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The Magic Bicycle is a story about a boy and his mysterious bicycle with spiritual parallels.
The Magic Bicycle by John Bibee. John Bibee Books, 2020. 200 pages.
- Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10
- Recommended For: ages 8-12
Finding an old bicycle in decent shape at the dump to replace his wrecked one is almost more than John could hope for, but why is there a black cobra wrapped so menacingly around the frame? The heavy red bike hardly seems worth taking home, but he needs a bike.
The brand reads Spirit Flyer.
The name troubles John’s guardians, Uncle Bill and Aunt Betty, when they find him trying to clean and repair it at home. With a little effort and investment the bike itself isn’t bad, but it’s heavy and slow compared with the other kids’ bikes. A disappointment. But then John makes a discovery: the bike can fly.
More strange things start happening, from heavy localized rain to the appearance of black cobras that threaten the Spirit Flyer. And while John is eager to enter the bicycle contest sponsored by Goliath Toy Store, why is the owner, Horace Grinsby, so eager to acquire the bike he found in the dump?
While the Spirit Flyer doesn’t always fly on John’s prompting, especially when he’s angry, he is clearly being protected from the same mysterious danger that caused the death of his parents years earlier.
Right before the big bicycle race/safety/best-looking bicycle contest everyone has been anticipating, John is tested with one trial after another, which leads to all the other children’s bicycles being taken hostage. The ransom note demands that he destroy the Spirit Flyer, and the town sets up a fund to encourage John to comply.
Meanwhile, a man in a dark suit keeps a boy with pliable convictions supplied with a candy called Sweet Temptations and anticipates starting the Toy Campaign once the Spirit Flyer is taken care of.
All these mysteries lead John to visit Grandfather Kramer. He needs to what’s going on and how to keep evil from creeping further into town.
Considerations: none
Bottom Line: Readers who enjoy fiction with hints of fantasy and spiritual themes will enjoy this series.
Related Reading From Redeemed Reader
- Review: The Prince Warriors is more fantasy than realistic fiction, but it has elements of both; it also packs in plenty of spiritual themes.
- Reviews: The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin similarly blends fiction and fantasy. We also love her Where the Mountain Meets the Moon title.
- Review: The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith features a 12-year-old working through grief with hints of magic and a quest.
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