BOOK DETAILS
UNICYCLE DAD
By Sarah Hovorka| Illustrator: Alicia Schwab
From: Amicus Ink / AmicusPublishing.us | Coming March 12, 2024
Picture Book | Ages: 3 - 7 years | ISBN: 978-1681529028
KEY IDEAS
A heartwarming story of family resilience and an empowering narrative about overcoming obstacles and poverty in a single-parent household.
Sarah knows her unicycle-riding dad is special--even as Sarah cooks, takes care of her brother, and does homework on her own. When her dad finally graduates from high school, gets a second job, and eventually lands a promotion, Sarah realizes there's so much more that's special about him. Unicycle Dad shares the inherent struggles and quiet joys of a single-parent, impoverished household. Raised by a single teenage father in poverty, author Sarah Hovorka grew up in a family structure lived by many but seldom represented in children's books. Illustrator Alicia Schwab captures the story with warm, expressive art.
Reviews
GOODREADS 5-Star Reviews!!!
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SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“A touching tale based on the author’s childhood experience. The narrative, revolving around a father-daughter relationship, adeptly relates the challenges of learning to ride a unicycle to the broader struggles in the father and daughter’s life. As the story unfolds, readers discover the family’s low-income status and the father’s journey to obtain his high school degree while navigating the responsibilities of single parenthood. Hovorka introduces many poignant moments, including her father’s graduation and subsequent disappointment at work resulting in him needing a second job, that showcase the harsh realities of financial struggles. The children adapt to his increased workload, with the daughter taking on more responsibilities at home. Schwab’s illustrations add a simple and realistic charm to the narrative. This book skillfully captures the emotions and challenges faced by the characters, making the story accessible and engaging for young readers.
VERDICT
A heartwarming story of family resilience and an empowering narrative about overcoming obstacles—a valuable addition to any collection.” —School Library Journal
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ChildrensLit.com
“In this homage to her father, Hovorka shares her experiences being raised by a single dad…This book encourages diversity and is relatable for children with nontraditional family structures. Altogether, the beautiful messages of this tale show children to stay hopeful and perseverant, as well as to be grateful for what they do have.”—Children’s Literature
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Synopsis
Sarah knows her unicycle-riding dad is special -- even as Sarah cooks, takes care of her brother, and does homework on her own. When her dad finally graduates from high school, gets a second job, and eventually lands a promotion, Sarah realizes there's so much more that's special about him.
Critique
"Unicycle Dad" shares the inherent struggles and quiet joys of a single-parent, impoverished household. Raised by a single, teenage father in poverty, author Sarah Hovorka grew up in a family structure lived by many but seldom represented in children's books. Illustrator Alicia Schwab captures the story with warm, expressive art. Entertaining and thoroughly appropriate for children ages 5-9 on the subject of homelessness and poverty, "Unicycle Dad" is a very special and unreservedly recommended pick for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
Editorial Note #1
Sarah Hovorka is a bookworm and self-proclaimed homebody. Exploring our world and the vastness of the human experience through books, she hopes to share a little of her world through her own writings. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and has completed a certificate in creative writing from UC San Diego.
Editorial Note #2
Two bookworms raised Alicia Schwab in the Madison, Wisconsin, area, working several jobs to support Alicia and her siblings. Alicia started making books when she was little and has gone on to illustrate books and publications in Germany and the USA, including "The Mukulkball," "Takoza," "LITE,” and various magazines.”—Midwest Book Reviews
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Spring 2024 Children’s Sneak Previews, June 22, 2023
“Unicycle Dad by Sarah Hovorka, illus. by Alicia Schwab, which finds Sarah’s unicycle-riding father struggling to make ends meet as Sarah and her brother struggle to master the unicycle and help out at home.”—Shannon Maughan