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The Brave Cyclist, The True Story of a Holocaust Hero
Once a skinny and weak child, Gino Bartali rose to become a Tour de France champion and one of cycling's greatest stars. But all that seemed unimportant when his country came under the grip of a brutal dictator and entered World War II on the side of Nazi Germany. Bartali might have appeared a mere bystander to the harassment and hatred directed toward Italy’s Jewish people, but secretly he accepted a role in a dangerous plan to help them. Putting his own life at risk, Bartali used his speed and endurance on a bike to deliver documents Jewish people needed to escape harm. His inspiring story reveals how one person could make a difference against violence and prejudice during the time of the Holocaust.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2019
About the author
Amalia Hoffman
15 books24 followersAmalia Hoffman is an author, illustrator and storyteller.
My Monsterpiece (Yeehoo Press) is the winner in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Award Picture book (Ages 0-5)
All Colors (Schiffer Publishing, 2019) is one of School Library Journal best board books, 2019.
The Brave Cyclist (Capstone Publishing, 2019,) illustrated by Chiara Fedele) is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection and a Bank Street College Selection Book.
Dreidel Day (Kar-Ben Publishing Group, 2018) is a PJ Library book and received the PJ Library Author Incentive Award
She’s also author/illustrator of Astro Pea (Schiffer Publishing, 2019.)
Amalia’s article, Queen Esther and I was published in Highlights Magazine for Children, March, 2016.
Amalia designed and illustrated Rose Bud, an oversized book with pop-up elements for Israel’s children’s theater "The Train."
Other books include, The Klezmer Bunch and Purim Goodies, Gefen Publishing House.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 26, 2019
2,5/5. Love the message, the resilience and the hope in it. I also enjoy the illustrations which were beautiful. Unfortunately I find that the story might be a bit too long for the targeted reader, lot of text, very slow pace and all are not the best way to captivate a young reader mind. Good book, maybe not well suited for his audience...
August 7, 2020
This is a book for older kids as there is a lot of text. I wanted to read this to learn more about Gino Bartali, a two time Tour de France winner, who helped smuggle documents to save Jewish people in Italy during WWII. A true hero!
July 31, 2022
Overall, an inspirational story about Gino Batali who as a child growing up in 1930s Italy wants to be a cyclist.
I would love for more people to learn about this Italian who made a difference during World War II.
I would love for more people to learn about this Italian who made a difference during World War II.
September 2, 2019
Sometimes the most unlikely people find themselves in a situation that calls for action and bravery and they rise to the occasion. This is certainly the case of Tour de France champion Gino Bartali.
Born in Florence, Italy, Gino was a small, sickly boy who found release riding a bike, even if it was a rusty second hand bike. Before long, he could outrace his friends, even those with better bikes. In sixth grade, Gino decided to learn more about cycling, and got a part-time job with Oscar Casamanti, a man who repaired racing bikes. When he was invited to ride along with some racers through the Tuscan hills, Gino persevered even as some riders dropped out. Casamanti was so impressed, he recommended Gino take part in professional races.
At 17, he began training and racing more, and by age 21, Gino had become a powerful, winning racer. In 1938, he participated in the Tour de France and despite having an accident during the race, he still managed to win. By now, Benito Mussolini had declared himself Il Duce, the leader of Italy and a ally of Adolf Hitler. Mussolini declared Jewish citizens to be enemies of the state. Kids could no longer go to public school, or play in public parks, and their parents lost their jobs. Many Jews were arrested.
Then, in 1943, Gino received a mysterious telephone call from the archbishop of Florence, Cardinal Elia Dalla Costa. Could Gino help them? Riding his bike, Gino became a secret courier for the cardinal - making a 110-mile trip to deliver papers, photographs, and identification papers to a printer in Assisi, Italy, who then created forged identification papers that would be give to Jews in the hope that the papers would save their lives.
Gino carried on this important work until he was arrested in 1944, accused of selling guns to Mussolini's enemies. Released after 3 days, Gino went into hiding for a few months, until August 1, 1944 when the war ended in Italy and Italians were freed from Mussolini's grip.
And Gino? He went back to training for bike races, even winning the 1948 Tour de France again.
