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A Bike Like Sergio's
Finders keepers, right? When Ruben picks up someone’s lost money, he finds out how hard it can be to do the right thing.
Ruben feels like he is the only kid without a bike. His friend Sergio reminds him that his birthday is coming, but Ruben knows that the kinds of birthday gifts he and Sergio receive are not the same. After all, when Ruben’s mom sends him to Sonny’s corner store for groceries, sometimes she doesn’t have enough money for everything on the list. So when Ruben sees a dollar bill fall out of someone’s purse, he picks it up and puts it in his pocket. But when he gets home, he discovers it’s not one dollar or even five or ten—it’s a hundred-dollar bill, more than enough for a new bike just like Sergio’s! But what about the crossed-off groceries? And what about the woman who lost her money? Presenting a relatable story told with subtlety and heart, the creative team behind Those Shoes pairs up again for a satisfying new picture book.
Ruben feels like he is the only kid without a bike. His friend Sergio reminds him that his birthday is coming, but Ruben knows that the kinds of birthday gifts he and Sergio receive are not the same. After all, when Ruben’s mom sends him to Sonny’s corner store for groceries, sometimes she doesn’t have enough money for everything on the list. So when Ruben sees a dollar bill fall out of someone’s purse, he picks it up and puts it in his pocket. But when he gets home, he discovers it’s not one dollar or even five or ten—it’s a hundred-dollar bill, more than enough for a new bike just like Sergio’s! But what about the crossed-off groceries? And what about the woman who lost her money? Presenting a relatable story told with subtlety and heart, the creative team behind Those Shoes pairs up again for a satisfying new picture book.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
About the author
Maribeth Boelts
76 books36 followersMaribeth Boelts is a former teacher who has written 40 books for children. She lives in Iowa and enjoys all things nature and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
April 28, 2019
3.5 stars. I may be feeling a little burnt out on all these moral of the story, children's books with obviously less affluent minority children at their center who have to take the high road so it might be me.
December 3, 2016
I love that this book acknowledges the complexity and multifaceted emotions that come into play when making the decision to do the right thing (return a dropped $100 bill when you *really* want a bike).
THIS LINE: "I am happy and mixed up, full and empty, with what's right and what's gone."
THIS LINE: "I am happy and mixed up, full and empty, with what's right and what's gone."
April 23, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It is a realistic fiction picture book that is applicable to all grade levels. I would read this to 1st graders as well as 5th graders and I think that all students would gain something from it. We are introduced to the main character as a young boy, Ruben, who is longing for a bike, but knows that his family cannot afford it. His good friend, Sergio, is always riding his bike around him and it just makes Ruben want the bike more and more. One day, when at the grocery store, Ruben spots a dollar bill that was dropped by a lady in a blue coat. He quickly grabs it before anyone sees and heads home. Later he discovers that it is not a 1 dollar bill, or 5 or 10 - it's $100. He has more than enough money to buy his bike now. Through a rollercoaster of events (thinking he lost the money, finding it again, feeling guilty but also really wanting the bike), he ends up at the grocery store again and spots the same lady. Still struggling with what is right and wrong, he decides to go after the lady and return her money. She is eternally grateful and acknowledges Ruben's outstanding moral fiber. Although he is sad, he knows he did the right thing. He goes home to his family and tells them his story. They are overwhelmingly proud of him and he realizes that family is most important as is doing the right thing. Plus his birthday is coming up, so maybe he will get that bike after all.
I think that this book provides so many opportunities for great class discussion about moral dilemmas as well as considering the struggles that many people (especially kids) face in terms of financial limitations and wanting things that they cannot afford (could tie in Those Shoes, also by this author). Immediately, I fell in love with the author's diction and how she describes Rubens thoughts and emotions. I feel that the way she writes makes it very relatable for kids and also provides good ideas for how to make their own writing unique and descriptive. An ELA standard that I would most likely tie into this book would be in regard to making predictions about the text because there are several points where the plot could have gone one of two ways and the story would have been entirely different just depending. These provide great opportunities for students to think about what might happen and why... also think about cause and effect and what chain of events might have unraveled or what ripple effect it would have had if Ruben did not give back the money.
This was a WOW book for me because of the great opportunities for students to think critically about the decisions that they make in their own life and how they affect others. It provides a wonderful example of doing the right thing even when its really hard and how that is the most rewarding thing of all. Also, as I mentioned before, I absolutely love the author's diction. It is so unique and descriptive and I think that its great for students to see how creative they can be with their writing.
I think that this book provides so many opportunities for great class discussion about moral dilemmas as well as considering the struggles that many people (especially kids) face in terms of financial limitations and wanting things that they cannot afford (could tie in Those Shoes, also by this author). Immediately, I fell in love with the author's diction and how she describes Rubens thoughts and emotions. I feel that the way she writes makes it very relatable for kids and also provides good ideas for how to make their own writing unique and descriptive. An ELA standard that I would most likely tie into this book would be in regard to making predictions about the text because there are several points where the plot could have gone one of two ways and the story would have been entirely different just depending. These provide great opportunities for students to think about what might happen and why... also think about cause and effect and what chain of events might have unraveled or what ripple effect it would have had if Ruben did not give back the money.
