Martin Bridge: In High Gear!

Martin Bridge #6

by Jessica Scott Kerrin, Joseph Kelly (Illustrator)

Martin Bridge returns for more slice-of-life adventures in the sixth book in this widely acclaimed chapter-book series. In the first story, Gibson -- who is a lot luckier than he deserves to be -- is in Martin's group for the science fair project. Everything comes easily to Gibson, while Martin and the rest of the group are working overtime. How far can Gibson's lucky streak go? In the second story, Martin's new bike is stolen -- and he'd only taken one ride! His Great Aunt Laverne, who's visiting, doesn't have a lot of sympathy for Martin. She thinks kids these days are spoiled senseless. But Aunt Laverne makes a suggestion that helps a downcast Martin realize the importance of volunteering his time to help kids who aren't as lucky as he is. Join the freewheeling Martin Bridge as he gears up and down but always rides to a satisfying ending.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Juvenile, Fiction, 2nd Grade

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has two stories featuring an active boy named Martin. In the first story, Science Fair, Martin works with three classmates on a Science Fair project with the theme of "Save the Planet". Their team decides on the ocean, does research, and spends one afternoon cleaning up a nearby beach. Unfortunately one of the group members named Gibson does not put much effort into the project.
The second story is called "The Bicycle". When Martin's new bike is stolen, he starts volunteering at a recycled bike shop to build new bikes from parts of used bikes. He learns about helping others and gets a new bike too.
At the end of the book, there are some tips on keeping your bike safe, presented by the retired police officer in the story named Darby.

This book is about 100 pages, but with large print and illustrations, it reads very quickly. It is a gentle read, probably a bit too "happily ever after" to appeal to most rambunctious readers.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the first of two stories Martin, Alex, and Laila become frustrated with Gibson, their teammate for the Science Fair, who refuses to shoulder his share of the work. In the second, Martin's brand new bicycle is stolen, and his parents don't have the money for another one, prompting Martin to help a retired police officer refurbish old bikes for needy children in exchange for a recycled one of his own.

Kerrin has once again built realistic characters and situations. This remains a trustworthy series for 2nd & 3rd graders.

[Jey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curiously this book contained what I see as two distinct stories, but it was supposedly one. I previewed this for David. He should like it, if I could just figure out how to entice him to open it up. It has pictures on every page, and the words are a larger print, but altogether it is 111 pages. Not bad for boys under 10ish.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was really good. I liked the ending.

[Lorraine Der]

Library Catalog

[Harla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this read. Would recommend to boys or girls maybe 7 and up.