🟢 Book Review: The Bicycle: How an Act of Kindness Changed a Young Refugee's Life by Patricia McCormick and Mevan Babakar
- Sep 3, 2025
- 2 min read
RATING: 🟢 Recommended
REVIEWER: Viet Tran
REVIEW METHODOLOGY: Louise Derman-Spark's Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books from the Social Justice Books Project, Teaching for Change
“Everybody needs help sometimes.”
The Bicycle by Patricia McCormick and Mevan Babakar narrates the heartwarming tale of Mevan Babakar, a young refugee whose life was drastically altered by a little but impactful deed of generosity. Mevan was staying in a camp for refugees after escaping Iraq when a local man gave him a bicycle. Even though it seemed insignificant, this act gave her a great deal of happiness and optimism during a difficult and uncertain period. The narrative reminds readers that even the tiniest deeds can have a profound effect by showcasing the tenacity of migrants and the transformational potential of empathy and compassion.
Mevan Babakar's personal experience as a refugee and Patricia McCormick's insightful writing bring the book to life and give the story depth and authenticity. Warm, earthy hues are used in the pencil and watercolor pictures to portray Mevan's journey's setbacks as well as its victories. With their portrayal of significant events like Mevan's first bicycle ride, the pictures exquisitely enhance the text and capture the happiness and camaraderie that characterize the narrative.
Children may learn a lot from this book about the value of compassion and the experience of refugees. It is a priceless tool for educators, parents, and everyone else trying to advance social justice and compassion because it emphasizes the human side of displacement, which cultivates empathy and understanding. The Bicycle will appeal to readers of all ages because of its upbeat and approachable theme.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
REVIEWER BIO: Viet Tran was a student at Portland State University and took Zapoura Newton-Calvert's Social Justice in K12 Curriculum course. Their volunteer work was a partnership with Reading Is Resistance and the Social Justice Books Project from Teaching for Change.
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