Book Review of Pedal Pusher: How One Woman’s Bicycle Adventure Helped Change the World
The Children’s Book Review
Written by Mary Boone
Illustrated by Lisa Anchin
Ages: 5-9 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-1250837127
What to Expect: Feminism, resilience, travel, women in history, imagination, breaking barriers.
With themes of courage, grit, and joyful rebellion, Pedal Pusher is a high-spirited picture book biography that celebrates bold dreams and boundary-breaking women.
At a time when women were expected to stay close to home, Annie Cohen Kopchovsky set out to do the unthinkable—ride a bicycle around the world. Pedal Pusher tells the incredible true story of how, in 1894, Annie answered a challenge made by two men who bet that no woman could match a man’s cycling feat.
With no experience, little gear, and a whole lot of determination, Annie set off from Boston on a journey that defied societal norms and stretched the limits of imagination. Annie’s transformation from an ordinary mother of three to a headline-making adventurer is inspiring, and her story introduces young readers to early feminist ideals in an accessible and entertaining way. Her ride challenged more than geography—it challenged the world’s expectations of women.
Mary Boone’s vivid storytelling balances historical facts with the flair of Annie’s larger-than-life personality. Known for spinning tall tales—like encounters with tigers—Annie wasn’t just pedaling across continents; she was rewriting the narrative of what women could do. Boone doesn’t shy away from the embellishments in Annie’s storytelling, instead embracing them as part of her charm and power. It’s this blend of truth and bravado that will captivate young readers.
Lisa Anchin’s illustrations are equally compelling, bringing Annie’s global adventure to life with energy, humor, and a strong sense of movement. From bustling cityscapes to sweeping landscapes, each scene highlights the spirit of independence and curiosity that fueled Annie’s journey.
Young readers (and the adults who read with them) will be happy to ride alongside Annie and finish the book empowered to take on big adventures of their own, whether by bicycle or beyond.
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About the Author
Mary Boone has ridden an elephant, skydived, and eaten dozens of cricket cookies – all in the interest of research for her books and articles. She has written 60-plus nonfiction books for young readers. Mary lives in Tacoma, Washington, where she shares an office with an Airedale Terrier named Ruthie Bader.
About the Illustrator
Lisa Anchin has been drawing since she could hold a pencil and making up stories since she could speak. She is often holed up in her studio stringing words together and compulsively doodling, but she also loves meeting other kidlit folks and volunteers as the Illustration Coordinator for SCBWI’s Metro NY Chapter.
She is the author/illustrator of The Little Green Girl and The Paper Bird. Lisa lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two daughters, and two studio cats.
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