Review: A little history the fun way!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 9, 2012
Ride for Rights by Tara Chevrestt:  This young/adult novella is about a pair of sisters who undertake a cross county motorcycle trip to prove that young women in 1916 had what it took to be Army dispatch riders, to help out in the war effort in WWI.  Also to call attention to the ongoing fight for a women's right to vote.  This is based on the true story of the Van Buren sisters, who were pioneers in the fight for women's rights.  It is just the kind of story that I would have liked as a teen.  It makes learning about this period in American history fun.  Ms. Chevrestt writes a wonderfully colorful story that shows that girls can do anything, as long as they have the will, and confidence, to stand up for what they believe in.From picking up their Indian "motorbikes" in Buffalo New York, and heading west; the girls have many adventures, and have to confront many of the prejudices of the time. A lost wallet leads them to become five-cent-a-dance-hostesses.  They participate in the first race up Pikes Peak just weeks after the road was open.  It gives a wonderful glimpse of this country before highways or freeways.  They meet wonderful characters, and run into a whole lot of trouble.First let me say that Ms. Chevrestt, does an admirable job, again in short format, and with the exceptions of a few modernisms (I don't think bed and breakfasts were actually called that in 1916) boarding house would be a more proper term.  I think she tells a story that young people will like there is a little romance, the history is solid, and I have already decided that this is just the book for my niece.  I was also impressed with the fact that the foreword was written by Bob Van Buren a descendent of the women who undertook this "real life challenge".  4 stars