Riding Planet Earth (Middle Reader series) [Paperback]

Shelley A. Leedahl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997 | Age Level: 10 and up

Ringo Warren, a self-described pushover, has much to make sense of: his untraditional family; a new city, new school and harsh climate; his older, delinquent sister; and his eager, adolescent interest in the opposite sex. All are menacingly underscored by the school bully's threats. Planet Earth is spinning out of control but Ringo hangs on for dear life as he rides.

Editorial Reviews

Review

. . . an exciting, humourous plot and a magic which compels all readers . . . most enjoyable for people of all ages. -- Saskatoon StarPhoenix

. . . strong charatcers that pre-teens will easily relate to . . . the dialogue is exactly right. -- NeWest Review

How do Ringo and Leedahl deal with these immense issues - fear, alienation, love, peer acceptance? - with humor, courage and hope. -- The Regina Sun

Young adolescent readers will be captivated by this fast-paced story . . . Recommended. -- Canadian Book Review Annual (CBRA)

About the Author

Shelley A. Leedahl has a special affinity for adolescent audiences. Former editor of Windscript and an instructor at the Sage Hill Youth Writing Camp, she frequently visits schools to conduct workshops. Shelley wrote Riding Planet Earth in collaboration with a grade 6/7 class. Another of her titles, The Bone Talker, is a prestigious White Raven 2000 selection.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 146 pages
• Publisher: Roussan Publishers (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189618426X
• ISBN-13: 978-1896184265
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,565,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, March 23, 2007

By 

Jessica C. (Saskatchewan, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Riding Planet Earth (Middle Reader series) (Paperback)

when i was yound this was my favorite book. the author is from my hometown well... city. the cover looks HORRIBLE i know. it makes it look like a sci-fi or something...odd... but its so not that!. It is about Ringo whos parents are fans of...Ringo..(can't remember the band) and he meets a girl...named...summer? anyways...its really great for 9-12 year olds. girls and boys. if your a teacher you have to read this to your class. they will love it garenteed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and Touching, October 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Riding Planet Earth (Middle Reader series) (Paperback)

"Riding Planet Earth" is quite simply, a good book. The plot flows well and the characters are easy to identify with. The story is interesting, and it outlines some of the hardest things a teenager goes through. Two thumbs up!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to read aloud!, January 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Riding Planet Earth (Middle Reader series) (Paperback)

As a volunteer at the Morrisonville School (Morrisonville, NY), I have just finished reading Riding Planet Earth to a sixth-grade class where it was a big hit. It was easy to identify with Ringo, the kid with the odd name, coming into a new community and a new school. Even though they had to wait a week (or sometimes two weeks) to hear more, the students seemed to be right in tune with the action and eager to continue with the story. The concise writing and real life situations made it an ideal choice for reading aloud because it kept their attention throughout. Anyone who has ever felt like an oddball or had a family situation which is different from the "norm" would feel a kinship with the characters. I think the author's collaboration with an actual school class in writing the book has made it especially relevant to youth. This was really evident to me when students were quick to identify with Ringo and give their opinions on his actions.