This was a WOW book for me because of the great opportunities for students to think critically about the decisions that they make in their own life and how they affect others. It provides a wonderful example of doing the right thing even when its really hard and how that is the most rewarding thing of all. Also, as I mentioned before, I absolutely love the author's diction. It is so unique and descriptive and I think that its great for students to see how creative they can be with their writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2018
We don't always get what we want, but if we do the right thing it can feel like we did. =)
January 30, 2019
A Bike like Sergio's
By: Anjali
Imagine that your family did not have enough money, and all your friends had a bike but you could not have one and even your best friend did not understand. Well in the book “A bike like Sergio's” by Maribeth Boelts, The Character Ruben learns that if you steal you pay a price. For example he loses the $100 he stole from “the lady in the blue coat”. Another example is that he feels guilty when he sees the lady again. Lastly he is scared that his parents will find out.
In the text “A Bike like Sergio's” The character finds that if you take something that does not belong to you bad things will happen. This is shown when Ruben loses the $100. For example he looks for the money everywhere but can’t find it. Another example is that in the text it says “I watched hunched and draggy to school the next day.” This quote is important because he realizes how upset “the lady in the blue coat” felt when he swiped the $100 from the ground after she dropped it.
Another way this theme if you steal bad things come next, is when Ruben feels guilty when he sees “the lady in the blue coat” again. Like when his Mom mentions Sonny’s the text says “When she mentions Sonny's I feel sweat. What if the lady in the blue coat is there?This goes to show that even though he loses the $100 and gets a new one he still feels guilty that he stole. Another way is when she bumps into him and says sorry he notices it is her, he remembers it is “the lady in the blue coat” and he starts to feel guilty.
By: Anjali
Imagine that your family did not have enough money, and all your friends had a bike but you could not have one and even your best friend did not understand. Well in the book “A bike like Sergio's” by Maribeth Boelts, The Character Ruben learns that if you steal you pay a price. For example he loses the $100 he stole from “the lady in the blue coat”. Another example is that he feels guilty when he sees the lady again. Lastly he is scared that his parents will find out.
In the text “A Bike like Sergio's” The character finds that if you take something that does not belong to you bad things will happen. This is shown when Ruben loses the $100. For example he looks for the money everywhere but can’t find it. Another example is that in the text it says “I watched hunched and draggy to school the next day.” This quote is important because he realizes how upset “the lady in the blue coat” felt when he swiped the $100 from the ground after she dropped it.
Another way this theme if you steal bad things come next, is when Ruben feels guilty when he sees “the lady in the blue coat” again. Like when his Mom mentions Sonny’s the text says “When she mentions Sonny's I feel sweat. What if the lady in the blue coat is there?This goes to show that even though he loses the $100 and gets a new one he still feels guilty that he stole. Another way is when she bumps into him and says sorry he notices it is her, he remembers it is “the lady in the blue coat” and he starts to feel guilty.
May 26, 2017
More than anything, Ruben wishes he could have a bike like Sergio's. Then the two friends could go riding together, instead of Ruben running alongside Sergio's bike. But Ruben also knows his family can't afford a bike, in fact, they sometimes have difficulty providing the things the family needs. One day, while in the grocery store buying bread for his mom, Ruben sees a $1.00 fall out of a lady's purse. He picks it up, figuring it's only $1.00, but when he gets home, he realizes it is really $100.00. With one hundred dollars, Ruben could buy a bike like Sergio's. But how would he explain that to is family? Well, he won't have to when he realizes has fallen out of his backpack pocket at some point. He spends the next day thinking only about what he lost, when he realizes he put the money in a different pocket. Rich again, that bike is almost Ruben's, that is, until he stops in the grocery store to pick up juice and sees the lady who lost the $100.00. Knowing now how she must feel, Ruben follows her and returns the money. Now, Ruben has a really wonderful story to share with his family. This is a great story about the struggle a person feels when they know what the right thing to do is, but their desires get in the way and cause lots of guilty feelings. In the end, though, Ruben learns an important lesson about feeling empathy for another person. Boelts's digitally assembled watercolor, pencil, and ink childlike illustrations offer the right kind of balance to that the story's ultimate doesn't weighed it down and turn kids off.
February 20, 2022
I rarely like books that address moral for my Real Men Read books, they are usually too contrived.
A Bike Like Sergio's does a great job of walking a wide path that allows for a range of reactions that kids would struggle with themselves when confronted with a situation that requires them to choose the path they could take when confronted with a moral dilemna.
Ms. Boelts allows them to acknowledge the struggles a kid would have in choosing the right thing to do.
I love that she gently points out the impact that making a dishonest choice has on relationships as she describes how Rueben begins to pull back and hide from his family and parents, and is confronted with perhaps starting to lie to cover the original choice.
I love when she introduces a situation when Rueben may not be able to undo his choice and do the right thing.
I love that she leaves ambiguity in how the story ends, which is much more true to real life.
That unresolved desire for a bike like Sergio's at the end gave me a chance to talk with the kids about how they would write the 'next page' of the story, imagining how they would like to see the story end.
A very satisfying book, nicely iluustrated, that gave just enough hints to keep the kids curious, but not so many that it backed them into only one ending.
