Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus

by Steven Herrick

The sun is shining
and today feels like an adventure,
only one I can go on
whenever I want
because I have a bicycle
and friends
and a city
just waiting to be explored.

With their new teacher’s help, the kids in class 5D ride to school together in a bicycle bus. Olivia can fix a puncture in no time and Max can ride on one wheel. Lily wishes she wasn’t quite so wobbly and Jordi’s been waiting forever to ride on the road. Dylan has a speedy getaway from alley cats, Dabir’s glad to be part of a group and Zoe’s bike even has a name (Esmeralda). Everyone loves their new way of getting to school.

But there’s a narrow stretch on Fisher Road with no white line to separate the cyclists from the traffic. Zoe and Max decide they need to make it right, even if that means breaking a few rules.

Award-winning author Steven Herrick’s latest verse novel is an uplifting ode to bike-riding, the environment and fixing the future.

Genres: Middle Grade, School, Friendship, Childrens, Poetry, Bicycles

248 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2020

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herrick presents an engaging and authentic story of a group of kids in the same class with different home lives and circumstances, and varied interests, that gradually come together with a common goal of riding their bikes to school. With the start of a new school year and a new teacher, Ms Dillon, these seven individuals are introduced in first person free verse to show their uncertainties and concerns at the start of the year and we see them gradually blossom and build confidence under the fine hands of their teacher. Although Ms Dillon doesn to contribute directly to the text, her nurturing and supportive attitude shines through - it is such a delight to have a quality, perceptive and responsive teacher portrayed - just like so many are, but so rarely do we see this in fiction for young people.

Herrick's mastery of language is superb with carefully broken sentences to add depth and meaning to the reading of quite short passage - most entries are just a page and a bit in length. The tempo shifts occasionally with he the input of Mr Bertoldi, the school crossing attendant, and the fireman who visits several times - the latter adds a touch of levity to the story.

The thrust of the novel is that everyone can help save our planet and riding to school is one wau of reducing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution. But the message is artfully embedded into the story of a group of kids and a helpful teacher working together to make change happen.

Delightful, engaging and a breath of fresh air - pun intended - for primary students

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight
Of a story
About kids, bikes
Small changes, and
The future.
Full characters
Shine through
Beautiful lines
Of poetry.
Accessible from
ages 8 up,
And especially
For grown ups
Who like to be
Reminded of
How adult
Kids are
Sometimes.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story, told in non-rhyming verse, about a group of kids who are in the same class at school. All the kids are dealing with real issues - one parent has died, another parent has lost their job and had to move to the city for work, another parent has unrealistic expectations. Yet they have so much optimism. They are nice, thoughtful, and all round delightful - the kind of compassionate and friendly kids we hope that our children are.

A beautiful story about teamwork, courage, and saving the Earth one line of paint at a time.

[Isa Rive · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ode to the freedom of riding under your own steam. This verse novel is told in alternating voices of 7 children starting the year in 5th grade. Inspiring new teacher, Ms Dillon, is able to make space to hear the children’s voices while expanding their minds/hearts. The visiting fire-person chapters are hilarious. I can neither confirm or deny whether rule breaking occurs. I found it took a while to work out the unique characters (had to do some looking back as I read). But really a heartwarming story. 4.5 stars.

[Jacqui Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally shy away from prose books but this one has changed my mind. I loved the story, of bringing together community, of learning independence and the trust that comes with that, of the teacher who was willing to give of her time and self to create this environment and the friendships that ensued. Herrick uses prose to emphasise and punctuate ideas and his melodic and rhythmic writing are enchanting. An easy and engaging read.

[Sarah Krause · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book!!!

Written in verse, it tells the story of a group of middle school kids and their desire to ride to school. But it is wise and empathic and has so many different voices.
I loved all of the kids and their innocent way of saying SO much.

Highly recommend for any middle schoolers!!!

[Cecile · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the bike powered stars for this book! I loved it. Steven Herrick can actually do no wrong in my eyes! This is a sweet and simple story with an important message that’s shared beautifully (and without being didactic at all). Junior/middle grade fiction is just a joy to read when it’s done as well as this. Verse novels are my not so secret love and this one is going straight into my top 10.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous verse novel with themes of family, friendship, bicycle love, team work and taking action to make the world a better place for all. Steven Herrick's verse novels are such beautiful, comforting reads that bring a smile to your face.

[Sharlene Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this verse novel, and love loved the firefighter sections!!! Too freakin’ funny 😆

Beautiful story of kids coming together to take back the freedom to enjoy life as kids should ... bike riding adventures, reclaiming the world one bike path/lane at a time 🥰

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Follows the story of a number of children in Year 5 - each from different backgrounds and family situations. Written in verse, it is a good novel for struggling readers.
I found the story a little confusing and quite slow, but this is a good 'next step up' from Wimpy Kid.

[Debbie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming book about sharing in the joy of participating in something together. A class teacher inspires her students to ride their bikes to school for a day and this simple suggestions has a profound impact on a whole class. Lovely story.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever writing. Extremely funny, unexpected character in the fireman had us in stitches.

Absolutely different, brilliant, wonderful characters, beautiful stories.

This was a brilliant “family read”!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herrick lovingly weaves his characters, and his community, together in this gentle verse novel.
Do we love his writing because it's quintessentially Australian, or because it's also universal?
Love, life, family, friendship, school, loss, hurt, hope. Above all, hope.
The main characters - schoolkids - are in Grade 5, so this book would suit the younger audience.

[Shelley Mcconnel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Found myself laughing out loud.a gentle read.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read. Super funny and enjoyable.