Geronimo Stilton Book 37: The Race Across America

Geronimo Stilton Book 37: The Race Across America

ISBN-10: 0545021375
ISBN-13:978-0545021371

Summary:
I, Geronimo Stilton, am not a big fan of races. I like to take my time and smell the cheese! But when my friend Bruce Hyena invited me to race across America on my bicycle, I just couldn't resist. And holey cheese, what a fabumouse adventure we had!

Review: (Warning: Spoilers May follow)
My Rating: A
The premise of the story is that our quiet, book-loving hero has yet another old friend who needs his assistance. But this time, helping a friend doesn’t require Geronimo to confront his fear of mummies, or tarantulas or planes or ships or the myriad other things he is  terrified of, but instead to find outer strength to match his inner strength. His sporty buddy, Bruce Hyena has joined up for The Race across America and needs another team member. After a reluctant start Geronimo immediately goes into training for the arduous trip. I must admit, being an Australian, I thought The Race was fictional until, like Benjamin showed me, I looked it up on the Internet.

The story is inspiring and surprising. Who knew Geronimo was such a powerhouse of a mouse under all that fur! I loved the team work and interplay between Bruce and Geronimo, they really connect despite their differences. Their willingness to help others who are actually their competitors is a rare thing in our current culture. To maintain a competitive spirit but also be compassionate and fair can be a difficult balance to maintain and Geronimo gets it right. All in all a wonderfully inspiring and heart-felt story, one of Geronimo’s best.

Main Characters:
Geronimo Stilton: Hero and Narrator
Bruce Hyena: Geronimo’s sporty buddy.
Tex Talkington: The New Mouse City (N.M.C.) Team Manager
V-Doc:Team N.M.C.’s Personal Trainer

What I Learnt (The Extra Bits):
Factfiles: The History of the Bicycle, What Is The Race Across America?, The Most Challenging Races in the World. Exercises To Stretch Your Limbs While Flying, California: San Diego, Route 66, The Grand Canyon, Arizona: Monument Valley, Colorado, How To Chance A Flat Tire On A Bicycle, Dodge City.

Maps: Team NMC’s Camper (2 pages).

Fun Bits: Jokes (2 pages) .

Non-Fiction Resources For Further Discussion:
The Race Across America Website: http://www.raceacrossamerica.org/
The official website for The Race Across America. Please use adult discretion and supervise your child on the Internet if you feel it is necessary.

Bicycle- The History: "This lively and lavishly illustrated book tells the extraordinary history of the bicycle, an invention that precipitated nothing short of a social revolution. Recounting a story replete with disputed patents, brilliant inventions, and missed opportunities, David Herlihy shows us why the bicycle captured the public’s imagination and the myriad ways it has reshaped our world."A fascinating and detailed history of the bicycle for older readers.  (Ages 12+)

The Noblest Invention: "The handsome book chronicles the full range of the bicycle's history, from its practical applications to the lure of the Tour de France and the joy of just getting out on the open road." This coffee table type book, containing numerous photos and illustrations, is more accessible for younger audience than the book above but just as informative for older readers. (Ages 9+)

Fiction That Deals With similar subjects:
The Bike Lesson: When Brother Bear gets a brand-new bike, he’s all set to ride it–that is, after Papa Bear shows him the rules of the road. The Berenstain Bears in an absolute classic that continues to delight kids and adults 45 years after its first publication (Ages 4+).

Gracie Goat’s Big Bicycle Race: When Howard Horse invites his friends to a bike competition, everyone is excited — except Gracie Goat. She doesn't know how to ride a bike, and is so scared she refuses to try. Fortunately her Grandma convinces her to face her fears. Children will relate to Gracie's self-doubt as well as her persistence in this sensitive, upbeat story featuring colorful images by award-winning illustrator Lisa Horstman. The book includes fitness tips for children to put into practice as they play. (Ages 4+)

Where To Buy The Book
A great way to purchase Geronimo Stilton books is on the internet, and ebay is one of the best resources around for finding a great price. Click on the latest live auctions for Geronimo Stilton The Race Across America below.
If you prefer a bookstore, Amazon has great service and a great price.

Tags: Geronimo Stilton, Geronimo Stilton Books