Martin Bridge: Out of Orbit!

Ellie Contursi is a children’s librarian at the London Public Library.

Martin Bridge chapter books are entertaining stories that children will easily relate to. The stories include elements of peer pressure, childhood fears, unfairness, jealousy, and kindness—feelings most children deal with every day.

In Martin Bridge in High Gear!, the theme at the school fair is “Save Our Planet.” Martin does his part by organizing a group of students to pick up garbage along the beach. Shortly thereafter, when Martin’s brand new bicycle is stolen, retired police officer Darby offers to rebuild Martin’s old bike. It works out so well, Darby and Martin start up a new business called Bicycle Recycle and Martin ends up giving away his bike to a less-fortunate youngster.

In Martin Bridge: Sound the Alarm, “Zip Rideout: Space Cadet” is Martin’s favourite comic book hero even though his schoolmate, Thomas, teases him about it all the time. Things begin to get very interesting when Martin’s friend, Stuart, asks Martin to help him run an errand for his mother. Stuart needs to fetch something she needs for a display and take it to the toy store she owns. After playing for a long time in the Zip Rideout aisle, the boys realize that the store has closed and they are locked in. Before long they find a way to signal for help.

In Martin Bridge: Out of Orbit, Martin loathes fellow classmate Harper because he continually tells impossible stories that everyone seems to believe. Martin has the opportunity to get Harper in trouble but has a change of heart when he finds out why Harper tells so many untruths. In the second chapter, we are reminded that Zip Rideout is Martin’s favourite comic book hero. While playing the Zip character at school, Martin injures his hand. But how could that happen? Zip never gets hurt. Martin becomes bitter about the “lies” that are told in the Zip stories. When Martin and his classmates have the opportunity to meet Zip’s creator, illustrator Spyder Mapleson, Martin questions Spyder about the lies. Not only does Martin get a satisfying answer, it inspires him to help Spyder create another space adventure.

Black-and-white cartoonish drawings throughout the books nicely illustrate the narratives. Included in the back of each book are fun activities that relate to each story. All three books are recommended.