The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle (CitizenKid)

I have become a big fan of Kids Can Press Citizen Kid series. These books usually contain an interesting, informative and often inspiring story that promotes wise/kind world citizenship. The Red Bicycle fits well within these parameters. The story follows the journey of a red bicycle as it makes it way from a city in America where it has been well-loved and used by a boy to Africa into the hands of a young girl who uses the bike to aide her families' survival. Alisetta uses the bike to travel to the fields which helps her scare off the birds which raid her families' sorghum fields which allows her to harvest more than normal. With a larger harvest the family eats better and has a means of transportation to village markets. Eventually the bike becomes an ambulance allowing medical workers to transport the injured to the nearest clinic or hospital. I loved this story because it shows the value is one small act of kindness: the boy's giving up his bike when he's outgrown it. The illustrations are beautiful and strikingly highlight the value of the bike in the lives of those who use it. I also appreciated the information and photographs at the end of the book which shows the value of bicycles in Burkina Faso, the African country where the story takes place. Suggestions for places to donate to or volunteer with are also included. I found the book inspiring and I am now looking for a place to donate my old used bicycle.

I am a substitute teacher and always have this book in my backpack. I have used it twice so far in two different elementary classrooms. The kids loved the story and really enjoyed the art project at the end where they were able to design their own bicycles. Two thumbs up!

We’ve borrowed this book from the library many times and we love it. So I wanted to buy it to give as a present for my sons friend. The delivery person smashed into the mailbox and the book got damaged. There should be a warning this is paperback book for delivery people to be more careful.

I read this with my 7 year old. We would take turns reading each page, otherwise it would take a while to finish if it was just him reading it alone. We read it in one sitting. I found it enjoyable, though not very exciting. I could have almost told the entire story just by looking at the description of the book. I was hoping there would be a little more to the story, but it seemed a little generic. And my son also got a little bored and probably wouldn't have finished it without some serious encouragement on my part. That being said, it's a great message, especially for kids. And I greatly appreciate the links given to research donation opportunities for bikes. I have several old bikes that I don't plan on putting to much use and could see that they may make someone else very happy. If you're looking for some light reading with your child that will also open their eyes to the existence of a less fortunate world than their own, I would recommend this book. But just don't expect an action thriller with unforeseen plot twist. This book is not really meant to be exciting, and it's a little more boring than my son's usual choice of books about wizards or mischievous pre-teen characters.

Excellent content describing life in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Shows how just a little assistance creates economic growth and development.

We in the Western world are so blessed to take something like owning our very own bicycle for granted. We often do not have to work hard, like Leo in our book today, to earn the money to purchase a bike. Most kids feel they are entitled to a brand new bike and are just given one as a gift to enjoy. Leo works very hard mowing lawns, raking leaves, shovelling snow and all the money he earns he takes to the bank because he is saving up to buy a new red bicycle, one he has had his eye on for two years. Finally his dream comes true and he has enough money to pedal it proudly because it truly belongs to him. Leo happily rides it everywhere - to school, the swimming pool and soccer practice. Sadly, as kids do, Leo grows up and outgrows his beloved bike. Responsibly he seeks out a charitable organization where he can donate his bicycle so the bike can be a blessing to others. His red bicycle ends up in Africa and a little girl named Anisette claims it for her own. She uses the coveted bike to haul goods to market and to watch her family's sorghum field. But the bike succumbs to an unfortunate accident leaving Anisette sad. Is that the end of the red bikes usefulness or can it be restored and continue on its journey to bring hope and healing to others? In many parts of the world bikes are used as a "beast of burden", carrying huge loads of produce to and from marketplaces. They are used for visiting people in remote villages where vehicles do not have access because of the rough terrain. The message of the story is positive, hopeful and inspiring...how one child can reach out and unselfishly make a difference and change lives across the world. I highly, highly recommend this book. After reading it may many other "Leo's" step forward and donate their bikes for humanitarian purposes and know in their hearts that their contribution is so needed and valued by those less fortunate.

Nice book...a bit of a bulky cover though that seems unnecessary. The story is nice, I bought for a younger child but I think she will enjoy it more in a couple of years. I bought another as a gift.

Interesting book to introduce children to recycling and helping others. It's done through following the life of a red bicycle. I hope to use this book to introduce my grandson to cycling, travel, environmental issues and how he can help others.