• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

When Mitch Harding makes an impulse buy, he really goes big.

Mitch spends his entire savings on a wrecked dirt bike after witnessing a rider crash it at an Endurocross race. He is now the proud owner of a used bike, one that needs a lot of work. With the help of his uncle, an ex-pro rider, and new friend Kelsey, a championship rider herself, they get the bike up and running. But a bet with the previous owner threatens to strip Mitch of his hard-earned vehicle. Whoever wins the next race gets to keep the bike. Mitch is determined to win. But partway through the race he discovers Kelsey lying on the trail, her bike on its side. With serious injuries and no way to get help, Kelsey has no choice but to ride out. But as Mitch and Kelsey push to get off the mountain, the path to safety gets more complicated.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

Michele Martin Bossley was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but grew up in Calgary, Alberta. Her sixth grade teacher encouraged her to write down the stories she enjoyed creating, but it wasn't until high school that Michele really began to consider writing as a career. She graduated from the University of Calgary in 1991, and began working seriously on writing children's books.

Michele is the author of eighteen novels for young people. Ten of her books have been chosen by the Canadian Children's Book Centre for the Our Choice list. Others have been nominated for the Manitoba and Alberta Reader's Choice Award, and she was runner-up for the 1997 Writer's Guild of Alberta R. Ross Annett Children's Literature award.

Many of Michele's books focus on different sports. As a former athlete, she was involved in synchronized swimming in her teens and competitive swimming in university. She has also coached young swimmers, in addition to coaching her twin sons' soccer and hockey teams, and draws on much of that experience for her books.

A frequent speaker at writing conferences and schools, Michele divides her time between writing and parenting her four sons. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Michele Martin Bossley's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"I would highly recommend this book for kids getting familiar with chapter books or who want a good, quick read...Action-packed."

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News, student takeover edition

“It’s wonderful to read a book about a female character in such a male-dominated sport. The plot is also exciting as the reader follows along in the bike’s repair and Mitch’s first few dirt bike rides which scare him. Both Mitch and Kelsey are strong characters, something which stands out and makes the story believable.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“With appeal that stretches far beyond dirt bikes, this story tackles loyalty, sacrifice, friendship, family, trust, bravery, and justice, and the antagonist has a terrific, well-written change of heart.”

Booklist

“A story about friendship, dealing with bullies, and making the most of what you have.”

Resource Links

“Full of adventure, action, and suspense and will keep readers on the edge of their seats.”

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