After a series of accidents forces Nick into a bicycle-theft ring, he finds his last chance at stability threatened. Following his parents' death, Nick and his younger sister, Katie, have had difficulty finding foster parents willing to take both of them. Their placement with the Radlers seems precarious, especially after Katie breaks the flat-screen television. Desperate to replace it before the damage is discovered, Nick strikes a deal at the pawn shop to pay for a new television with stolen bikes, but the debt keeps growing, and time is running out. Doing the wrong thing for the right reason is a common mistake, and Nick's likable nature combined with his inability to extricate himself from an ever-worsening situation makes him a sympathetic character. Inner-city cycling culture might have a specific audience, but Feutl employs just enough slang for authenticity without sounding forced, and there is enough danger to keep tension high. With a slim size that's perfect for struggling and reluctant readers, this is a suspenseful tale with a surprising twist and satisfying conclusion.

After his parents' death, Nick is sucked into the illegal operations of a bicycle chop shop. His flimsy reasoning--that his foster parents will reject him and his sister if he doesn't replace the TV she broke--is not borne out by the sunny ending, but the swift plot escalation and clear character hooks will satisfy hi-lo readers.