They'll keep working through different paths for Sergio for days and keep wondeing what they would do in the same situation.
A Bike Like Sergio's does a great job of walking a wide path that allows for a range of reactions that kids would struggle with themselves when confronted with a situation that requires them to choose the path they could take when confronted with a moral dilemna.
Ms. Boelts allows them to acknowledge the struggles a kid would have in choosing the right thing to do.
I love that she gently points out the impact that making a dishonest choice has on relationships as she describes how Rueben begins to pull back and hide from his family and parents, and is confronted with perhaps starting to lie to cover the original choice.
I love when she introduces a situation when Rueben may not be able to undo his choice and do the right thing.
I love that she leaves ambiguity in how the story ends, which is much more true to real life.
That unresolved desire for a bike like Sergio's at the end gave me a chance to talk with the kids about how they would write the 'next page' of the story, imagining how they would like to see the story end.
A very satisfying book, nicely iluustrated, that gave just enough hints to keep the kids curious, but not so many that it backed them into only one ending.
They'll keep working through different paths for Sergio for days and keep wondeing what they would do in the same situation.
April 24, 2017
This book is a Realistic Fiction book that is about a little boy, Ruben, who really wants a new shiny bike like his friends but his family can't afford it. Ruben finds money on the floor at the grocery store and when he gets home to look at it he realizes it is $100. He plans on using the money to buy a new bike but one day he meets the lade who had lost the money. In the end, he returns the money to her because it was the right thing to do.
If I were to incorporate this book in my classroom I would use it as a classroom management activity with my students. I would read it at the beginning of the year when establishing rules to the students. This book has a great lesson about not taking things that don't belong to you and also returning things that don't belong to you. It teaches students to always do the right thing because in the end it will make someone else's day better and yours. I would remind my students to treat others the way that they would like to be treated. During our time in the class together, I want my students to treat one another with respect which will help create a positive classroom community.
If I were to incorporate this book in my classroom I would use it as a classroom management activity with my students. I would read it at the beginning of the year when establishing rules to the students. This book has a great lesson about not taking things that don't belong to you and also returning things that don't belong to you. It teaches students to always do the right thing because in the end it will make someone else's day better and yours. I would remind my students to treat others the way that they would like to be treated. During our time in the class together, I want my students to treat one another with respect which will help create a positive classroom community.
April 17, 2017
A Bike Like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts is a realistic fiction book best suited for students in grades 2-4 that is narrated by a young boy named Ruben. Ruben wishes to be like the other kids in his class, especially his friend Sergio, however, his family does not have enough money to buy him the bike that he wishes for. While Ruben was in the grocery store, a nearby woman drops a $100 bill. Ruben finds the money and is so excited knowing that he has enough money to buy a bike. Ruben deals with uneasy feelings, deciding whether or not to buy the bike that he wishes for or to return the money to the owner.
I consider A Bike Like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts to be an excellent opportunity to a read-aloud for students to teach and discuss with students about about doing the right thing even when it does not benefit you. This book allows for the opportunity to form discussions as well as writing prompts about student connections to this topic. Students can connect with the story about a time that they felt something was unfair and how they handled the situation. I also consider this book to allow opportunities to allow students to practice their prediction skills due to the fact that this book has many unexpected moments.
A Bike like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts was a WOW book for me because this exceptional story is completely relatable as I feel that every person goes through a similar situation as Ruben. Ruben truly models how difficult it is making the right decision, but ultimately knows what is morally right and makes the correct decision. It is easy to think about your own needs before others, but sometimes other people go through a more difficult situation than you could image and I feel that this book reflects that phenomenally.
I consider A Bike Like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts to be an excellent opportunity to a read-aloud for students to teach and discuss with students about about doing the right thing even when it does not benefit you. This book allows for the opportunity to form discussions as well as writing prompts about student connections to this topic. Students can connect with the story about a time that they felt something was unfair and how they handled the situation. I also consider this book to allow opportunities to allow students to practice their prediction skills due to the fact that this book has many unexpected moments.
A Bike like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts was a WOW book for me because this exceptional story is completely relatable as I feel that every person goes through a similar situation as Ruben. Ruben truly models how difficult it is making the right decision, but ultimately knows what is morally right and makes the correct decision. It is easy to think about your own needs before others, but sometimes other people go through a more difficult situation than you could image and I feel that this book reflects that phenomenally.
November 15, 2018
Annotated Bibliography Entry: A Bike Like Sergio's
Text Set: Kindness
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary:
Ruben wants one thing: a bike like Sergio's, except the only problem is Ruben's family does not have enough money to buy a bike. They have a mouthful of children to feed and Ruben's family is struggling. One day at the grocery store a lady buying bread accidentally drops money on the floor and Ruben picks it up thinking it is a dollar bill, however it turns out to be $100 bill. Ruben decides to pocket the money because it will be enough for the bike. Ruben is happy dreaming of his new bike he plans to buy, but he is soon overwhelmed with a sense of guilt. Finally, he sees the lady who dropped the money on the floor and decides to give the money back to her. He has mixed emotions about giving the money back, but is filled with pride once he is reunited with his family and they tell him how proud they are of him.
