Black Wheels — Michael Halperin

Nat Fowler, a fifteen year old African-American boy raised on his family farm in a predominately white part of Missouri in the late 1800s, runs away from home when hes accused of murder and joins the United States Army. He ends up at Fort Missoula, Montana with the all-black 25th Infantry where a white officer organizes the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps. Nat goes on a historic bicycle trek from Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri. During the journey he falls in love, discovers bigotry and hatred, finds friends and comrades but also grows up as he enters the 20th century.
"Based on a true story, this novel is a gemThe story is well told and the characters are varied and realthis book will become popular." ----VOYA MagazineThe National Education Association selected Black Wheels for its African American Booklist 2005-2010, a booklist in celebration of African American heritage, tradition, and achievement.NEA President Reg Weaver stated: Taken together, these titles provide an overview of the civil rights movement and its leaders, as well as the trials, triumphs, and traditions of a heritage that has played and continues to play a vital role in our nations history.Recommended in Blumenthals Parent/Teacher Guide to Childrens Books on Peace and Tolerance.