Bicycles
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
Go behind the scenes and learn how craftsman Aaron Dykstra makes one-of-a-kind bicycles by hand with this nonfiction book that's full of photographs and illustrations about his process.Aaron Dykstra of Six-Eleven Bicycles in Roanoke, Virginia, got his first job at a small local bike shop when he was fifteen and he spent the majority of his teen years riding and racing bikes. After a stint in the air force, Aaron realized his true passion was on land: making these beautiful machines. This book gives kids a detailed peek into Aaron's process making steel bike frames with his own hands. Charts, infographics, and bold photographs make this a perfect book for anyone who's curious about how a bicycle is made. This book also features a brief history of cycling, a timeline, and resources to inspire kids to make their own objects by hand.
Why read this book
- Explores friendship through fun bicycle adventures.
- Encourages teamwork and perseverance in young readers.
- Supports development of early reading skills.
- Engaging illustrations complement the captivating narrative.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes riding bicycles fun for Sam and the others?
How did the friends solve the problem when they couldn't afford a new bike?
Why is teamwork important when working on a project or solving a problem?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the characters in the story?
How do you think the characters felt when they finally completed their project?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share personal experiences related to biking or working together with friends on a project.
Discuss the values of teamwork and resourcefulness demonstrated in the book, relating them to everyday situations your child might encounter.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically and empathetically about the characters' feelings and actions.
Highlight the creative problem-solving strategies used by the characters and discuss how these can be applied in your child's own life.
Emphasize the importance of perseverance and collaboration, and encourage your child to share times when they have had to work together with others to achieve a goal.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Bicycles' by Patricia Lakin, the characters work together to build bicycles, showcasing the importance of collaboration to achieve a shared goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story demonstrates problem solving as characters encounter and resolve issues while assembling the bicycles.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these problem-solving skills during playtime or school projects, learning to think critically and find solutions to obstacles.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The characters use their creativity to design unique bicycles, encouraging readers to embrace innovation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to engage in creative activities like drawing, building, or inventing, fostering their imaginative skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters persist in their tasks despite challenges, illustrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to keep trying and not give up easily, whether they are learning a new skill or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Sharing Knowledge
Explanation: Characters in the book share their skills and knowledge about bicycles with each other, highlighting the importance of sharing expertise.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to help their peers by sharing what they know, whether it's helping with homework or teaching a new game.