Janie Havemeyer is the author of the new children's picture book Motorcycle Queen. Her many other books include Call Me Ixchel. She lives in the Bay Area.
Q: What inspired you to write Motorcycle Queen?
A: I came across the story of Bessie Stringfield in the New York Times “Overlooked” series. The series of obituaries highlighted remarkable people whose deaths went unreported in the Times.
In the spring of 2018, Bessie B. Stringfield, the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami,” was the featured article. I loved Bessie’s story. It was a story of grit, determination and courage. I was inspired by Bessie’s dedication to pursuing her dream of riding a motorcycle, despite all the race and gender barriers of her time. I knew young kids would find connection and meaning in her story too.
Q: How did you research Bessie Stringfield’s life, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?
A: I am a voracious reader. To get up to speed on Bessie’s life, I read books and newspaper articles, and watched videos. I watched videos of the early days of motorcycle riding and performers on the Wall of Death carnival rides.
I also did a deep dive into finding quotes attributed to Bessie to get a better sense of her character and thoughts, as expressed in her own words.
I’ve never ridden a motorcycle myself and I wanted to get a better understanding of the experience, if possible. The closest I came to doing that was reading a memoir by a Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider who described in detail what it feels like to ride on the open road astride a motorbike.
I also read books about life in the Jim Crow South to better understand the obstacles a Black woman like Bessie might face.
I was surprised by how many conflicting stories there were about Bessie’s early life. It was hard to get at the truth. Bessie told the story that she was born in Jamaica and adopted by a wealthy Irish couple in Boston when she was five. Further research suggested that Bessie was born and grew up in North Carolina with her biological family.
In the end, I incorporated this confusion about her background into the story by saying, “Bessie told tall tales. She made up stories about her childhood. The truth was hard.”
Q: What do you think Jean Claverie’s illustrations add to the book?
A: Jean’s beautiful illustrations are vivid, engaging, and add to the emotional impact of Bessie’s journey. He captured the joy and freedom Bessie felt on her motorbike. The cover really evokes these feelings.
Jean’s illustrations show the many sides of Bessie too. There is the determined Bessie riding through her neighborhood. Indomitable Bessie winning a race. Daring Bessie performing on the Wall of Death. The book ends with a jubilant picture of Bessie in a parade, a proud woman who has earned her nickname, Motorcycle Queen of Miami.
Q: What do you hope that kids (and adults) will take away from Bessie’s story?
A: I share this motto when I talk to kids about Motorcycle Queen: Dream Big. Work Hard. Then anything is possible! This motto has guided me on my journey to become a published author too. I hope Motorcycle Queen also inspires kids to push boundaries, take risks, and pursue their passions with vigor.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I have written biographies of strong or overlooked women in history, but recently I pivoted to writing narrative, nonfiction stories with a STEAM focus. My most recent stories are about an appreciation of nature, conservation, and environmental action.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I also write stories for the education market. I get hired to write about particular nonfiction topics for young readers. Some of my recent titles include Wildfire Survival Stories and Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic. You can find out more about me and my books on Instagram: @janiehavemeyerauthor and at https://www.janiehavemeyer.com
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
No comments:
Post a Comment