The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Title: The Mouse and the Motorcycle
Author: Beverly Cleary
Published: Aug 1990, originally 1965
ISBN: 9780380709243
Other books in the series: Runaway Ralph, Ralph S. Mouse
Characters: Ralph, Keith
Awards: Nene Award
Genre: fiction, fantasy
Reading Level: 5th grade
Interest Level: 3rd-5th grade
Summary: Ralph is a mouse who lives in an inn and can't seem to stay out of trouble. One day a young boy named Keith comes to stay at the inn and brings with him his toy motorcycle. Ralph stumbles upon the motorcycle and can't help but ride it and ends up crashing the motorcycle into the trash bin. Thankfully the boy Keith finds Ralph and makes a deal with him. Keith tells Ralph he can ride the motorcycle but only if he takes care of it. Ralph can't believe how amazing having a motorcycle is and loves his new friend Keith. But when Keith gets sick Ralph becomes the only one who can save him.
Review: This is such a sweet and imaginative story. Ralph is reckless but likable and comes to Keith's aid when he needs him most. The story is a classic for a reason. Readers loves the adventures of Ralph the mouse. Who wouldn't love a motorcycle riding mouse? Ralph gets in trouble with his mom and despite being a mouse is full of personality that tweens can connect to. It's a quick and fun read that leaves the reader happy at the end.
Reader's Annotation: Ralph is a bit of a rebellious mouse and it only get's worse when he finds a motorcycle.
Main themes: friendship, adventure, motorcycles
Read alikes: The Tale of Despereaux 
Why for tweens? Tweens will love this animal fantasy and the rebellious mouse Ralph. This is a fun book that they can get lost in and enjoy. It's a great feel good story that will appeal to reluctant tween readers.