the bicycle spy by yona zeldis mcdonough

The writing is appropriately simple and it trims some very thick themes into fairly thin ideas, such that a child can grasp it. But I want to give it to my 9yo and be able to discuss it with her, so I went ahead and read it too.

So, I’m hardly the target demographic, being almost 40 and all. Now, this is written for 3rd to 7th graders, according to the info page in the front of the book. And when nothing ends up going according to plan, it’s up to him to keep pedaling and think quickly… because his friend, her family, and his own future hang in the balance. When he later discovers that his friend’s entire family is in imminent danger, Marcel knows he can help - but it will involve taking a risky bicycle ride to pass along covert information. Then Marcel learns two big secrets, and he realizes there are worse things about the war than a canceled race. Now there are soldiers everywhere, interrupting Marcel’s rides with checkpoints and questioning. But ever since Germany’s occupation of France began two years ago, in 1940, the race has been canceled. He dreams of someday competing in the Tour de France, the greatest bicycle race. Marcel loves riding his bicycle, whether he’s racing through the streets of his small town in France or making bread deliveries for his parents’ bakery. I figured it was a surprise gift or extra bonus or promo or maybe someone somewhere’s mistake. When it arrived in the mail, this book, Yona McDonough‘s The Bicycle Spy was mysteriously included. Last year I won a copy of Liberty, by Kirby Larson.

The bicycle spy by yona zeldis mcdonough