From School Library Journal:
Kindergarten-Grade 3-- When spring arrives on Trotter Street, Hughes's multiethnic neighborhood begins to hum with activity. Children on roller skates, tricycles, and wheels of all kinds are out in numbers, enjoying the warm weather and holidays. There is trouble in paradise, however. When his friend Billy receives a brand new shiny orange bicycle for his birthday, Carlos can hardly bear having to make do with his old one. As his own birthday draws near, he dreams of a new bicycle, even though his mother has explained that such a gift would be beyond the family's modest means. The poignant suspense builds, until the special day arrives and Carlos is thrilled to find a bright red go-cart that his brother made for him. Although the text is a bit lengthy, it is emotionally accurate, and young listeners will relate to Carlos's feelings of envy, hope, and joy. The illustrations brim with life and movement, nicely rounding out this warm and satisfying story. --Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews:
Busy Trotter Street stars again, with a typically benevolent Hughes flavor to the events. Billy's mum takes care of Marco while Marco's mum works in a bakery; the two friends enjoy racing their old bikes, and each hopes for a much-needed new one. Billy gets his wish on his birthday; economic reality means that Marco doesn't, and he is understandably disappointed. However, Marco's big brother has made him a go-cart, fashioned with care and beautifully painted--and it's a winner in the annual ``Non- Bicycle Race'' in the local park, when the many contestants (who will be familiar to fans of the series) turn up with scooters, skateboards, roller skates, etc. Another warm, generous, delectably illustrated slice of life as it should be from this master of realistic stories. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.