Library Intern Book Reviews
Publisher
Candlewick Press
City
Somerville, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date of Publication
2018
ISBN
9781536200317
Date of Review
2019
Disciplines
African Languages and Societies | Early Childhood Education | Library and Information Science | Modern Literature
Keywords
Children's literature, reviews, Africa, family
Recommended Citation
Spencer, Nicole, "Review of The Patchwork Bike by Maxine Beneba Clarke" (2019). Library Intern Book Reviews. 252.
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/intern_book_reviews/252
Files
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Included in
African Languages and Societies Commons, Early Childhood Education Commons, Library and Information Science Commons, Modern Literature Commons
Review
A young girl introduces us to her home of mud-walls, the big tree at the edge of the village, her fed-up mum, crazy brothers, and the best thing in the village — the bike she made with her brothers. She talks about all the things they used to make the bike, and how much it shakes as they race through the village. They have fun riding the bike as they explore their home. There are not many words, so it is a good starting book for new readers. Because of the lack of words, the pictures become the main focus, and they do not disappoint. The pictures were created using recycled cardboard, following the theme of reusing and recycling items to create something beautiful. The book is also from the perspective of a girl living in poverty, but the reader is not meant to feel sorry for her; her positive attitude about the fun she has creating and riding her bike with her brothers shine through the pages. This book might be good to introduce children to the experiences of children growing up in other countries. Highly recommended. Nicole J Spencer, Centennial Library Intern, Cedarville, Ohio.