Super Fast, Out of Control! (Marvin Redpost) [Paperback]

Louis Sachar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2, 2005 | Series: Marvin Redpost

Suicide Hill is the ultimate test of bravery. Few have conquered the treacherously steep slope without completely wiping out - or so the legend goes. And rumour has it that Marvin will be taking it on. Only Marvin isn't so sure. His new mountain bike is enormous - he can barely climb up on to it. And changing gears is out of the question! But will he have to ride down Suicide Hill in order to prove himself to his classmates? If he succeeds he will be a hero. If he doesn't, then everyone is about to witness the biggest wipeout ever!

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Louis Sachar is one of the few masters of American fiction' Independent on Sunday 'Magic and hard realism come crashing together. This is an extraordinary and unconventional novel' Praise for Holes, Observer 'An exceptionally good novel' Praise for Holes, Sunday Times 'Thirty clever, fast-moving stories that describe the bizarre events at Wayside School each story is refreshingly different' Praise for Sideways Stories from Wayside School, The Guardian

From the Inside Flap

Many have tried to master the slippery slopes of Suicide Hill on their bikes. Marvin's older brother has conquered the hill, but Marvin has steered clear. Until now. The word at school is that Marvin will be taking on the hill with his new mountain bike. But the truth is, he can barely climb on the seat! And the gears--forget about it. How did he suddenly become a daredevil? Does he have to go through with it to prove himself? If Marvin makes it, he'll be a hero. If not, his friends and family may catch the biggest wipeout in history! --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books (May 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747566828
• ISBN-13: 978-0747566823
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,262,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

author spotlight
Newbery Award-winning author Louis Sachar is the creator of the entertaining Marvin Redpost books as well as the much-loved There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom, winner of 17 child-voted state awards.

Louis Sachar's book Holes, winner of the 1999 Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, is also an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Quick Pick, an ALA Notable Book, and was made into a major motion picture.

A Few Words From Louis Sachar
Of all the characters from Holes, why did you choose to revisit Armpit in SMALL STEPS?
LS: I tend to write about underdogs. It seemed to me that life would be tough for an African-American teenager from a low-income family with a criminal record. Especially someone stuck with the name, "Armpit."
Although this new book is about a character from Holes, the two books are very different. How would you explain to a fan of Holes what to expect from SMALL STEPS?
LS: I can't. I'm no good at describing my books. Holes has been out now for seven years, and I still can't come up with a good answer when asked what that book is about.
Could you imagine future novels about any of the other boys?
Do you think about what Stanley is up to now?
LS: I don't think too much about Stanley or Zero. I left them in a good place. Although money doesn't bring happiness, or give meaning to someone's life, the problems Stanley and Zero face now (and I'm sure they do face many problems) are less interesting than those faced by someone like Armpit.
Plenty of teenagers fantasize about what it would be like to be a young rock star.
You portray it as lonely. Tell us about that decision.
LS: The media tends to portray the teenage world as one where drinking and sex is taken for granted. In fact, I think most teenagers don't drink, are unsure of themselves, and feel awkward around members of the opposite sex. I thought it was important to show Kaira, a rock star no less, as such a person. Her situation, in many ways, is made more difficult as she has no social contact with anyone her age. She is trapped in a world of agents, record producers, and hanger-ons.
I'm imagining that off all the books you've written, Holes is the one that has changed your life the most. Not only did it win the Newbery Medal, it's also simply a popular sensation. Is this assessment accurate? What is this novel's continuing impact on your life? Would you consider it the book that you are proudest of?
LS: Not counting Small Steps, I think Holes is my best book, in terms of plot, and setting, and the way the story revealed itself. It hasn't changed my life, other than that I have more money than I did before I wrote it. I'm still too close to Small Steps to compare it to Holes.
Why do you typically write only two hours each day?
LS: Small steps. Every time I start a new novel it seems like an impossible undertaking. If I tried to do too much too quickly, I would get lost and feel overwhelmed. I have to go slow, and give things a chance to take form and grow.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvin's Back...., February 27, 2001

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Super Fast, Out of Control! (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) (Library Binding)

How does Marvin Redpost get himself into these situations? The talk around school is that he's got a new mountain bike and is going to take on Suicide Hill. Truth is, Marvin can hardly even climb onto the bike, no less ride it. If he actually survives the ride, he'll be the most popular boy at school. If he wimps out, he'll never be able to show his face again. And if he challenges the hill and loses, his friends and family may get to watch the worst wipeout, ever. Poor Marvin is scared to death and doesn't know what he's going to do..... Louis Sachar has written another charming and amusing story your 7-10 year olds will really be able to identify with. This is a story full of great, realistic scenes, true to life dialogue and characters, so real, they could live in your neighborhood. And as Marvin decides whether to take that fateful trip down Suicide Hill or not, your youngsters will be rooting for him. Mr Sachar and Marvin never disappoint and they're not starting now.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvin Redpost continues to please, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Super Fast, Out of Control! (Marvin Redpost, No. 7) (Paperback)

The newest Marvin Redpost series book does not disappoint its faithful followers. Marvin again gets himself into a sticky situation-- this time he manages to get dared into riding his new mountainbike down Suicide Hill and it's a bike that he can hardly fit on top of. Stick with Marvin through the story and learn how he always seems to come out on top!

4.0 out of 5 stars AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!, June 14, 2010

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Super Fast, Out of Control! (Marvin Redpost, No. 7) (Paperback)

Marvin Red Post Super Fast Out of Control! is a realistic fiction book by Mr. Louis Sachar. Our main character Marvin Red Post, who lives in a small town, is

afraid of his new bike , and he is of riding down Suicide Hill on his new bike.

In the beginning, Marvin and his friends are so bored that they play the golden unicorn game with Marvin's little sister , but soon they start talking about Suicide Hill. Since he

is scared of the hill and his bike, he feels he is about to throw up just thinking about it.

For the whole week he is freaking out because he is stressed about how to ride down

Suicide Hill alive. If you want to know if he rides down the hill in one piece, read the book. If you like stories about a kid who overcomes his fears, then you will love this book!