"Like most people, we've had bikes stolen from us (six at last count...one of them twice)! I wanted to get inside the head of a thief, especially one who loves bikes. Does Nick have choices? Is he a criminal? Should he be punished?"
Nick just wants to replace the TV his sister accidentally broke before their foster parents find out. To repay the debt, the 16-year-old is sucked into stealing bikes. But the debt and the violence keep growing. Bike Thief explores what you will risk for those you care about.
- Part of the Orca Soundings series of Fast Reads
- Ages 12+
- Listed on the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) 2015 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- Includes an online Orca Soundings Teacher's Guide
Reviews:
Bike Thief is a highly engaging read as it takes readers on a fast-paced journey through the criminal underworld of bike thieves. The plot, itself, is very believable as it shows the realities of human error and how one mistake has the potential to snowball into catastrophe. Moreover, Rita Feutl has created characters with which the reader can sympathize. -CM Magazine
Inner-city cycling culture might have a specific audience, but Feutl employs just enough slang for authenticity without sounding forced, and there is enough danger to keep tension high. With a slim size that’s perfect for struggling and reluctant readers, this is a suspenseful tale with a surprising twist and satisfying conclusion.
-Booklist Online
The compressed time frame of the episode fits well into the Orca Soundings hi-lo format, and the plot boasts notable authenticity in taking inspiration from a real-life Edmonton workspace that, according to the acknowledgements, helps kids 'build and maintain their own bikes'....This title will serve not only the hi-lo crowd but any YA reader looking for a lightning-paced, super-quick pick.
-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Very easy vocabulary that keeps the tension of the novel going right to the end will appeal to teens who are struggling with reading. -Very Good (Outstanding) -Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
...a high-action narrative that will appeal to kids who might not normally pick up a book.
-Edmonton Journal
...a realistic story that shows how easy it is for teenagers to fall into difficult situations and resort to crime out of desperation.
-Resource Links
For Teachers:
With Follow Your Passions, Rita talks to students from Grade 7+ about how passions (hers is road bikes), personal experiences and interesting events in the news can combine to create story plots.
Bike Thief is a highly engaging read as it takes readers on a fast-paced journey through the criminal underworld of bike thieves. The plot, itself, is very believable as it shows the realities of human error and how one mistake has the potential to snowball into catastrophe. Moreover, Rita Feutl has created characters with which the reader can sympathize. -CM Magazine
Inner-city cycling culture might have a specific audience, but Feutl employs just enough slang for authenticity without sounding forced, and there is enough danger to keep tension high. With a slim size that’s perfect for struggling and reluctant readers, this is a suspenseful tale with a surprising twist and satisfying conclusion.
-Booklist Online
The compressed time frame of the episode fits well into the Orca Soundings hi-lo format, and the plot boasts notable authenticity in taking inspiration from a real-life Edmonton workspace that, according to the acknowledgements, helps kids 'build and maintain their own bikes'....This title will serve not only the hi-lo crowd but any YA reader looking for a lightning-paced, super-quick pick.
-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Very easy vocabulary that keeps the tension of the novel going right to the end will appeal to teens who are struggling with reading. -Very Good (Outstanding) -Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
...a high-action narrative that will appeal to kids who might not normally pick up a book.
-Edmonton Journal
...a realistic story that shows how easy it is for teenagers to fall into difficult situations and resort to crime out of desperation.
-Resource Links
For Teachers:
With Follow Your Passions, Rita talks to students from Grade 7+ about how passions (hers is road bikes), personal experiences and interesting events in the news can combine to create story plots.
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Also available at all book stores, including Audrey's Books and Tix on the Square.
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