The Bicycle Man

by Allen Say

The amazing tricks two American soldiers perform on a borrowed bicycle are a fitting finale for the school sports day festivities in a small village in occupied Japan.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Japan, Cultural, Childrens, Asia, Realistic Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 1982

About the author

Allen Say is one of the most beloved artists working today. He is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal for GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, and also won a Caldecott Honor and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (written by Dianne Snyder). Many of Allen’s stories are derived from his own experiences as a child. His other books include THE BICYCLE MAN, TEA WITH MILK, and TREE OF CRANES, hailed by The Horn Book in a starred review as “the achievement of a master in his prime.” Allen’s recent book, ERIKA-SAN, received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third Allen Say book I've read this year, and being the huge Japanophile that I am, it's safe to say that I am officially a fan. I found this book today misshelved in the Education and Reference book section of a dusty old charity shop.

Set on a mountainside village near Yokohama not long after World War II, this autobiographical story takes place on sportsday–an event where all the school children and their families gather at the village school for a day of games and prizes.

On this particular spring day, two American soldiers from a nearby base show up and give everyone the biggest surprise of all. What a great little book, and a steal for only a quarter. I hope to eventually read all of Say's children's books. His illustrations are wonderful, and there's so much substance to his stories.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen Say's childhood memories of a school sports day when two American soldiers drop in with a bicycle and show the children some amazing tricks! A lovely story of childhood memories, fond memories of school and making friends with the soldiers.

Read on openlibrary.

[chaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. The fact that books like this one even exists always amazes me.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet beautiful (and in my opinion, haunting) story, empowered by beautifully detailed illustrations. Leaves one wondering about the crowds, and the two soldiers, after the fact.

[Esther Barajikian · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Bicycle Man" written by Allen Say is an historical fiction book intended for primary readers. Set in occupied Japan, after the 2nd World War, this book tells the story of an amusing interaction between a group of Japanese students and two American soldiers. The book paints a lovely picture of Japanese culture as it describes a fun-filled springtime celebration. It reminds the reader that children are the same everywhere - whether they are from Japan or American. In the midst of this joyous celebration, two American servicemen enter the scene and begin to entertain the entire crowd! The contrast between the small Asian families and the tall "foreigners" is quite striking until the reader comes to the realization that they are not enemies fighting against one another. Instead, they are friends and allies.

I gave this book a 3-star rating because it was a very enjoyable read and had a valuable lesson to teach. The author's ability to depict the culture and lifestyle of Japan through words and illustration was effective. And the timeless message that as humans, we are all part of a worldwide family is simple and refreshing. I feel that this book would be very appealing to children with it's colorful and fun-filled story line. It would also be a very nice classroom resource when trying to teach students about cultures that a very different from their own.

[Ashley B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me because it started out with students at school having a field day and then all of a sudden there are American soldiers walking up to the school. I found it weird to have soldiers walk up randomly to a school and then play with the kids. The man rode a bike and did tricks, the students were delighted. The whole story was fun, it was just odd to me how these soldier just showed up. I wonder if the author has had a similar experience in his past to have a story like this come to life.

[Cate Mueller]