The Brave Cyclist is such an important story, and yet, one very few people knew about until now. Gino's story is a particularly important one when you realize that the punishment for helping Jews in any capacity was death, and not just for the helper, but often for their family as well. But Gino's story is also an inspiring one that proves the even one person can make a difference, that resistance can change people's fate. And the whole time Gino rode his bike great distances, often being stopped and searched by soldiers, delivering documents to be converted into forged identification papers, he had to keep his activities to himself. He could not even tell his wife so that if they were arrested, she wouldn't know anything.
In addition to an accessible written biography, Chiara Fedele's affecting illustrations are done in bright hues reflecting the happy days of cycling and racing, then switch to mostly dark hues reflecting the dark times of Mussolini's reign, complimenting and enhancing the text.
This is one of my favor illustrations. Gino has just been stopped and searched by soldiers,
now he's riding into the open field of the countryside, bringing freedom to some of Italy's Jewish citizens.
The Brave Cyclist is a picture book for older readers that is sure to generate some wonderful discussions among young readers about what they might do if they found themselves in the same circumstances as Gino.
Author Amalia Hoffman has included an Afterword that goes into detail about Gino Bartali's life, and his heroic actions. In fact, she writes, that Gino was recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in Israel, and what greater honor can there be but to be so acknowledged. You will also find an important Select Bibliography in the back matter for further investigation.
This book is recommended for readers age 8+
This book was provided to me by the publisher, Capstone Editions
Born in Florence, Italy, Gino was a small, sickly boy who found release riding a bike, even if it was a rusty second hand bike. Before long, he could outrace his friends, even those with better bikes. In sixth grade, Gino decided to learn more about cycling, and got a part-time job with Oscar Casamanti, a man who repaired racing bikes. When he was invited to ride along with some racers through the Tuscan hills, Gino persevered even as some riders dropped out. Casamanti was so impressed, he recommended Gino take part in professional races.
At 17, he began training and racing more, and by age 21, Gino had become a powerful, winning racer. In 1938, he participated in the Tour de France and despite having an accident during the race, he still managed to win. By now, Benito Mussolini had declared himself Il Duce, the leader of Italy and a ally of Adolf Hitler. Mussolini declared Jewish citizens to be enemies of the state. Kids could no longer go to public school, or play in public parks, and their parents lost their jobs. Many Jews were arrested.
Then, in 1943, Gino received a mysterious telephone call from the archbishop of Florence, Cardinal Elia Dalla Costa. Could Gino help them? Riding his bike, Gino became a secret courier for the cardinal - making a 110-mile trip to deliver papers, photographs, and identification papers to a printer in Assisi, Italy, who then created forged identification papers that would be give to Jews in the hope that the papers would save their lives.
Gino carried on this important work until he was arrested in 1944, accused of selling guns to Mussolini's enemies. Released after 3 days, Gino went into hiding for a few months, until August 1, 1944 when the war ended in Italy and Italians were freed from Mussolini's grip.
And Gino? He went back to training for bike races, even winning the 1948 Tour de France again.
The Brave Cyclist is such an important story, and yet, one very few people knew about until now. Gino's story is a particularly important one when you realize that the punishment for helping Jews in any capacity was death, and not just for the helper, but often for their family as well. But Gino's story is also an inspiring one that proves the even one person can make a difference, that resistance can change people's fate. And the whole time Gino rode his bike great distances, often being stopped and searched by soldiers, delivering documents to be converted into forged identification papers, he had to keep his activities to himself. He could not even tell his wife so that if they were arrested, she wouldn't know anything.
In addition to an accessible written biography, Chiara Fedele's affecting illustrations are done in bright hues reflecting the happy days of cycling and racing, then switch to mostly dark hues reflecting the dark times of Mussolini's reign, complimenting and enhancing the text.
This is one of my favor illustrations. Gino has just been stopped and searched by soldiers,
now he's riding into the open field of the countryside, bringing freedom to some of Italy's Jewish citizens.
The Brave Cyclist is a picture book for older readers that is sure to generate some wonderful discussions among young readers about what they might do if they found themselves in the same circumstances as Gino.
