The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero
Written by Megan Hoyt, Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
Born in 1914, Gino Bartali was an Italian professional cyclist who won many races, including the Tour de France. But he was much more than an athlete. Bartali’s greatest acheivement was helping over 800 Jews during WWII, something he kept a secret, even up until his death in May, 2000. Only after diaries were discovered that described Bartali’s courageous rescue efforts was his story finally known. Because Bartali could cover 250 miles on his bike in one day, he was recruited to hide forged freedom papers in the hollow bars of his bycycle. He rode all over Italy, quickly delivering the papers that gave Jews a way out of the country. Told here with marvelous illustrations by Italian graphic designer Iacopo Bruno, this story is another example of one man’s courage and creativity during a dangerous time.
Reviewed by Andrea LeBaron, Media Clerk, Upland Terrace Elementary
Review shared in May 2021
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 2-5
Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero
Written by Megan Hoyt, Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
40 pages
Release Date: February 23, 2021
ISBN: 9780062908117
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
