The Red Bicycle

The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle

by Jude Isabella

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

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Pub Date Mar 01 2015 | Archive Date Jan 22 2016

Kids Can Press

Children's Nonfiction | Travel

Description

In this unique nonfiction picture book, the main character is a bicycle that starts its life like so many bicycles in North America, being owned and ridden by a young boy. The boy, Leo, treasures his bicycle so much he gives it a name -- Big Red. But eventually Leo outgrows Big Red, and this is where the bicycle's story takes a turn from the everyday, because Leo decides to donate it to an organization that ships bicycles to Africa. Big Red is sent to Burkina Faso, in West Africa, where it finds a home with Alisetta, who uses it to gain quicker access to her family's sorghum field and to the market. Then, over time, it finds its way to a young woman named Haridata, who has a new purpose for the bicycle -- renamed Le Grand Rouge -- delivering medications and bringing sick people to the hospital. This book makes an excellent choice for cultural studies classes; author Jude Isabella has provided several terrific suggestions in the back of the book for projects large and small, while a map shows the distance the bicycle traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. Award-winning illustrator Simone Shin's digitally composed artwork includes evocative depictions of Alisetta's and Haridata's communities in rural Africa, creating vivid comparisons between Leo's life and their lives. Youngsters will learn how different the world is for those who rely on bicycles as a mode of transportation, and how one ordinary bicycle -- and a child's desire to make a difference -- can change lives across the world. This book also offers an excellent opportunity for expanding character education lessons on caring, compassion and empathy to include the wider world.

Advance Praise

“A fine addition to the CitizenKid series.”— Booklist

Available Editions

EDITION	Hardcover
ISBN	9781771380232
PRICE	CA$19.95 (CAD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 126 members

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Featured Reviews

Kristin F, Educator

From the publishers of "One Hen" and "If the World Were a Village" comes the cross-national story of a U.S. child's bike that makes it way across the world to others who need it in an ongoing circle of giving for good. Block print-style illustrations transcend any one culture, adding to the feeling of connectivity. Recommended.

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Gigi H, Librarian

Beautiful picture book that tells the story of one red bicycle and the impact it has on multiple lives.

Children's librarians this would be a great book to share with children and families at a picture book discussion program. Would also be good to use during "story time" for teens or adult with special needs.

ARC received from NetGally.com

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Erin P, Librarian

This touching non-fiction story shows how one bike changes the lives of three different children. For one boy, he learns to save his money to meet a goal and how to help others in need. For two girls the bike helps them help themselves and others improve their lives. The illustrations are charming and certainly add to the quality of the story. This book would be a great support for lesson plans on saving, sharing, recycling, and/or helping others.

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Bookseller 117855

A great story and a wonderful way for kids to learn how to get involved. I love the books Citizen Kid puts out. ALL the titles are wonderful.

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Anna C, Reviewer

This is a gorgeous book and shows how when we may no longer need something, instead of simply getting rid of it, it can be one of the most useful things to somebody else. When a boy has grown to big for his favourite red bicycle and doesn't have any friends to give it to, a friendly lady has the perfect solution. He donates his bicycle to a country which is in desperate need for objects such as bicycles and helps to change the life of a young girl.

It's a lovely heartwarming story which I can't wait to share with others. It has some absolutely beautiful illustrations which are colourful and vibrant so will definitely draw younger readers into the book! The message the book sends about how something which no longer be useful to yourself but can be to someone else is brilliant. At the end of the book there are also some useful tips/advice for parents and teachers as well as a list of charities which work to help send objects such as bicycles to countries who need them. A brilliant resource and one I hope to use in school.