The Bicycle Man is an autobiography explaining a day not long after World War Two where children and their families gather at the village school for sports day. This day is filled with games and prizes and the children are surprised when two American Soldiers from a nearby base show up. The two American soldiers perform on a borrowed bicycle for the finale of the sports day festivities.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bicycle Man by Allen Say- Children’s Illustrated Coloured Picture Book- The narrates the story of a school Sports programme in village in Japan. The village is located near a mountain and below is the sea. The school building is constructed of wood. The time is about one year after the World War II. (1) games competition is organized in spring season, Mrs Morita was in-charge of sports (2) on this day, all teachers and students collect in the school campus before the bell rings, (3) students are provided with two red and white ribbons, so that they can be divided in two groups, (4) teachers and students clean the campus. (5) both hang flags on posts in the ground, (6) they draw start and finish lines with the help of slaked lime and chalk, (7) Parents of the students are also invited to attend the function. (8) Parents have brought tea and refreshments with them for children and staff. (9) parents brought mats from their homes, they put the mats around the racing track and sat down on the mats, (10) at 9.00 AM bell rang. Principal arrived and announced that we are participating in games to enjoy the fun. Winning or losing does not matter, (11) First game is race of students in group of six each. It begins with smallest class, then senior classes. (12) Prizes are distributed immediately to the winners. The prize was cakes and pencils (13) After class VI race was complete, lunch time bell rang, (14) Parents had brought egg rolls, rice cake, fish cake, apple, pickle made of shell of musk melon, plums, (15) post lunch, students carried another student on their back and ran, next, tug of war between one foot of a teacher was tied to foot of another teacher, and similarly for parents, race began, all enjoyed their help to each other in team, (16) last was race of senior students, (17) all witnessed two American soldiers viewing the sports from the boundary wall of the school. Mrs Mortia invited them. One soldier was black and tall while other was white. The black soldier picked up the Principal’s cycle and drove it in a way that all were interested. He drove the cycle on one tire, then he sat with his back to the carrier and drove. White soldier encouraged him by showing directions with his hand. The black soldier showed antics that the Arts teacher & children clapped and appreciated him. In the end, the Principal shook hands with both soldiers. Principal asked Mrs Morita to bring the large packed box with a prize. The prize was given to the black soldier. They thanked and left. Important note is that there is no sweeper or cleaner in the school. All work is done by teachers and students. I have the Hindi language translation of this book. Coloured illustrations help the reader in relating to the story.

[Etty Krieger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bicycle Man relates to the late 1940`s, when American soldiers remained in the Japanese territory after the World War II. The first half of the book, where Japanese geographical and cultural features are demonstrated through rich details such as: “the schoolhouse stood halfway up a tall green mountain”. The Japanese flag colors, red and white, flags and streamers on bamboo poles, “kettles filled with tea”, families sitting around straw mats to have rice and tea, as well the rice cakes as part of the award boxes to the winners. The description also let the reader observe the environment and organization methods in that Japanese school, consequently in that society.
The kids get surprised, in the beginning, about the American soldiers right there. But all those emotions are changed when the soldiers ask the principal's to borrow a bicycle to have some fun! The black American then acts like in a show that leaves the crowd amazed with his performance. When the cheering stops, the principal leads the soldier to the platform and presents him with the largest box from the prize table. The soldier felt like a great champion. The two soldiers compliment the kids and the staff with Japanese words, as “Ari-ga-tow” (thank you), as friendly visitors` interaction. The story reflects a time of tension that is enlivened and pacified with good relationships between differences.
The kind illustrations describe exactly part of the Japanese culture and Geography: an island with mountains, the red and white headbands, the physical features, as eyes and hair, the bamboo poles, the cooperation and organization that describes the event, the Japanese flags and symbols, straw mats to sit and to drink tea, and others. I enjoying reading the book also because I appreciate and respect a lot the Japanese culture.

[Carolyn Wilhelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a good book for your class or child to read and practice asking questions as a reading comprehension strategy, this book is perfect.  The book is historical fiction and the setting is in Japan, so there are cultural differences between the school in the story and probably the school your child attends (as this blog is in English and all the books mentioned in it are in English).  It also has what Lucy Calkins would describe as a "small moment" during a special school sports day in spring.  The sports day is the frame of the story, but the small moment of the two soldiers passing by and what happens for a short time is the most exciting part of the book.  So, questioning and small moments would be the focus of this read-aloud.  Children will be asking questions, so you may want to tell them to wait until the end of the book or the second reading to ask them.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very unusual book. How often do you 1) come across a picture book about living in an occupied country, and 2) it is complimentary to the occupiers?

