This book follows the journey of one bicycle as it is loved
and passed on through many different lives and jobs. Leo works hard to earn
enough money to buy himself a bicycle he names Big Red. When Leo outgrows the
bicycle he wants to give it to someone who will love it as much as he does. Leo
donates Big Red to an organization that will take it to Africa, along with many
other bikes, tools and necessary items.
Big Red gets a second life in Africa when Alisetta picks Big
Red to be her bicycle. Having a bicycle allows Alisetta and her grandmother to
live a better life than they had previously. An unfortunate accident renders
the bicycle useless to Alisetta and again, Big Red finds a new life as an
ambulance.
The story is based on information provided in the back pages
of the book. This is an empowering story of how one bicycle can change many
lives. The illustrations complement the text with key
phrases woven throughout the pictures. This is a must-read for all classrooms.
The Red Bicycle by Jude Isabella
