Dragon Bike: Fantastical Stories of Bicycling, Feminism, and Dragons

Blue (editor of Bikes Not Rockets) brings together 15 whimsical and thought-provoking stories of female empowerment and bike rides set in imaginative, dragon-filled worlds. In Gretchin Lair’s “What is a Girl Without a Dragon?” a young girl in the foster system regains the ability to trust and love when she finds, and sets out on an adventure with, an abandoned hybrid dragon-bicycle. “Slow Burn, Steady Flame” by J. Rohr sees bike courier Nora braving the plak fan bonken, or place of bones, to beat an incoming storm and, in so doing, discovering the courage to finally leave home. Racing motorcycles designed to look like dragons is a favorite childhood pastime in Joyce Chng’s sporty adventure “ ’Til We Meet Again,” while in M. Lopes da Silva’s “Witchcanix,” a real dragon awakens in a new, bike-shaped body in a chop shop, much to his dismay. These tales are united by refreshing protagonists who find levity and courage in the midst of hopeless worlds. Dragon lovers and any reader who enjoys a ripping yarn will be pleased. (Feb.)