Author Amalia Hoffman has included an Afterword that goes into detail about Gino Bartali's life, and his heroic actions. In fact, she writes, that Gino was recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in Israel, and what greater honor can there be but to be so acknowledged. You will also find an important Select Bibliography in the back matter for further investigation.
This book is recommended for readers age 8+
This book was provided to me by the publisher, Capstone Editions
June 13, 2019
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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My review will be on my site closer to the expected publication date of August 1, 2019.
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The Brave Cyclist is not your typical picture book. It tells the true story of Gino Bartali who was a small child who ended up winning the Tour de France twice in his lifetime and also became an important figure in World War II by helping to save the Jewish people of Italy. I did not know Gino’s story until I read this picture book. It shows how drive and determination really can help one person make a difference in a time of need. Gino would ride his bicycle 110 miles one way and he was even jailed for something he did not do. He not only risked his life, he also risked his family’s life.
There is an afterward included that informs us of Gino’s life. His story is well known in Italy, Gino’s hard work deserves recognition in history books worldwide. This story is aimed for children ages 9-12 and should be included in World War II coursework. This book needs to be in school libraries!
The only critique I can offer is that some pages the text takes up most of the page, so it may be a bit much for a picture book, but the well done illustrations definitely compliment the story.
Special thanks to Capstone for granting me an e-arc via NetGalley.
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My review will be on my site closer to the expected publication date of August 1, 2019.
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The Brave Cyclist is not your typical picture book. It tells the true story of Gino Bartali who was a small child who ended up winning the Tour de France twice in his lifetime and also became an important figure in World War II by helping to save the Jewish people of Italy. I did not know Gino’s story until I read this picture book. It shows how drive and determination really can help one person make a difference in a time of need. Gino would ride his bicycle 110 miles one way and he was even jailed for something he did not do. He not only risked his life, he also risked his family’s life.
There is an afterward included that informs us of Gino’s life. His story is well known in Italy, Gino’s hard work deserves recognition in history books worldwide. This story is aimed for children ages 9-12 and should be included in World War II coursework. This book needs to be in school libraries!
The only critique I can offer is that some pages the text takes up most of the page, so it may be a bit much for a picture book, but the well done illustrations definitely compliment the story.
Special thanks to Capstone for granting me an e-arc via NetGalley.
April 1, 2019
The Brave Cyclist by Amalia Hoffman is a deeply moving story of heroism and passion.
You get to learn about Gino Barlati's determination and sacrifices.
Ms. Hoffman uses a precise, clear language to describe the fascism in Italy during World War II.
Atmospheric and emotional Illustrations by Chiara Fedele deserve separate praise.
The Brave Cyclist is a much-needed book for our times, I highly recommend it!
You get to learn about Gino Barlati's determination and sacrifices.
Ms. Hoffman uses a precise, clear language to describe the fascism in Italy during World War II.
Atmospheric and emotional Illustrations by Chiara Fedele deserve separate praise.
The Brave Cyclist is a much-needed book for our times, I highly recommend it!
April 13, 2019
This fascinating story of a little known Holocaust hero is brought to light by the author with a compelling story of grit and determination. The beautiful, emotional illustrations perfectly compliment the text. A book for older picture book readers and beyond, this is a perfect book for use in the classroom when introducing Holocaust history. Definitely recommend as a purchase for schools and libraries!
July 6, 2020
The Brave Cyclist: The True Story of a Holocaust Hero is a children's picture book written by Amalia Hoffman and illustrated by Chiara Fedele. It centers on Gino Bartali – an extraordinary athlete was also an extraordinary hero.
Gino Bartali was a champion road cyclist. He was the most renowned Italian cyclist before the Second World War, having won the Giro d'Italia twice, in 1936 and 1937, and the Tour de France in 1938. After the war he added one more victory in each event: the Giro d'Italia in 1946 and the Tour de France in 1948. His second and last Tour de France victory in 1948 gave him the largest gap between victories in the race.
Hoffman's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It recalls the life of Gino Bartali from childhood wonder about bicycling and using his fame to help out the Jews during the Second World War. Backmatter includes an author's note in which Hoffman explains the reasons Bartali's clandestine work during the Second World War was not recognized during his lifetime. Fedele's illustrations in mostly dark hues bring a somber ambiance to the picture book and the action-oriented scenes were well done.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Gino Bartali grew up in Florence, Italy, loving everything about riding bicycles. After years of studying them and years of endurance training, he won the 1938 Tour de France. His triumph was muted by the outbreak of World War II, during which Mussolini followed Hitler in the establishment of anti-Jewish laws. In the middle years of the conflict, Bartali was enlisted by a cardinal of the Italian church to help Jews by becoming a document courier. His skill as a cyclist and his fame helped him elude capture until 1944.
All in all, The Brave Cyclist: The True Story of a Holocaust Hero is a wonderful book exploring the quiet heroics of Gino Bartali – an extraordinary athlete was also an extraordinary hero.
Gino Bartali was a champion road cyclist. He was the most renowned Italian cyclist before the Second World War, having won the Giro d'Italia twice, in 1936 and 1937, and the Tour de France in 1938. After the war he added one more victory in each event: the Giro d'Italia in 1946 and the Tour de France in 1948. His second and last Tour de France victory in 1948 gave him the largest gap between victories in the race.
Hoffman's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It recalls the life of Gino Bartali from childhood wonder about bicycling and using his fame to help out the Jews during the Second World War. Backmatter includes an author's note in which Hoffman explains the reasons Bartali's clandestine work during the Second World War was not recognized during his lifetime. Fedele's illustrations in mostly dark hues bring a somber ambiance to the picture book and the action-oriented scenes were well done.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Gino Bartali grew up in Florence, Italy, loving everything about riding bicycles. After years of studying them and years of endurance training, he won the 1938 Tour de France. His triumph was muted by the outbreak of World War II, during which Mussolini followed Hitler in the establishment of anti-Jewish laws. In the middle years of the conflict, Bartali was enlisted by a cardinal of the Italian church to help Jews by becoming a document courier. His skill as a cyclist and his fame helped him elude capture until 1944.
All in all, The Brave Cyclist: The True Story of a Holocaust Hero is a wonderful book exploring the quiet heroics of Gino Bartali – an extraordinary athlete was also an extraordinary hero.
March 22, 2019
This is a fascinating story for late primary/early junior students. The Brave Cyclist is a story that is very interesting, yet mostly unknown. I have read a lot of books about WWII, but had never heard of this story. It is an interesting story about the cycling champion Gino Bartali who risked his own life, his family and career to save Jews in Italy by smuggling forged identification cards to help them escape to safety during World War II. It shares information about his past, how he developed as a champion cyclist winning the Giro d'Italia, and about the first time he won the Tour de France. When he refused to pay homage to Mussolini, the resistance knew they could approach him for help.
There is a lot of text, which is why I do not recommend it for an audience under the age of 9 or 10. The book shares this story simply, yet the illustrations add a lot to the story. It was easy to see the angst and fear that Gino felt in the expressions shown in those illustrations. This story not only showcases a hero who was recognized by the Jewish Councils for his brave work, but it is also a story of perseverance and hard work that Gino had to have in order to rise above his sickliness and become a champion cyclist. This story is very relevant today, it is something we need to remember when our world is still full of hate and discrimination. This would be a great addition to a school or class library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
There is a lot of text, which is why I do not recommend it for an audience under the age of 9 or 10. The book shares this story simply, yet the illustrations add a lot to the story. It was easy to see the angst and fear that Gino felt in the expressions shown in those illustrations. This story not only showcases a hero who was recognized by the Jewish Councils for his brave work, but it is also a story of perseverance and hard work that Gino had to have in order to rise above his sickliness and become a champion cyclist. This story is very relevant today, it is something we need to remember when our world is still full of hate and discrimination. This would be a great addition to a school or class library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
March 24, 2019
This is a beautifully illustrated story of a cyclist who was famous in Italy for winning the Tour de France, and who helped jews during World War II.
His story is told in simple terms, of how he got where he was, and what he faced doing what he did.
It is a gripping story, and a little higher level reading then typical picture books.
Good for sharing, and showing how one person can do more. What a touching, forgotten story.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
His story is told in simple terms, of how he got where he was, and what he faced doing what he did.
It is a gripping story, and a little higher level reading then typical picture books.
Good for sharing, and showing how one person can do more. What a touching, forgotten story.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 29, 2020
Gino Bartali was a small, weak boy who loved bikes. He worked to save money for a bike, and from that time on, he rode his bike everywhere. He grew stronger and competed in races, winning time and time again. When World War II descended, Gino learned of a way he and his bicycle could help save Jewish people living in Italy. Gino's strength and bravery led him to agree to try to help. Gino faced danger and death with each trip he made on his bicycle, but he kept cycling.
This powerful story includes extensive research and an afterword that provides even more information about THE BRAVE CYCLIST, Gino Bartali. This title allows for discussions about both the time period and why someone would choose to put themselves in danger to help other people. Highly recommended for classrooms and libraries everywhere.
This powerful story includes extensive research and an afterword that provides even more information about THE BRAVE CYCLIST, Gino Bartali. This title allows for discussions about both the time period and why someone would choose to put themselves in danger to help other people. Highly recommended for classrooms and libraries everywhere.
October 1, 2020
The determination and courage that helped a short skinny boy, Gino Bartali, to become the Tour de France 1938 Champion also helped him to become a true hero during WWII. Claiming to be doing training, Bartali carried forged documents and identity papers hidden in the frame of his bike to help Italian Jews to escape the country.
After the war, Bartali went on to win a second Tour de France but he kept his war-time work private. This humble man was honored in 2013 by the Jerusalem Holocaust Museum as a Righteous Among the Nations.
The lengthier text makes this most appropriate for a slightly older audience and would be a wonderful choice for classrooms where WWII is studied. Chaiara Fedele's dark toned dynamic illustrations do a great job of setting the tone and mood of the time.
After the war, Bartali went on to win a second Tour de France but he kept his war-time work private. This humble man was honored in 2013 by the Jerusalem Holocaust Museum as a Righteous Among the Nations.
The lengthier text makes this most appropriate for a slightly older audience and would be a wonderful choice for classrooms where WWII is studied. Chaiara Fedele's dark toned dynamic illustrations do a great job of setting the tone and mood of the time.
April 3, 2019
The book tells about the life of an underdog who went on to be a champion cyclist and an unsung hero. This is an important story for children and adults alike – in fact, it is an important story for the world to learn about this obscure Italian hero who put his life on the line for Jewish people during the Holocaust. It begins with an inspiring quote from the cyclist Gino Bartali himself. Hoffman's language evokes the grueling bicycling races, the fraught atmosphere of war-time Italy and the high emotions involved, especially for Gino’s daring rides to save Jewish people by hiding documents in his bicycle frame. The author deftly conveys the difficulties for the Jewish citizens of Italy during WWII without being too harsh for children. An Afterward gives more information about the heroic cyclist and ways he continues to be honored for his valiant efforts during the war.
It was a great choice to use an illustrator who lives in Italy and understands the setting and characters. Fedele's illustrations look both historic and fresh. The illustrations of the Tuscan landscape remind me of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Thank you to Amalia Hoffman for bringing Gino’s story to light and to the illustrator Chiara Fedele for bringing Gino’s story to life.
It was a great choice to use an illustrator who lives in Italy and understands the setting and characters. Fedele's illustrations look both historic and fresh. The illustrations of the Tuscan landscape remind me of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Thank you to Amalia Hoffman for bringing Gino’s story to light and to the illustrator Chiara Fedele for bringing Gino’s story to life.
March 23, 2019
A gripping, important story about an unsung Italian hero of the Holocaust. Children and adults (including this one), will be riveted by this account of a Tour-de-France-winning cyclist who risked everything to secretly smuggle false identity cards--to save Jewish citizens of Italy. Amalia Hoffman's well-crafted, beautifully-told story starts in Gino Bartali's youth and goes forward 'til the end of the war. Suspenseful and inspiring, children will be sitting at the edge of their bicycle seats and/or their chairs awaiting the outcome of Gino's heroic action. Chiara Fedele's warm, folksy, excellent illustrations are both inviting and exciting. The book begins with a quote from Gino Bartali which, on its own, is a valuable life lesson for today and always: "If you're good at a sport, they attach the medals to your shirts and then they shine in some museum. That which is earned by doing good deeds is attached to the soul and shines elsewhere." Brava, Amalia Hoffman for telling this tale of life-saving heroism.
March 24, 2019
We had not heard of Gino Bartali, but after reading this book we are amazed at his determination and heroism. His courage allowed him to move from being a frail child to a world-class cyclist and WWII hero. His bravery earned him a place among the Righteous who helped to save Jews during the Holocaust. Hoffman’s suspenseful story is perfectly illustrated by beautiful artwork depicting Florence and the Italian countryside. And additional back matter adds extra enrichment. A perfect book for families, classrooms, and libraries.
March 22, 2020
The Brave Cyclist: The True Story of a Holocaust Hero is written by Amalia Hoffman. This picture book tells the story of Gino Bartili who won the Tour de France in two different years- ten years apart. After he won the Tour de France in 1938, World War II came to Italy and to his village. He did serve his time in the army; but instead of combat, he served as a messenger and was given special permission to use his bicycle instead of a motorcycle to deliver the messages. Throughout the time he was in the army, he continued to train for the Tour de France and other races.
After he got out of the army, he worked in a bicycle shop until he was asked to join the resistance and deliver information for false ID’s to the forger and bring back finished papers. He was able to continue to use his bicycle and the excuse that he was training for the next series of races to get from one place to another. He would hide the papers inside the hollow neck of his bicycle. When he was stopped, he would use his fame as a cyclist to distract the soldiers from inspecting his bicycle too carefully. For his work with the resistance he earned the title of Righteous Among the Nations from Yad Vashem for his work saving Jews. This was awarded to him after his death in 2013.
Younger readers will enjoy this book and its pictures.
After he got out of the army, he worked in a bicycle shop until he was asked to join the resistance and deliver information for false ID’s to the forger and bring back finished papers. He was able to continue to use his bicycle and the excuse that he was training for the next series of races to get from one place to another. He would hide the papers inside the hollow neck of his bicycle. When he was stopped, he would use his fame as a cyclist to distract the soldiers from inspecting his bicycle too carefully. For his work with the resistance he earned the title of Righteous Among the Nations from Yad Vashem for his work saving Jews. This was awarded to him after his death in 2013.
Younger readers will enjoy this book and its pictures.
July 22, 2020
Story of a two-time Tour de France winner in the 1930's and 1940's. During WWII he was asked by a Catholic Cardinal to deliver new identity papers for Jews who were trying to flee Italy and Europe. He would bike 115 miles round trip several times to deliver the secret documents and risk his own safety and that of his family. He was imprisoned once during the War when the Italian regime intercepted a letter from the Pope to Bartali that commended him on his good works. He convinced authorities he had only been delivering food to the poor and was released. After the war, he trained again for the Tour de France and won in 1948...a huge accomplishment for himself (he was in his 30's by then and considered "old" to be racing) and for his country. Later, after his death in 2000, he was honored with a museum in his home country and recognized as A Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum in Israel. There is also a bicycle race that takes place (named for him) in Jerusalem each year and a bicycle path established in his honor.
I had never heard this story before! Loved it!!
I had never heard this story before! Loved it!!
July 9, 2019
What an inspirational story and so beautifully delivered in words and pictures! I have no doubt that young readers will love learning about Gino Bartoli, his determination and successes as a cyclist, and even more his courage and bravery in helping Cardinal Dalla Costa in saving Jewish families from Mussolini and the Nazis in Italy during World War II. The author does a wonderful job in allowing young readers to access such a challenging topic as the Holocaust in an age-appropriate way. The beautiful illustrations and the detailed afterword are an extra bonus, making this book a real gem. A great addition to any primary school library collection looking to diversify their biography section.
July 20, 2020
This book made me cry - actual real tears rolling down my cheeks. I loved it!
January 13, 2022
There are countless stories of the brave people who helped Jewish people hide and/or escape the Natzis during World War II and this time, Amalia Hoffman tells of Gino Bartali, a weak child, who managed first to ride his father's bicycle though it was too big. He lived in Florence and later took a job as a sixth-grader and managed to save enough for an old, rusty bike of his own. Then, working for a bicycle repair shop, he learned more about how to fix bikes, and in the meantime, he became stronger. There is the first part of his winning the Tour de France in 1938, then being contacted by a friend who was a Cardinal during the war who asked Gino to begin delivering forged papers from forger to printer, on to those in need. It's exciting and inspiring while imagining the danger as he rode that route of 110 miles although Gino did not stop this help. After the war in 1944, he began training again, and again won the Tour de France, at age 34, an "old man" according to those who knew the race. Chiara Fedele's realistic illustrations show the persistence and courage from boy to man of this cyclist who used his power for more than winning races. Hoffman adds information at the back with a great photo of Bartali. Here's a quote from the book's beginning by Bartali: "If you're good at a sport, they attach the medals to your shirts and then they shine in some museum. That which is earned by doing good deeds is attached to the soul and shines elsewhere."
March 3, 2019
This is a really strong book for primary school audiences, and hits a good balance between wordy and fully pictorial, with a couple of hundred words per spread. More importantly, its story is an interesting, worthwhile and mostly unknown one, wherein our hero starts out as a humble lad who discovers he can best his friends at cycling, and works through poverty to have the skills (and bike) needed to win the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Falling out of favour with Mussolini by dint of not thanking him enough for his wins, he turns to the very risky trade of smuggling fake IDs for Jewish escapees. The book doesn't overly-dramatise things, sticking to a factual tone all the time, but it still manages to convey the awkwardness of defying the military authorities from the saddle. A strong four stars, then, for this good-looking volume, and for the way it gave me a story I knew nothing of. It might have been the full five if it hadn't got clumsy about which shirt is which in the Tour.
July 15, 2019
The Brave Cyclist tells the story of Gino Bartali, a poor and frail Italian boy who became a champion cyclist and won the Tour de France twice. The sickly child didn't just grow up to be a winning athlete, but he also became a brave hero who risked his life by transferring forged ID's inside his bike's frame to give Jewish people new identities and rescue them from Mussolini and Hitler during World War II.
The theme of the book is that determination, perseverance and believing in what's right helped Gino Bartali become both a champion, and a righteous man among the nations.
Chiara Fedele's illustrations complement the book perfectly - they accurately depict Italian scenery and convey the mood during WWII, and portray Gino's emotions with his expressions. I also love the illustration technique utilizing Van Gogh like brush strokes.
Thank you, Capstone Publishing, for providing me an arc via NetGalley.
The theme of the book is that determination, perseverance and believing in what's right helped Gino Bartali become both a champion, and a righteous man among the nations.
Chiara Fedele's illustrations complement the book perfectly - they accurately depict Italian scenery and convey the mood during WWII, and portray Gino's emotions with his expressions. I also love the illustration technique utilizing Van Gogh like brush strokes.
Thank you, Capstone Publishing, for providing me an arc via NetGalley.
February 24, 2019
This is a fascinating story about the cycling champion Gino Bartali who risked his own life and career to save Jews in Italy by smuggling forged identification cards to help them escape to safety during World War II.
Beautifully written, this story will resonate with young readers and inspire them to stand up for what they believe is right.
Bartali’s story is as relevant today as it was during World War II and I believe that this book is a must read and should be welcomed in all schools, libraries and private homes.
Amalia Hoffman’s narration begins with little Gino’s personal challenge: a poor, sickly boy who dreams of being a champion. With determination and courage, he achieves his goal, only to face “Something more daring than racing up and down the steepest mountains.”
I was also blown away by the fabulous illustrations that complement the text perfectly.
Highly recommended!
Beautifully written, this story will resonate with young readers and inspire them to stand up for what they believe is right.
Bartali’s story is as relevant today as it was during World War II and I believe that this book is a must read and should be welcomed in all schools, libraries and private homes.
Amalia Hoffman’s narration begins with little Gino’s personal challenge: a poor, sickly boy who dreams of being a champion. With determination and courage, he achieves his goal, only to face “Something more daring than racing up and down the steepest mountains.”
I was also blown away by the fabulous illustrations that complement the text perfectly.
Highly recommended!
March 13, 2019
The Brave Cyclist is the tale of an Italian hero, Gino Bartali. While Bartali was famous for winning the Tour de France, his heroic efforts to save Italian Jews is lesser known. Taking huge personal risks, Bartali smuggled new identification papers in his bicycle, helping many Jews to leave Mussolini’s anti-Semitic Italy. This story, written with sensitivity and hopeful language, deals with a difficult period to explain to children. Amalia Hoffman’s thoughtful approach of this topic is nicely paired with realistic art by Chiara Fedele. The message that one person can make a difference is echoed throughout the text, framing the unthinkable tragedy of the Holocaust with a hopeful ending that all readers can appreciate.
April 1, 2019
I received an electronic ARC from Capstone through NetGalley.
Biography of Gino Bartali for elementary level readers.
The book takes readers from Bartali's childhood through his final Tour de France victory following World War II. Hoffman shares the danger involved in Bartali's decision to aid the Cardinal and provide false papers for Jewish people living in Italy. He rode many miles on his bike to save other people.
The illustrations bring the information to life for younger readers.
The text offers the information in a simple to read story format.
More information is provided at the end of the book.
Biography of Gino Bartali for elementary level readers.
The book takes readers from Bartali's childhood through his final Tour de France victory following World War II. Hoffman shares the danger involved in Bartali's decision to aid the Cardinal and provide false papers for Jewish people living in Italy. He rode many miles on his bike to save other people.
The illustrations bring the information to life for younger readers.
The text offers the information in a simple to read story format.
More information is provided at the end of the book.
June 4, 2019
I received a copy of this non-fiction picture book memoir for ages 9-12 at Book Expo 2019. This was a unique and inspirational story about a WWII hero. Gino Bartali was a Tour de France champion who was in a position to assist Jewish people during WWII by delivering much needed documents by cycling. This is a short and powerful story for young readers about a lesser known person in history that made a huge contribution. Gino risked his life and his family. Satisfying artwork and a nice afterword assists with knowing Gino and his efforts. He didn’t consider himself a hero, but he is a legend because he did what was right when it mattered. A good read.
March 12, 2019
Gino Bartali, Italy's Tour de France Champion risked everything during WWII when he agreed to be a secret courier for the Archbishop of Florence. Bartali would go on to deliver false identification cards to save Italian Jews from the hands of Mussolini and Hitler. Ms. Hoffman tells an inspiring and compelling story of Gino Bartali, a determined, frail boy (with a brave heart) to courageous and driven adult. The text is impeccable, the illustrations are beautiful. An enriching must read, for all ages. Great for classroom discussion.
May 18, 2019
Thank you to Capstone Publishing for providing an early copy of this book to read.
An inspiring story of Italian cyclist Gino Bartali and the secret role he played in helping Jewish people escape harm during World War Two.
Perfect for older readers who can handle longer text in a picture book and for readers looking to know more about individuals who sacrificed their own safety to help others during this time in history.
I’ll definitely add to my #classroombookaday rotation and my WWII picture book collection when it publishes in August 2019.
An inspiring story of Italian cyclist Gino Bartali and the secret role he played in helping Jewish people escape harm during World War Two.
Perfect for older readers who can handle longer text in a picture book and for readers looking to know more about individuals who sacrificed their own safety to help others during this time in history.
I’ll definitely add to my #classroombookaday rotation and my WWII picture book collection when it publishes in August 2019.
June 10, 2019
The Brave Cyclist aptly depicts the evolution of Gino Bartali, an Italian hero. While mainly known for winning the Tour de France, Amalia Hoffman’s story sheds light on Bartali’s greater achievement of aiding Italian Jews in their efforts to escape from the clutches of Mussolini and Hitler. The book deals with a difficult topic in a manner that will resonate with readers. Chiara Fedele’s illustrations are both moving and beautiful. Great for classroom discussion and a springboard for addressing this time period.
August 31, 2019
Thank you to Capstone for providing a copy of this to #Collabookation. This book recently came out in August of 2019 and is a great narrative biography about Gino Bartali, who won the Tour de France, as a cyclist two times. Bartali assisted the Cardinal during WWII by transporting false documents back and forth between the printers and those who needed them, which helped in saving Jewish people during time of war in Italy. This would be a great picture book to add to any classroom studying WWII and the Holocaust.
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