Personal Response:
This is a wonderful book in which a lot of children will be able to relate to. For starters, I am sure most children have heard of the old saying, "finders keepers, losers weepers" and this book speaks exactly to that saying. I am sure if in the same position children would keep the money without even thinking twice so this book allows children to see things from a different perspective. This book also allows you to feel sympathy for a variety of different characters. Overall, it is just a powerful book about the power of kindness and doing what is right. I think that is an important message for children to learn.
Descriptions of illustrations:
Illustrations are pretty typical in the sense that it is similar to a lot of the other books I have read for this project. That is not necessarily a negative thing. The illustrations are more cartoonish and simplistic. There is not much to them and that fits the overall style of the book. This book is more about the story line anyway. However I still did appreciate a lot of the illustrations present in this book: they are simplistic and I do believe they are appealing to children.
Classroom Connections:
I feel like this would be a good book to do a whole kindness unit on and there are definitely some activities students could do in relation to the theme of "kindness". I am finding it hard to come up with activities off the top of my head, but teachers could also use this book to discuss themes, specifically the kindness theme. Teachers could ask students if they agree with Ruben's decision to give the money back and teachers could also ask if the money was Ruben's because he found it. I could envision all the discussions that this book could generate. I also think this book could be acted out and students could act out the story or use reader's theater of some sort. Another activity that could be done is having the students write a journal from another characters' perspective. For example students could write from the lady with the bread's perspective and see how the individual stories differ. I think that would be super interesting to see!
Text Set: Kindness
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary:
Ruben wants one thing: a bike like Sergio's, except the only problem is Ruben's family does not have enough money to buy a bike. They have a mouthful of children to feed and Ruben's family is struggling. One day at the grocery store a lady buying bread accidentally drops money on the floor and Ruben picks it up thinking it is a dollar bill, however it turns out to be $100 bill. Ruben decides to pocket the money because it will be enough for the bike. Ruben is happy dreaming of his new bike he plans to buy, but he is soon overwhelmed with a sense of guilt. Finally, he sees the lady who dropped the money on the floor and decides to give the money back to her. He has mixed emotions about giving the money back, but is filled with pride once he is reunited with his family and they tell him how proud they are of him.
Personal Response:
This is a wonderful book in which a lot of children will be able to relate to. For starters, I am sure most children have heard of the old saying, "finders keepers, losers weepers" and this book speaks exactly to that saying. I am sure if in the same position children would keep the money without even thinking twice so this book allows children to see things from a different perspective. This book also allows you to feel sympathy for a variety of different characters. Overall, it is just a powerful book about the power of kindness and doing what is right. I think that is an important message for children to learn.
Descriptions of illustrations:
Illustrations are pretty typical in the sense that it is similar to a lot of the other books I have read for this project. That is not necessarily a negative thing. The illustrations are more cartoonish and simplistic. There is not much to them and that fits the overall style of the book. This book is more about the story line anyway. However I still did appreciate a lot of the illustrations present in this book: they are simplistic and I do believe they are appealing to children.
Classroom Connections:
I feel like this would be a good book to do a whole kindness unit on and there are definitely some activities students could do in relation to the theme of "kindness". I am finding it hard to come up with activities off the top of my head, but teachers could also use this book to discuss themes, specifically the kindness theme. Teachers could ask students if they agree with Ruben's decision to give the money back and teachers could also ask if the money was Ruben's because he found it. I could envision all the discussions that this book could generate. I also think this book could be acted out and students could act out the story or use reader's theater of some sort. Another activity that could be done is having the students write a journal from another characters' perspective. For example students could write from the lady with the bread's perspective and see how the individual stories differ. I think that would be super interesting to see!
May 9, 2019
A book about doing the right thing, even when it means you have to give up something you want.
Really unsatisfying ending. I guess I wanted But I get that this ending is more practical/realistic. And I did feel proud of him, so I guess that was the point.
Really unsatisfying ending. I guess I wanted But I get that this ending is more practical/realistic. And I did feel proud of him, so I guess that was the point.
February 9, 2018
Oh wow, what a beautiful story of integrity. The writing has that little something special that brought it to a 5-star for me
September 17, 2018
Great book to use with MS kids.
December 14, 2019
A Bike Like Sergio's is a hidden gem. It had never, consciously, crossed my radar since its publication in 2016. But it was featured at a literacy professional development conference I recently attended, and boy, I could not wait to read it for myself!
Sometimes it's hard to know the right thing to do, especially when what's right involves sacrifice. Ruben's dilemma resonated with the group of 4th graders to which I read this story. They understood his desires, the conflict he had to wrestle with, and why his ultimate decision was for the best, even if it was a tough choice to make. It's a great read aloud! I used this within a study of plot structure, but I incorporated discussion of character traits, theme, and making inferences, as well.
Sometimes it's hard to know the right thing to do, especially when what's right involves sacrifice. Ruben's dilemma resonated with the group of 4th graders to which I read this story. They understood his desires, the conflict he had to wrestle with, and why his ultimate decision was for the best, even if it was a tough choice to make. It's a great read aloud! I used this within a study of plot structure, but I incorporated discussion of character traits, theme, and making inferences, as well.
February 6, 2023
Text-To-Teaching Connection
Sergio is a boy that lives with his family and they are poor. His mom works very hard to feed them and take care of them. Sergio has a friend who has a bike and he is so envious of the bike. He wants one so bad and looks at bikes in a store and finds out they are expensive. One day going to the market for his mom a lady in front of him drops, what he thought was a dollar. He picks it up and puts it in his pocket to later discover it was $100.oo. Enough to buy the bike that he so desperately wanted. Later he is at the grocery store and the same lady he saw drop the money was asking if anyone had turned it in and that was all the money she had to buy food for her and her family. Hearing her talk Sergio decides that he should do the right thing and return the money and he does. I would ask my students in a response activity, what would they do and why? How does this story make you feel? Would you feel thankful you found the money and spend it ,or return the money and feel better about yourself and being honest.
Sergio is a boy that lives with his family and they are poor. His mom works very hard to feed them and take care of them. Sergio has a friend who has a bike and he is so envious of the bike. He wants one so bad and looks at bikes in a store and finds out they are expensive. One day going to the market for his mom a lady in front of him drops, what he thought was a dollar. He picks it up and puts it in his pocket to later discover it was $100.oo. Enough to buy the bike that he so desperately wanted. Later he is at the grocery store and the same lady he saw drop the money was asking if anyone had turned it in and that was all the money she had to buy food for her and her family. Hearing her talk Sergio decides that he should do the right thing and return the money and he does. I would ask my students in a response activity, what would they do and why? How does this story make you feel? Would you feel thankful you found the money and spend it ,or return the money and feel better about yourself and being honest.
September 13, 2017
I thought one of the nicest features of this picture book was that it didn't have a cookie cutter ending. It also has some strong positive depictions of loving and happy families that are poor. I'm proud of you too, Ruben!
December 14, 2016
This is a fantastic picture book that has a wonderful message about the dilemma of doing the right thing. Ruben would love to have a bicycle like his friend, Sergio. But money is tight in Ruben's family, and it isn't likely that he'll be able to get one any time soon. While he's waiting on line at the grocery store, a dollar bill falls out of a lady's purse. When he gets home, he realizes that it's actually a hundred dollar bill. That would be enough money to purchase the bike, but he knows this money is probably very important to the lady who lost it. This would be great to share with students and discuss what Ruben ought to do. It would also be great to discuss theme.
August 13, 2016
Great message that you don't have to get exactly what you want in order to be happy.
October 13, 2016
A nuianced story about doing the right thing.
July 26, 2017
A Bike Like Sergio’s
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Picture Book
Copyright Date: 2016
Estimate of age level of interest: PreK-Grade 3
Estimate of reading level: Grade 2
Brief description: A young boy wants a bike like his friends do but doesn’t have the money to afford one until he sees what he thought was a dollar fall out of a woman’s purse at the grocery store, and ended up being a hundred dollar bill.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book:
Picture books avoid stereotypes regarding race, gender and others: This book avoids stereotyping very well, in fact it works to dispel common stereotypes about poor people and people of color. The family and other characters portrayed in this story are authentic and reveal the reality of so many families rather than stereotypes.
Picture books use text and illustrations together to tell the story: The illustrations in this story lend themselves well to the text and add even more meaning to the story. The emotion and energy coming out of the illustrations show the kindness and compassion that the words reveal about the characters. They are colorful and engaging
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?:
This book is a wonderful book for a younger elementary audience to read and talk about important topics such as what it means to be poor, what does it mean to be kind, and honest. The book expresses the theme of honesty as the young boy decides to give back the money when she sees the woman. I would read this book to preschool groups up until about grade 3.
Awards if any:
Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award nominee
CCBC Choices
Kansas State Reading Circle Catalog Primary-Level
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
Charlotte Zolotow Award, Highly Commended Selection
Chicago Public Library Best Books for Children and Teens
Junior Library Guild Selection
Published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any:
Booklist (October 1, 2016 (Vol. 113, No. 3))
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2017)
Horn Book Magazine (September/October, 2016)
Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 2016)
Publishers Weekly (September 5, 2016)
School Library Journal (October 1, 2016)
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Picture Book
Copyright Date: 2016
Estimate of age level of interest: PreK-Grade 3
Estimate of reading level: Grade 2
Brief description: A young boy wants a bike like his friends do but doesn’t have the money to afford one until he sees what he thought was a dollar fall out of a woman’s purse at the grocery store, and ended up being a hundred dollar bill.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book:
Picture books avoid stereotypes regarding race, gender and others: This book avoids stereotyping very well, in fact it works to dispel common stereotypes about poor people and people of color. The family and other characters portrayed in this story are authentic and reveal the reality of so many families rather than stereotypes.
Picture books use text and illustrations together to tell the story: The illustrations in this story lend themselves well to the text and add even more meaning to the story. The emotion and energy coming out of the illustrations show the kindness and compassion that the words reveal about the characters. They are colorful and engaging
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?:
This book is a wonderful book for a younger elementary audience to read and talk about important topics such as what it means to be poor, what does it mean to be kind, and honest. The book expresses the theme of honesty as the young boy decides to give back the money when she sees the woman. I would read this book to preschool groups up until about grade 3.
Awards if any:
Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award nominee
CCBC Choices
Kansas State Reading Circle Catalog Primary-Level
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
Charlotte Zolotow Award, Highly Commended Selection
Chicago Public Library Best Books for Children and Teens
Junior Library Guild Selection
Published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any:
Booklist (October 1, 2016 (Vol. 113, No. 3))
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2017)
Horn Book Magazine (September/October, 2016)
Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 2016)
Publishers Weekly (September 5, 2016)
School Library Journal (October 1, 2016)
November 28, 2023
"A Bike Like Sergio's" by Maribeth Boelts, involves a appealing art style by Noah Z. Jones. Published in 2016, this book unfolds the story of Ruben, a young dreamer fascinated by the prospect of owning a bike akin to his friend Sergio's. As Ruben grapples with a moral dillema involving a lost dollar bill in the grocery store, the narrative becomes a exploration of honesty, empathy, and the profound impact of selfless actions. The book effortlessly falls into the contemporary realistic fiction genre, presenting relatable challenges and moral dilemmas that resonate with plenty of young people.
What sets "A Bike Like Sergio's" apart is its ability to integrate complex moral themes into a captivating and accessible narrative. Boelts employs first-person narration, drawing people into Ruben's perspective and allowing him to navigate his internal struggles. This enhances the emotional connection and relation between the young readers and protagonist, making the moral lessons more immersive and relatable. Additionally, the use of symbolism, is demonstrated in Ruben's dream sequences of soaring on his imaginary bike, adds depth to the storytelling, symbolizing ideas and literal dreams of joy derived from selfless acts.
Dialogue becomes a dynamic tool in Boelts' hands, vividly conveying characters' emotions and thoughts. This not only creates a more engaging narrative but also fosters a deeper understanding of the moral lessons at play. Complementing the storytelling, Noah Z. Jones's art provide visual cues that compliment comprehension, effectively capturing the characters' emotions and actions.
In essence, "A Bike Like Sergio's" transcends the conventional boundaries of children's literature. It is a blend of narrative and illustration, a thoughtful exploration of character, choices, and the enduring power of kindness. Boelts' adept use of literary devices elevates the book's quality, making it a valuable tool for imparting lessons about empathy and integrity to young readers. This isn't just a story—it's a engaging journey that leaves a lasting imprint, encouraging children to reflect on the importance of doing the right thing even when faced with challenging decisions.
What sets "A Bike Like Sergio's" apart is its ability to integrate complex moral themes into a captivating and accessible narrative. Boelts employs first-person narration, drawing people into Ruben's perspective and allowing him to navigate his internal struggles. This enhances the emotional connection and relation between the young readers and protagonist, making the moral lessons more immersive and relatable. Additionally, the use of symbolism, is demonstrated in Ruben's dream sequences of soaring on his imaginary bike, adds depth to the storytelling, symbolizing ideas and literal dreams of joy derived from selfless acts.
Dialogue becomes a dynamic tool in Boelts' hands, vividly conveying characters' emotions and thoughts. This not only creates a more engaging narrative but also fosters a deeper understanding of the moral lessons at play. Complementing the storytelling, Noah Z. Jones's art provide visual cues that compliment comprehension, effectively capturing the characters' emotions and actions.
In essence, "A Bike Like Sergio's" transcends the conventional boundaries of children's literature. It is a blend of narrative and illustration, a thoughtful exploration of character, choices, and the enduring power of kindness. Boelts' adept use of literary devices elevates the book's quality, making it a valuable tool for imparting lessons about empathy and integrity to young readers. This isn't just a story—it's a engaging journey that leaves a lasting imprint, encouraging children to reflect on the importance of doing the right thing even when faced with challenging decisions.
June 29, 2017
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Picture Book
Copyright Date: 2016
Estimate of age level of interest:K-Grade 3
Estimate of reading level: Grade 2, Grade 3
Brief description: Finders keepers? Sergio wants a bike like his friend, and when he finds some money on the ground it feels like a possibility, or is it?
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book: A picture book tells a story through the pictures and the words, coming together to create a unique whole. In A Bike Like Sergio’s, Ruben finds what he thinks is a dollar bill on the ground and puts it in his pocket. Only later does he discover that it is a $100 and his imagination is free to wander to what might be. The words and pictures come together in this story to share a glimpse into Ruben’s life and introduce us to the possibilities that exist in that $100 bill. When Ruben misplaces the money, we watch as he frantically follows his footsteps and feels the loss. When he bumps into the lady who lost the money in the first place, Ruben knows what that loss feels like and comes to a decision.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?: A Bike Like Sergio’s would be a great read aloud for a second and third grade classroom to discuss morality and concepts of right and wrong. Children will follow along with Ruben as they begin to wonder what they would do with a windfall of $100 and consider what to do if they were in the same situation.
Awards if any: N/A
Reviews: Booklist (October 1, 2016 (Vol. 113, No. 3))
School Library Journal (October 1, 2016)
Copyright Date: 2016
Estimate of age level of interest:K-Grade 3
Estimate of reading level: Grade 2, Grade 3
Brief description: Finders keepers? Sergio wants a bike like his friend, and when he finds some money on the ground it feels like a possibility, or is it?
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book: A picture book tells a story through the pictures and the words, coming together to create a unique whole. In A Bike Like Sergio’s, Ruben finds what he thinks is a dollar bill on the ground and puts it in his pocket. Only later does he discover that it is a $100 and his imagination is free to wander to what might be. The words and pictures come together in this story to share a glimpse into Ruben’s life and introduce us to the possibilities that exist in that $100 bill. When Ruben misplaces the money, we watch as he frantically follows his footsteps and feels the loss. When he bumps into the lady who lost the money in the first place, Ruben knows what that loss feels like and comes to a decision.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?: A Bike Like Sergio’s would be a great read aloud for a second and third grade classroom to discuss morality and concepts of right and wrong. Children will follow along with Ruben as they begin to wonder what they would do with a windfall of $100 and consider what to do if they were in the same situation.
Awards if any: N/A
Reviews: Booklist (October 1, 2016 (Vol. 113, No. 3))
School Library Journal (October 1, 2016)
January 11, 2018
Manar Moawad
In the book a bike like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts,she teaches you that it can be hard to do the right thing instead of the wrong thing. she also changes the character. for example in the book a bike like Sergio’s Ruben had a hard time of thinking about what to do with the money that he found. IN the book a bike like Sergio’s, the author Maribeth Boelts makes a change for the character Ruben. for example, Ruben left the bike store . he didn’t even by a bike with the money that he found.He was thinking about the women that lost the money.
In the book a bike like sergio’s the author Maribeth Boelts makes a change for the character ruben. when he found the money he choose to do the right thing.another example in the book a bike like sergio’s it says, ‘‘I left the juice and followed the her this time.’’that shows that he did the right thing.
In the book a bike like sergio’s the author Maribeth Boelts makes a change to the character ruben.when he found the money he choose to do the right thing.a last example,in the book a bike like sergio’s the women was proud of ruben because of what he did.ruben’s mother and father too.they are proud because he did the right thing.
In conclusion in the book a bike like sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts she teaches you that it can be hard to do the right thing then the wrong thing.she changed ruben to do the right thing then the wrong thing.
In the book a bike like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts,she teaches you that it can be hard to do the right thing instead of the wrong thing. she also changes the character. for example in the book a bike like Sergio’s Ruben had a hard time of thinking about what to do with the money that he found. IN the book a bike like Sergio’s, the author Maribeth Boelts makes a change for the character Ruben. for example, Ruben left the bike store . he didn’t even by a bike with the money that he found.He was thinking about the women that lost the money.
In the book a bike like sergio’s the author Maribeth Boelts makes a change for the character ruben. when he found the money he choose to do the right thing.another example in the book a bike like sergio’s it says, ‘‘I left the juice and followed the her this time.’’that shows that he did the right thing.
In the book a bike like sergio’s the author Maribeth Boelts makes a change to the character ruben.when he found the money he choose to do the right thing.a last example,in the book a bike like sergio’s the women was proud of ruben because of what he did.ruben’s mother and father too.they are proud because he did the right thing.
In conclusion in the book a bike like sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts she teaches you that it can be hard to do the right thing then the wrong thing.she changed ruben to do the right thing then the wrong thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2017
Ruben, the main character of the book, comes from a poorer family and he has three siblings, so often times his family has less. Ruben is close friends with a boy named Sergio and he has a brand new shiny bike, which Ruben is very envious of. One day while at the market, Ruben notices that a woman has dropped some money. He picks it up and keeps the money in his pocket until he gets home that night. When he finally pulls out the bill he notices that it is a one-hundred-dollar bill. The book shows the struggle Ruben has knowing that his family is not very wealthy as well as knowing that the money is not his. The themes in this book include doing what is right even when it is hard as well as teaching kids not to being envious of others but rather grateful for the things they do have. I recommend this book because it is a great window and mirror for children regarding poverty. It also has a moral development piece with Ruben struggling with the found money and what to do with it. I can relate to Ruben's jealousy in this book. I am one of seven children and there would be times as a child that my siblings had something that I wanted, but did not always get. I had to learn, like Ruben, that material things are not everything and also not to compare myself or my things to others!
November 25, 2017
It is refreshing to have a narrative that tells us about our world and finds hope in the story of how we care for others. Ruben wants a bike like his friend Sergio and when he happens upon the opportunity to procure his bike, he must decide to choose for himself or another. This is a common narrative we find in stories seeking to align our moral senses with what is right however, there is a twist.
While Ruben is buying groceries for his family, another patron drops a bill on the floor. Ruben scoops up what he thinks is a dollar and soon realizes it is a hundred dollar bill, enough to buy a bike like Sergio. Over the next few days Ruben struggles with the dilemma of returning the money or making his purchase.
As Ruben decides what to do we see a common narrative unfold into a hopeful message for how we can be with others in the world. Through word and illustrations of water color and pencil this book explores issues of poverty and reveals that the greatest story is how we treat others. A Bike Like Sergio's is a great lesson to teach your young ones and combat the false narrative of quid pro quo.
