I finally got sick of watching my kid wrestle this ungodly heavy big-box bike that was utter crap anyway (and I hated lifting it onto the bike rack myself!). I got him this one:
MT 200 Boy's - Kids' collection - Trek Bicycle
It's a 24" I realize--not exactly what you're looking for--but FWIW we're very happy with it. I think the added weight of suspension at his current body weight is kinda unnecessary. He throws this bike around without much trouble, it's nice and simple, etc.