Parents' Guide to

The Green Bicycle

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Funny, poignant, cheer-worthy tale of spirited Saudi girl.

The Green Bicycle Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

age 12+

An eye-opener

It is a good book for older children but does have quite a few adult references. Good to teach children about sexism in other countries.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This book treatment of the movie Wadjda offers a cultural epiphany to many Western readers about daily life in Saudi Arabia, especially resonating with kids who have non-stereotypical interests. Readers will root for Wadjda, laugh at her snarky remarks, feel her pain as the story progresses, and be left with lots to think about.

As a book, THE GREEN BICYCLE often fleshes out, at some length, the movie's quick visual details, as in the backstory about the late crooner whose songs Wadjda's mom loves to sing, or explanations of how women cope with various restrictions, such as being at the mercy of a cranky driver or a mean mother-in-law. This sometimes bogs the story down just a bit, but it pays off in a better understanding of life in a different culture.

Book Details

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