For children who dream big and work hard, this story follows a boy's unwavering quest to earn and ride his very own motorbike, celebrating perseverance and the thrill of achieving a goal.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is fixated on a single, ambitious goal and needs to understand the value of working towards it. This classic story follows a young boy named Mick who wants a motorbike more than anything in the world. Set in a rural French village, the narrative details his unwavering determination to earn the money himself through a series of odd jobs. It’s a powerful, straightforward story about perseverance, responsibility, and the deep satisfaction of achieving a dream through your own hard work. Ideal for tweens grappling with new desires for independence, it models a healthy, proactive approach to getting what you want in life.
This book is refreshingly free of heavy sensitive topics. The approach to its themes of work and reward is secular and direct. The resolution is entirely hopeful and earned. The primary note for parents is the potential for a cultural content gap; as a book from 1975, its depiction of village life, technology, and gender roles is of its time and may differ from a child's contemporary experience.
Ideal Reader
This is for the 9-11 year old who is laser-focused on a goal, whether it's saving up for a gaming console, a new bike, or a special trip. It's perfect for a child who appreciates realistic stories and is beginning to understand the relationship between work, money, and personal freedom. It will resonate with readers who are starting to dream of more independence.
Parent Prep
No specific pages require previewing. A parent might want to provide context about the time it was written (the 1970s), explaining that things like communication and the types of jobs available to kids were different. The book can be read cold, but a brief discussion about the setting could be helpful. A parent hears their child say, "I wish I had a [big ticket item]!" or complains that things aren't fair. This book serves as a positive, non-preachy response, shifting the conversation from wanting to earning.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely be captivated by the idea of the motorbike and the adventure of Mick's various jobs. An older reader (11-12) will better grasp the deeper themes of self-reliance, financial literacy, and the powerful feeling of accomplishment that comes from hard work. They will connect more strongly with Mick's growing sense of identity and independence.
What Makes It Special
In a landscape of fantasy and high-stakes adventure, this book's uniqueness lies in its quiet, grounded celebration of the process. It is an ode to delayed gratification and the dignity of labor. Unlike stories where the protagonist gets a lucky break, Mick's success is a direct, linear result of his own effort, making it a powerful and realistic model for young readers.
Read plot summary
Mick, a young boy in a French village, develops an all-consuming desire to own a motorbike. The book chronicles his single-minded pursuit of this goal. He takes on various jobs, from running errands and delivering goods to helping with farm labor, meticulously saving every franc he earns. The story focuses on the process: the hard work, the small setbacks, the growing sense of competence, and the eventual, triumphant moment when he buys the motorbike and experiences the freedom he worked so hard to achieve.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Mick took on many different jobs to earn money. Which job seemed the most challenging or interesting to you? Why was it important for him to earn the bike himself?
2
When Mick's friend offers him a ride, it's not the same as riding his own bike. What do you think the motorbike represented to Mick beyond just a way to get around?
3
Mick was incredibly focused on his goal. Have you ever wanted something so much you were willing to work for a long time to get it? What was the experience like?
4
After buying the motorbike, Mick had to learn to maintain it and ride it safely. What kinds of new responsibilities come with getting something you've wanted for a long time?
