A Bike Like Sergio's
By Maribeth Boelts
The Story
A boy who longs for a bike like his friend Sergio's finds a hundred-dollar bill dropped by a stranger and has to decide what doing the right thing actually means.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's noticed that not everyone gets the same birthday gifts, this story sits right inside that feeling without ever explaining it away.
- Big idea: Wanting something badly doesn't erase what's right — honesty gets harder, not easier, when the stakes are real.
- Vibes: Quiet, thoughtful, a little tense, deeply grounded in everyday life.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on understanding honesty in tough situations
- notice differences between themselves and friends
- respond well to realistic, everyday stories over fantasy
- are learning to think through hard choices
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What do you think Ruben should do after he finds out the money is a hundred-dollar bill?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Ruben felt when he saw the money fall from the woman's purse?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever found something that wasn't yours? What did you do?
- Imagination: If you found a hundred dollars, what would be the hardest part about deciding what to do with it?
- Feelings & empathy: Why might it be hard for Ruben to talk to his mom about the crossed-off groceries?
