The amazing tricks two American soldiers perform on a borrowed bicycle are a fitting finale for the school sports day festivities in a small villag...
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reviews
Jul 07, 2011
Taneka
rated it: 
This is the book of a Japanese school boy that is participating in a school field day. During the activities, two American soldiers, one white and one black, show up. The tall black soldiers asks to use the principals bicycle and begins performing tricks for the kids, teachers and parents. The kids are amazed. They have never seen an American with red hair or a black American. The principal awards them a prize and the soldiers head back to their base.
The illustrations complime More...
The illustrations complime More...
Sep 16, 2009
Spencer
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This book came from the library in which I work (ISU's Eli M. Oboler Library). I like our Juvenile section. Once in a while I discover little gems that I have never heard about--I'm not an expert on Juvy lit, and this book certainly qualifies. The kids in Japan have a sports day, and some American soldiers pay them a visit. Setting: less than a year after WWII. It had a very delightful ending. It was one my kids enjoyed, because the pictures were both detailed and funny. It did not have t
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Jun 10, 2010
Kirei
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This book teaches about Japanese culture and about American/Japanese history. It takes places right after WWII in Japan. School children are having a Sports Day (a tradition that still continues in Japan.) They notice two American soldiers from a nearby base. One of the soldiers borrows a bicycle and does tricks on it, thus developing a friendship between them.
It might be confusing if you or your child are not familiar with WWII history, but this is a good book to learn about it.
It might be confusing if you or your child are not familiar with WWII history, but this is a good book to learn about it.
Dec 06, 2011
Susan
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I loved this book, most especially the last half. The first half was a retelling of a elementary school fieldday, but in Japan, so it was just interesting seeing how many things are similar to the way we do things, as well as some of the differences. Then all of the sudden, two (WWII) American soldiers come up on the scene, and then the real fun begins. I was cheering with the students and teachers and grinning and laughing too. What fun!
May 25, 2010
Beth
rated it: 
He reflects upon sportsday at school to celebrate sportsmanship in Japan. Events include races and tug of war. Parents have games as well. American soldiers watch. The presence frightens the boy. After asking to borrow a bike the solider performs tricks and wins first prize.
Jan 25, 2012
Kathryn
rated it:
Very cute story. It has cultural diversity dealing with Japanease and american soliders. It also relates to field day in Japan. I loved the pictures, and the refrence to the war. I would suggest this book to anyone!
Nov 28, 2011
After the author's autobiography, I finally picked up this book which I've seen for years in the children's library and never read. It's such a great story about life in post WWII Japan. A masterpiece.
Jan 29, 2010
Beth
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The illustrations in this book are VERY detailed. GReat pictures, great story.
Nov 10, 2008
Lisa
rated it:
The amazing tricks two American soldiers do on a borrowed bicycle are a fitting finale for the school sports-day festivities in a small village in occupied Japan.
Lower Grades K-3
Fiction
Topic - Subtopic: Award Winners-ALA Notable/Best Books; Community Life-School; Countries/Regions-Japan; Recommended Reading-California Recommended Lit., English, 3-5; Sports/Recreation-Bicycling; Wars-World War
Lower Grades K-3
Fiction
Topic - Subtopic: Award Winners-ALA Notable/Best Books; Community Life-School; Countries/Regions-Japan; Recommended Reading-California Recommended Lit., English, 3-5; Sports/Recreation-Bicycling; Wars-World War
Oct 30, 2008
Carolynne
rated it:
Japanese children take part in a school sports day shortly after World War II. The best part of the day is a picnic! Then two American soldiers appear and entertain the school by doing tricks on a bicycle, in a moment of international harmony and friendship. Carefully detailed line and wash drawings illustrate the story. Use with "How My Parents Learned to Eat," by Ina Friedman.
May 27, 2009
Snorkle
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While this story had a nice sentiment, I wasn't nearly as interested in it as some of Allen Say's other books. I was also a little bit disappointed with the quality of the illustrations, they weren't quite up to par. I might still recommend though.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009/05...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009/05...
Oct 30, 2008
Amber
rated it:
We used this book for a unit study while homeschooling. The boys enjoyed it. Simple yet a wonderful story. Love his other books as well.
Jan 08, 2012
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