Martin Bridge: In High Gear!

May 1, 2008
Gr 2-4-Martin Bridge is back in an easy chapter book with two stories. In "Science Fair," he and his group struggle to complete their "saving our planet" project as they deal with a new member who relies on luck and finagles his way out of work. In the end, the slacker's name is drawn for the prize for hard work, but his teammates get an A++ for their efforts. In "Bicycle," Martin gets a longed-for new bike, only to have it stolen the first time he rides it. His parents are unable to afford another one, but Aunt Laverne suggests he try Bicycle Recycle, a shop that takes usable parts from old bikes to build new ones. Martin agrees to work at the shop in return for a recycled bike. This story is stronger and more engaging than the first. Appealing black-and-white illustrations of the children and their actions and interactions appear on most pages; those in the second story show pictures of different bicycles and bicycle repair that hold readers' attention. The tips that follow for keeping bikes safe are useful as well as interesting."Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2008
The sixth book in the Martin Bridge series includes two stories. In the first, the teacher saddlesMartin's science-fair group with Gibson, a classmate with a reputation for doing little work but having uncanny luck. In the next tale, Martins new bike is stolen. Through volunteering at a shop that rebuilds bicycles for needy kids, he earns a recycled bike for himself and gains more intangible rewards. At least one illustration appears on every double-page spread and tips for protecting a bike from theft are appended. Another satisfying entry in this accessible and unusually realistic chapter-book series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)