Originally written for French children - I'm really glad they decided to translate this one. And don't think that just because they are slum kids they are not loved and taken care of! This is one story that will make you think and think again. These wonderful kids have a battered hobby horse that they ride at 40mph down their street. Then some nefarious characters decide to use their horse for bad purposes. Heaven help those nefarious characters.
This is one of those special books. Published in 1958 in France, translated into English and pub. in 1964 in USA. Don't waste your time feeling sorry for these kids living in a very poor neighborhood. They have loving friends and family, and a very special toy. You might feel sorry for the crooks, though, after the kids get through with them.