were amazed that a thirteen-year-old black boy could be such a crackerjack cyclist.
Little Marshall Taylor would use his dedication, undeniable talent, and daring speed to transform himself into Major Taylor, turning pro at the age of eighteen, winning the world championship title just three years later, and battling racism and the odds to become a true American hero.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published December 30, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 5, 2009
Enjoyed reading this children's book to my older son. Beautiful illustrations and a compelling story, though it does not really do justice to the career of the great racer.
February 12, 2017
I am always happy to learn about something I had never heard of before. This story about "Major" Marshall Taylor is one of those things. Even though it's a children's book there was a lot of great information. Some of the things that happened later on in his life were rather sad but par for the course during those times and it nice to know that he is now being more recognized.
April 10, 2011
I'd never heard of Major Taylor before this book (like many people, I suspect) but what a wonderful story.
October 19, 2017
At the turn of the 20th century, "Major" Marshall Taylor was the fastest cyclist in the world. In this picture book biography, Lesa Cline-Ransom and James E. Ransome recreate Taylor's journey from a bicycle shop stunt boy to a world champion who battled racism by winning races.
Major Taylor's name should be on any list of American sports heroes and notable African-Americans in history. Today a network of cycling clubs across the U.S. bear his name but few outside those groups know his story. This book is a good starting point for bringing Taylor's legacy to the fore, though the word count could definitely be pared down and the language punched up.
Major Taylor's name should be on any list of American sports heroes and notable African-Americans in history. Today a network of cycling clubs across the U.S. bear his name but few outside those groups know his story. This book is a good starting point for bringing Taylor's legacy to the fore, though the word count could definitely be pared down and the language punched up.
March 12, 2018
This is a biography of Marshall Taylor, from around age 13 to his early 20s. As a boy he taught himself bicycle tricks while cycling long country roads on his paper route. This love of cycling and his patience as a rider, enabled him to win a world championship title.
Major Taylor is one of the lesser-known black athletes who broke racial barriers in his sport. His story highlights how even though he was a champion, he faced racial prejudice, and had to overcome great odds to succeed.
Major Taylor is one of the lesser-known black athletes who broke racial barriers in his sport. His story highlights how even though he was a champion, he faced racial prejudice, and had to overcome great odds to succeed.
October 10, 2017
Love the images and that a kid-accessible story about this amazing black cyclist exists. I still am in awe of all that he accomplished.
The text was a bit convoluted for younger students at times.
The text was a bit convoluted for younger students at times.
November 26, 2019
In a combination of luck, talent, patience, and hard work, Marshall Taylor became a cycling phenomenon around the turn of the twentieth century. Turned away from businesses for being black, other whites saw him as an investment opportunity and a worthy competitor.
August 4, 2019
After hearing a piece on NPR about Major Taylor, I was pleased to find a children's biography about him. I think children will really connect with his story. And the illustrations are stunning.
June 19, 2020
4 stars for this introduction to an amazing athlete
May 13, 2025
About Taylor from being hired at a bike shop after doing tricks to winning races against Edmond Jacquelin.
This biography is clear about the discrimination Taylor faced but doesn't focus on it.
This biography is clear about the discrimination Taylor faced but doesn't focus on it.
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March 5, 2026This is an inspiring book! It reminds young readers that excellence and integrity is necessary in unfair circumstances
October 27, 2016
Plot Summary: A young boy named Marshall Taylor has a hidden talent. His talent is being able to ride a bike and do tricks on that bike. Marshall ends up racing with a bike that he receives from a job. He overcomes the racial injustice and becomes a legend. Major Taylor they called him. Taylor ends up winning many races nationally and wins the hearts of many fans.
This story meets the criteria for a good piece of literature, there is a good plot, setting , and theme. The subject of this novel is worth reading if the reader is into underdog stories. The story seems to be factual correct, it displays the information in a truthful way. The author does distinguish between fact and fiction. The photographs give a reader the sense of honesty and thoughtfulness. It makes the reader believe the story. The writing does appeal to the readers interests.
Personal Response:
This book is another inspiring story. I think that the student's would be able to relate to the biker. Some of them may have a hobby that is unique and they feel may make them famous some day. I would design an activity for the student's to write down unique talents that they may have. Also , I would ask the student's if they ride their bikes. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, I feel that it has a lot to offer.
This story meets the criteria for a good piece of literature, there is a good plot, setting , and theme. The subject of this novel is worth reading if the reader is into underdog stories. The story seems to be factual correct, it displays the information in a truthful way. The author does distinguish between fact and fiction. The photographs give a reader the sense of honesty and thoughtfulness. It makes the reader believe the story. The writing does appeal to the readers interests.
Personal Response:
This book is another inspiring story. I think that the student's would be able to relate to the biker. Some of them may have a hobby that is unique and they feel may make them famous some day. I would design an activity for the student's to write down unique talents that they may have. Also , I would ask the student's if they ride their bikes. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, I feel that it has a lot to offer.
March 11, 2010
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome; Illustrated: James E Ransome; Grade: 3-5
This is a picture biography about Marshall "Major" Taylor, the first African American athlete to become a World Champion. The story chronicles his humble beginnings as a youth who loved to ride bicycles, throughout his life and ends with his 1899 victory of the one-mile track cycling championship.
I had mixed views of this book. It definitely is a period book, but the period is a bit hard to take. There is nothing out of the ordinary that would alarm anyone who were to read this, but there is an underlying tone that is offensive. In the beginning, Major Taylor is about 11 and he takes his bike to be fixed. While in the shop, he does some bicycle tricks, and the brothers who own the shop are impressed. They ask him to work there and do tricks for the public to help business. Business starts to boom, and they decide to "dress him up" in a Civil/Army/Major uniform...and he now becomes entertainment display...which reminds me of the organ grinder and his monkey...I may be reaching, but it left an uncomfortable feeling for the rest of the book.
This is a picture biography about Marshall "Major" Taylor, the first African American athlete to become a World Champion. The story chronicles his humble beginnings as a youth who loved to ride bicycles, throughout his life and ends with his 1899 victory of the one-mile track cycling championship.
I had mixed views of this book. It definitely is a period book, but the period is a bit hard to take. There is nothing out of the ordinary that would alarm anyone who were to read this, but there is an underlying tone that is offensive. In the beginning, Major Taylor is about 11 and he takes his bike to be fixed. While in the shop, he does some bicycle tricks, and the brothers who own the shop are impressed. They ask him to work there and do tricks for the public to help business. Business starts to boom, and they decide to "dress him up" in a Civil/Army/Major uniform...and he now becomes entertainment display...which reminds me of the organ grinder and his monkey...I may be reaching, but it left an uncomfortable feeling for the rest of the book.
April 4, 2011
This book shows a different perspective about a bicyclist. An African American had to defeat the racism when he raced with all white cyclists. Marshall Taylor was dedicated at becoming the best cyclist. He ended up beating a French bicyclist and earned his title of the fastest African American bicyclist. A good book to show the conflict with racism and defeating the odds with determination.
Keywords:
cyclist, African American, determination
Keywords:
cyclist, African American, determination
January 29, 2014
good coverage of Major Taylor's biography considering the target age group...
stunning illustrations.
I will be reading the grownup biography (s) in the future then will be able to compare the facts.
stunning illustrations.
I will be reading the grownup biography (s) in the future then will be able to compare the facts.
January 4, 2012
Grades 3-4
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews