I did not read the entire article I had about some new books coming, but it was highlighting summer and bicycles. The list was around half a dozen titles long, all picture books. I figured I could locate copies of most of them. And in fact, was able to find online reader copies for all of them. However, four of them stood out for me. These four were different but still had familiar elements that I found comforting.
In The Bicycle: How an Act of Kindness Changed a Young Refugee’s Life by Patricia McCormick, that familiar element was how cozy the text was and how relatable the narrator was despite the fact that I was not a child growing up in Kurdistan, or had to become a refugee. We have all gone through the feelings our character goes through: the love of her family, friends and neighbors. We all know about needing to be small if something bad happens. And we all know about wanting to fit in. Mevan Babaqkr takes the unfamiliar event in her life to center around. This allows the reader to connect with Mevan’s character, also called Mevan (as events are based on the author’s life).
We follow her from fleeing their home, to the countries that they try to find shelter in but are refused, to finally we follow them to the place where they are welcomed and can find help until a forever home is found. This is wonderfully shown in a lighter, but solid, format by Yas Imamura’s illustrations. They are colorful, but not overwhelming. They bring to life the people and the places. And when we finally saw the act of kindness, the child me was there with Mevan, but the adult me was looking at the fun little details that show you the personality of the characters.
Currently available, this book is a must have for your own personal and school libraries. Adults and kids of most ages (though it’s probably best for five and up) can enjoy.
