The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club

by Marley Blonsky, illustrated by Pip Claffey

Riding bikes is for everyone-and it's way more fun when you're together.

Join Maisie and her sister Zoe-plus new friends Tito, Jayden and Layla-as they explore and adventure on their bikes. Maisie is about to learn that even if she can't ride fast, that's okay. In fact, riding her own way is her super power, and she's bringing everyone along for the ride.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marley Blonsky is a nationally recognized advocate, storyteller, and cyclist working at the intersection of size inclusion, sustainability, and the joy of bikes. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of All Bodies on Bikes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more inclusive cycling culture for people of all sizes, backgrounds, and abilities. Marley's leadership and impact have been widely celebrated-she was named Bicyclist of the Year in 2023 and Outsider of the Year in 2024, and her work has been featured on The TODAY Show and The Washington Post.

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PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

Blonsky writes from Maisie’s perspective, mixing straightforward prose and dialogue with more stylized speech-bubble conversations. Maisie and her diverse group of friends emerge as well-adjusted kids secure in what brings them pleasure. Zoe provides measured contrast—she embodies cycling ideals but is missing out on something. Throughout, Claffey captures the unadulterated joys of childhood and cycling, offering simple but endearing digital illustrations with arresting background details, including vivid images of trees, the sun and clouds, a cityscape, and a page-spanning sunset.A bright and busy celebration of differences and commonalities. -Kirkus Reviews

“This book is the cutest and the epitome of inclusion in riding. I love it so much!” -Jennifer G.

“After you read "Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club," you’ll want to be part of a Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club — and I encourage you to make it happen! Marley has brought to life one of the essential elements of that love for cycling we all feel.” -Bill Strickland, author and editorial director of the Hearst Enthusiast Group

“This story is a wonderful way to talk about how we all enjoy biking, but in different ways. The artwork is joyful and encouraging. Very creative way of making us feel relatable to each other.” -Kim S

“Blonsky’s new book introduces readers to a group of different kids who are not ‘typical cyclists,’ just kids looking to ride. The book leans into the freedom and joy of riding in all its forms. That means racing, popping wheelies, riding to a friend’s house, or just pedaling in search of ice cream (yes!). To a lot of kids, the biggest barrier to feeling like they belong in sport is not whether they can do it. It’s whether they can see themselves in it at all. That’s what The Ragtag Best Friends Bicycle Club does so well. It widens the picture, makes space, and reminds young readers that there is no one right way to do what you love. More importantly, there is no one right kind of body, background, or style required to get the invitation to play.” - BikeRumor