While Ruben is buying groceries for his family, another patron drops a bill on the floor. Ruben scoops up what he thinks is a dollar and soon realizes it is a hundred dollar bill, enough to buy a bike like Sergio. Over the next few days Ruben struggles with the dilemma of returning the money or making his purchase.
As Ruben decides what to do we see a common narrative unfold into a hopeful message for how we can be with others in the world. Through word and illustrations of water color and pencil this book explores issues of poverty and reveals that the greatest story is how we treat others. A Bike Like Sergio's is a great lesson to teach your young ones and combat the false narrative of quid pro quo.
January 30, 2018
Ruben wants a bike just like his friend Sergio. He wants to be able to ride next to his friend Sergio instead of walking. One day on the way to school Ruben and Sergio stop at the store. While Sergio buys toys Ruben has to buy groceries for his family. During the process of checking out a lady in front of him drops a dollar bill. Ruben decides to take it finding no harm for a one dollar bill. That is until he finds it is much more than one dollar. He picked up a one hundred bill. Ruben thinks it's enough to buy himself a new bike. But what about the women who dropped it? Or what about the unpurchased groceries?
I love this book. Not only does it discuss real issues that families go through but it teaches a valuable lesson. Ruben learns what it's like to lose something and he is torn between doing the right thing or buying a fun bike. I think kids could relate to Ruben and the struggle he goes through to make a decision.
I would share this book as a class read and have students discuss why it is significant that Ruben learned to do the right thing.
I love this book. Not only does it discuss real issues that families go through but it teaches a valuable lesson. Ruben learns what it's like to lose something and he is torn between doing the right thing or buying a fun bike. I think kids could relate to Ruben and the struggle he goes through to make a decision.
I would share this book as a class read and have students discuss why it is significant that Ruben learned to do the right thing.
October 2, 2019
A Bike Like Sergio's is a story narrated by a kid named Ruben. Ruben comes from a family that struggles with their everyday bills, like groceries. All of Reuben's friends have bikes and there is nothing he wants more than one. One day, Reuben is faced with a hard decision, he is used to grabbing money that falls and from purses but this time he finds a hundred dollar bill which was more than enough for his new bike.
The overall theme of the story is poverty and how a little kid struggles with decision making because of his background and friends.
Personally, I felt this book was really good because it tells a story about a kid that struggles with the pressure imposed by his friends and community around him. Also, you get to experience all of the problems in a kid perspective which makes it easier to relate for anyone reading.
I would strongly recommend this book because it shows readers the value of morality and how kids have to deal with this kind of problems.
The overall theme of the story is poverty and how a little kid struggles with decision making because of his background and friends.
Personally, I felt this book was really good because it tells a story about a kid that struggles with the pressure imposed by his friends and community around him. Also, you get to experience all of the problems in a kid perspective which makes it easier to relate for anyone reading.
I would strongly recommend this book because it shows readers the value of morality and how kids have to deal with this kind of problems.
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August 11, 2020This story is a perfect way to introduce how finder's is not always keepers. Join this story about a boy who finds money on the ground in a store. At first the boy thinks it is one dollar which is why he does not rush to return it, but as soon as he gets home he realizes it is $100 dollars. $100 is enough to buy a bike like Sergios, so he puts it in his backpack and dreams about getting the bike for the next day. However, as he looks back into the back pack he realizes it is gone! No more $100, means he is not going to get a bike and he feels terrible. He searches and searches everywhere for the $100; He finally finds the money in his other pocket and begins to dream again about his bike. As he goes past the store he sees the woman who lost the money struggling to pay for eggs and he remembers how terrible he felt when he lost the money. Thus, he gets the money out of his pocket and returns it to the lady who sees it as a blessing.
October 13, 2021
A Bike Like Sergio's won the Charlotte Zolotow Award in 2017. The picture book is about a young boy, Ruben, who wants a bike like his friend Sergio, but his family cannot afford a bike for him because of their financial struggles. Ruben finds a one-hundred dollar bill a woman drops on the floor. Ruben goes through the struggle of what he should do with the money. The strengths of the book is that students get to see into another families life that maybe the can or they cannot relate to. Students get to see the challenge it can be trying to make the right decisions and they can learn how to solve their problems. The artistic style of this book is a little different as well, when Ruben is feeling guilty or down, the pictures on the page are just part of the page. There is a lot of white background and the illustration is mainly just Ruben. I think this is done to show isolation, Ruben is struggling to think about what he should do with the money. I think teachers could use this book in the classroom for a read aloud when teaching students about being a helping person and a prosocial person.
March 1, 2022
How good a friend is Sergio? Sergio has a slick new bike and urges Ruben to get one, too. Ruben doesn't say much, but he knows that his family can't afford such a thing. But that doesn't stop Ruben from wanting such a bike. He even sits on one at the bike shop. Then, he gets his chance. When he goes to the store, the woman in front of him accidentally drops a bill, and Ruben picks it up, thinking it was only a dollar. When he looks at it at home, he realizes it's much more. It's enough to buy a bike! But--he knows that he should have given the money back to the woman. And what will happen if he buys a bike and brings it home? The story is told flawlessly in words and pictures--the actions and emotions help readers understand Ruben's dilemma and will be just as relieved as he was when everything is happily resolved.
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