Harley and the Davidsons

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Motorcyle Legends

Pete Barnes

The story of four young inventors who shared a dream—to create the best motorized bicycle in America—and went on to build a motorcycle empire.

112 pages, 7 x 9, 76 b&w photos
Paperback: $12.95 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-380-0
Ebook: $9.99 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-535-4
Publication Date: 3/07/2007

Reading Level: Ages 10–14, Grades 5–8

BUY

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Description

Around the turn of the twentieth century, Bill Harley and the Davidson brothers—Arthur, William, and Walter—were enraptured by a new and exciting mode of transportation that was emerging at the time: the motorized bicycle. With grit, determination, and not a little elbow grease, these four young men carried their dream from a backyard machine shop to a highly successful business empire—all in the span of a few years. Learn about their journey from inspiration to innovation in this four-person biography for young readers.

Harley and the Davidson brothers made the most of their engineering knowledge and machine-shop expertise to continually improve on their designs and present the best possible motorcycles to the American public. Along the way they made their mark on the racing circuit and introduced safety measures that continue to this day.

After their deaths, their sons and daughters continued this legacy, buying back the company after it changed hands and re-establishing Harley-Davidson as the king of the American motorcycle world. From the old Knucklehead, Panhead, and Shovelhead motors to the Evolution, Revolution, and Twin Cam engines that followed, the story of Harley and the Davidsons remains one of the great success stories of the 20th century.

Author Bio

Pete Barnes

Pete Barnes is a PK-12 educator with three decades of teaching experience and a passion for bringing history to life for young readers. He holds a bachelor's degree from the College of William & Mary and a master’s degree in education from The Ohio State University. Barnes's work often appears in educational publications, and he is known for making complex historical subjects engaging and accessible for children. He is the author of the young readers titles Richard Bong: World War II Flying Ace and Harley and the Davidsons. He lives in New Albany, Ohio.