Alice Across America

By Sarah Glenn Marsh, Gilbert Ford (Illustrator)

In 1909, a daring woman drives across America, defying expectations.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 169 ratings

48 pages

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1909, Alice Ramsey embarks on a groundbreaking journey, becoming the first woman to drive across America. With a team of spirited women, she faces daunting challenges and defies societal norms. Will they conquer the rugged terrain and prove that women can master the road? This inspiring tale blends history and adventure, celebrating the indomitable spirit of women in the early twentieth century.

From the publisher

Writer Sarah Glenn Marsh and illustrator Gilbert Ford’s Alice Across America is a nonfiction picture book account of maverick Alice Ramsey, the first woman to drive a car across America in 1909.

When Alice Ramsey was little, she loved to ride horses. As she grew up, more people were driving cars. From the moment Alice slid behind the wheel, she was crazy about cars. So when the Maxwell-Briscoe Company challenged her to drive one of their new cars across the country as a promotional ploy to prove that even a lady could do it, Alice daringly accepted. With several women by her side, these brazen drivers sustained many hardships over the course of a remarkable two-month journey and far surpassed all expectations.

With a clever blend of women’s history, technological history, and American roading geography, this is a celebration of unstoppable women making strides in twentieth-century America.

Christy Ottaviano Books

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 48
Reading age: 5–9
Audience: Picture

Themes & topics

Books about cars Books about female role models Books about historical figures Books about travel Books about America

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

Alice Ramsey and pals arrive in San Francisco

Alice's husband presents her with a new car after her near carriage accident with a motorist.

Alice and her pals had to change flat tires and perform auto repairs along their journey.

Alice and her pals had to sleep in the car when they couldn't find lodging. People's doubts they could make it cross country haunted Alice.

What readers & critics say

Reviews

“Historical details about cars, roadways, and gender bias are incorporated throughout the story and enhance the plot . . . A fun and fascinating story that includes many favorites: cars, strong women, and little-known historical facts. A must-have for a school or public library collection.”

School Library Journal

Critic · Starred review

“While driving cross country to advertise for a manufacturer may not qualify as the most important achievement in women’s history, this kid-friendly selection shows the power of resilience and determination, presents an interest and accomplishment that runs counter to gender stereotypes, and will draw in those interested in cars, history, and/or women’s rights with its straightforward yet energetic text and stylized illustrations.”

Kirkus

Critic

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