A Bike Like Sergio's

Last updated Thursday, November 6, 2025

Author: Maribeth Boelts
Illustrator: Noah Z. Jones
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0763666491
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2025

Synopsis: Ruben feels like he is the only kid without a bike. His friend Sergio reminds him that his birthday is coming, but Ruben knows that the kinds of birthday gifts he and Sergio receive are not the same. After all, when Ruben's mom sends him to Sonny's corner store for groceries, sometimes she doesn't have enough money for everything on the list.

So when Ruben sees a dollar bill fall out of someone's purse, he picks it up and puts it in his pocket. But when he gets home, he discovers it's not one dollar or even five or ten - it's a hundred-dollar bill, more than enough for a new bike just like Sergio's!

But what about the crossed-off groceries? And what about the woman who lost her money?

Craft ideas: To be posted soon ...

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!