Half A Bike
by Derek Smith
(Faber and Faber 2001, £4.99, ISBN 0-571-20713-8)

Roy has moved to an area where he doesn't know anyone. He wants a bike more than anything but Mum is broke, and having trouble coping. So Roy gets an early-morning paper round, to earn the money himself. He is helped out by Ringer, whose dad is a jailed bank robber. Every morning after the round they go to Uncle's greasy spoon café, where Uncle, when he is in the mood, bursts into song. But Roy loses the paper round and his world falls to bits. Then he gets the chance to steal a bike...

This gripping novel looks at the events that lead us to act the way we do.
Right and wrong are easier for some people than others.

Reviews:

"This is such a good read!
Half A Bike Great plot, well paced, likeable real characters and some unexpected twists. The build-up and suspense is excellent. The main character, Roy, wants a bike so badly it's not true. He dreams about being in races, his bedroom is plastered with posters, he has stacks of second hand magazines and knows all the ins and outs of bike maintenance. Any bike will do. Dad's out of the picture, Mum's struggling, he gets a paper round to save up for a second hand bike then everything goes wrong. It's so good. Oh the turmoil! (Can you remember feeling all mixed-up like that - I can, although I didn't nick a bike!). It's nice and slim. The cover will appeal to boys but girls will love it if it's recommended to them. They have to read this one."

Reader's Report

"Half A Bike by Derek Smith gives us Roy whose mother is a heavy drinking, non-coping single parent. They've just moved and of course there is no money - but Roy desperately wants a bike... This very compelling story explores just how vulnerable such a child is to serious trouble.
It also celebrates the value of real friendship."

The Independent
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