The Bicycle Man
From Reading Rainbow · 1990
28 min2nd3rd4th5thReading & Writing (ELA)Social Studies
Summary
Allen Say's picture book is set in Japan after World War II, where an American soldier delights a school's sports day with his trick bicycle riding. The episode explores how small moments of joy can bridge cultural divides.
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All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
After WWII, an American soldier brings unexpected joy to a Japanese school celebration.
- How do the Japanese schoolchildren first feel when they see the American soldier? How does that change?
- What role does the bicycle trick riding play in breaking down barriers?
- This story is based on a real memory Allen Say has from childhood. Why might this moment have stayed with him?
- Have you ever seen or shared a skill that surprised someone and made them smile?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: post-war, occupation, cultural exchange, gesture, connection.
Try it: Write two sentences from the perspective of the Japanese boy watching the soldier and two sentences from the soldier's perspective. How might each be feeling?