Indonesia
Sally Jean the Bicycle Queen
Sally Jean was born to ride. When she was one years old, Sally hitched behind her mom’s bike saddle. In two, she had her first tricycle. In four years old, her another first bike, this time a two wheels one with two additional assisting wheels on the left-right.
Bicycle is Sally’s precious, for sure. She practices with training wheels, day in and day out, until she finally felt that she was up for the two wheels. When she was five years old, Sally was bold enough to remove the spare wheels and started to enjoy the fun of roaming around on two wheels. She would go up hill, down again, venture around the neighborhood, and having fun with other kids.
However, something was not fit. The bike became too small for Sally because she was getting taller. Her mom told her to rise the saddle and the bike she called Flash fit her once again. The thing was, since Sally was growing, the saddle couldn’t go higher. Sally realized that the bike was not for her anymore. She needed a new bike, a bigger one that fit her.
Sally’s kind brother offered his bike to use, but she didn’t like it. A friend also lent her a bike but it’s just not right. Yes, she needed a new bike. The problem is, Mom didn’t have money for it. Did it mean that Sally’s riding adventure must come to an end? Of Sally could somehow come up with creative way out to keep her on the road like days before?
Cari Best’s “Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen” book taught us that not everyone can easily gets what they want. Some people need to work hard for it. Just like Sally, a little girl who grows too big for her tiny bike.
HAFIDA INDRAWATI
PHOTOS: HAFIDA INDRAWATI