I was really getting into the Sports Day activities and enjoying little Japanese children excelling and winning prizes when two American soldiers show up and decide to make Sports Day all about themselves. They entertained the crowd with bicycle tricks and the principal therefore supplied them with the largest prize. Surely some Japanese child, having lived through the privation of war, was a better choice for receiving the top prize?

I'm not sure how I would use this book. Maybe in a WWII school unit? Maybe a good book to have in a DOD school library? I am not quite sure what lesson the author wants us to draw from this book.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an opportunity to talk with young kids about how things we might take for granted, tall men, people with black skin, American soldiers in uniform might seem strange or scary in the eyes of someone not used to seeing them, a young boy living in occupied Japan after WW2. It gives an opportunity to discuss with a child that some things that seem odd to them do not necessarily mean a threat to their safety.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story seemed to be an anecdote taken from Say's life when he was a young boy. It ended kind of abruptly like it was more of a memory rather than a story. It was interesting having the Americans join the group of kids on their "sportsday" celebration after the war recently ended. The descriptions of the soldiers really separated them as foreigners to their country but they welcomed them to their special event and it turned into a great day for all of the participants.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: 3.5

The grade school is on the steep side of a hill, and the children are celebrating sports day. Thus, kids can see similarities and differences to their own school days. The two American GIs who visit the school are honorable young men who make a positive impression on the little community.

(Given the strong anti-Japanese sentiments at that time, I'm surprised that the Americans are so warm. The Japanese children initially fear the Americans.)

[Ame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another title I remember back from the Reading Rainbow days. Say gives a nice glimpse of a Japanese village school's sports day shortly after the end of WWII and a couple of American soldiers show up to try out the principal's bicycle. There's no overt commentary, just a brief glimpse of recreation between cultures and then the soldiers leave and go back to their base.

[Joselyn Guizar]

I believe this tale would be a good book for students to listen to during a read aloud because I believe teachers still need to touch that sometimes it's not safe to talk to strangers. However, this book does an awesome job telling a story about a boy who discovers that strangers are not always an enemy.

[Becca Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about a sportsday at school, which at my school was like track and field day. The students raced and the parents brought them lunches with tea. This was set at a school in Japan. American soldiers come to the race, which scares the kids. They end up riding a book which makes them less scared and makes them laugh.

[Emily Knickerbocker]

This book takes place a year after Pearl Harbor happened, and it talks about the kid's sports day at school, where the parents come and watch them participate, even the parents participate. Two American men are watching them, and one wants to ride the principal's bike. I would have my students write a short sentence about what they thought the students of the school were thinking.

[Ellice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author tells the story of a day from his childhood, just after World War II, when his Japanese elementary school holds a field day competition. When two American soldiers show up, they steal the show, demonstrating a lot of fancy bicycle riding for the cheering kids. A slice of life from a very different time and place that still seems comprehensible to modern American kids.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of Beautiful Feet Books' "Around the World with Picture Books" curriculum. We adored this book. What a unique perspective on a very specific time and place in history. This is also a beautifully organic book about diverse cultures without being preachy or heavy-handed.

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming book with lovely illustrations. It is an autobiographical episode from the author’s childhood in post WWII Japan. A sports day at school becomes even more exciting than expected when two American GIs show up and join the fun!

Source: Lubbock Public Library (Groves Branch)

[Junior Bodden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bicycle man is a great story. It has a great ending to the story. It’s about a man who fixes and sells bikes.I Can teach this in the classroom by having the students have a writing responde, like write a short journal of when someone show them act of kindness

[Lili · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story of Japanese school children in celebration being unexpectedly visited by American soldiers.

[حسناء · Rating 4 out of 5]

no one is born to kill , every one is born to love .

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books tells of a boy in school who is playing outside. An American soldier rides a bike and puts on a show for the children.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story of a specific cross-cultural exchange from the author's childhood. I was enchanted.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intricate pen line drawings.

[Audrey Widjaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to see more the life of Japanese Kids. The illustrations was amazing. Simple yet meaningful.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was strange how the Japanese were scard of the Americans at first, but I like that in the end they were no longer scared.