Dirt Bike Runaway

Children's Literature - Jennie DeGenaro

This book should be a hit with boys and girls who love motorcycles and racing. Peter races dirt bikes and is gifted at repairing them. He runs away from his unpleasant foster home and, arriving in a new town, is tricked by three delinquents. One of the boys beats Peter up when he tries to help them. After the fight, they offer him money to join their gang and steal auto parts. He refuses, and they are more angry than before. Another boy, Giff, comes by and invites Peter to come home with him for dinner. Peter's life changes drastically after this. The family is welcoming, although Giff's pretty sister D.C. shows some initial resistance. Giff and .D.C. enjoy dirt bike racing, and they loan Peter an old bike so that he can repair it and race with them. The delinquents continue to make Peter's life miserable. During one race, a delinquent falls off his bike and is in danger of being run over. Peter stops his bike, pulls him from harm's way, and resumes the race. Time lost causes Peter to receive a poor score. Peter is a likeable sixteen-year-old, and is overjoyed when Giff's family asks him to live with them permanently. A glossary of words unique to the sport would be helpful. Part of the new "Matt Christopher Sports Library" series. The text is interesting and free of profanity. This would be a good choice for libraries or as a gift for a favorite young person. Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro