I really enjoyed this book about a boy who had a brand new bike which was his prized possession. When he got to school another third grader stole it and rode it away. While walking home he discovered his bike all bent and the bully hanging on to a tree branch over the side of a cliff. He planned on leaving him there as revenge but eventually went back and saved him. The bully then AGAIN ran off with his bike. Little to his surprise, the bully fixed the bike up and returned it to him the next day. Ben is in love with his new bike. Traveling the LONG way to school allows him to have more time riding and also helps him avoid Adrian Underbite, the school bully. Adrian lives up to his reputation and steals Ben’s new bike, leaving Ben devastated and wanting to seek revenge. However when the opportunity to for retaliation presents itself Ben turns the other cheek and extends a hand (actually a sweater) to his tormentor. Bulling was a big problem in my daughter’s school and was a contributing factor in our decision to homeschool. I enjoy books like this that show bullies as regular kids who are often scared and in need of help, despite their “tough guy” persona. The story did come across as a bit farfetched but I think it would make for a good read-aloud and class discussion book.
This is a wonderful book with a much needed message about helping others even when it is hard to do.
—Dii
A bullying tale takes an unexpected turn in this retro-inspired picture book.
—Jimbo
A really good book about doing the right thing and forgiveness.
—Jenna
