“The Mouse and the Motorcycle,” by Beverly Cleary

“The Mouse and the Motorcycle,” by Beverly Cleary is a pleasant tale for young readers.

Ralph is a young mouse who lives with his family in an old hotel. Ralph, like any young one halfway between childhood and adulthood, desires to be more independent from his family. His tale begins when he discovers a toy motorcycle that belongs to a young guest at the hotel. Ralph and the young boy become friends, and soon Ralph is enjoying many adventures, all of which involve the wonderful toy motorcycle.

“The Mouse and the Motorcycle” teaches important lessons about being responsible. Ralph learns that the freedom that the motorcycle gives him does not come without responsibility. “The Mouse and the Motorcycle” was first copyrighted in 1965, and since then this book and its two sequels have been enjoyed by children of all ages. I would recommend this book as a great gift for kids.

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“A Part of the Sky,” by Robert Newton Peck

“A Part of the Sky,” by Robert Newton Peck is a sequel to the best-selling “A Day No Pigs Would Die.”

Before Rob Peck’s father dies, he leaves his son with an important job:

“Come spring, you aren‘t the boy of the place. You‘re the man. Because there‘ll be nobody else, boy. Just you.”

Now Rob must struggle to deal with the many forces in his life. The family farm is not yet paid off, and mortgage payments must by made to the town bank, but drought, dying livestock, and the Great Depression make money scarce.

Rob’s determined spirit helps him to deal with loss of his father and the work that he must now take on as he is propelled into manhood.

I enjoyed reading “A Part of the Sky.” This sequel doesn’t have the sad ending as its predecessor, but the plot is realistic. It wonderfully portrays the experiences of thousands of farm families who were affected by the Great Depression. “A Part of the Sky,” is a must read sequel.

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“Red Planet,” by Robert A. Heinlein

“Red Planet,” by Robert A. Heinlein is a wonderful science fiction novel about a boy on Mars.

Jim Marlowe is a young colonist who has a unique pet, a round furry creature that is a native Mars inhabitant. “Willis” is not only a cute pet, but he can also function as an accurate recorder of all that happens around him.

One day Willis records a conversation that was not meant to be heard. A treacherous plot is being planned that might threaten the lives of all the colonists on Mars. Soon Jim and Willis are on the run, being chased by authorities that want to stop Jim and Willis from telling others.

The main aspect of “Red Planet” that I liked was the vivid descriptions of Mars. Heinlein’s attention to detail is remarkable, giving his story a rich depth that makes it notable. The story’s plot is not very unique, but the landscape, characters, and details that Heinlein uses breathe new life into a storyline that would otherwise be cliché.

I would recommend “Red Planet” to all science fiction and Heinlein fans.

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