Amalia Hoffman

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.… (meer)

TODDLER APPROVED! I received requests of, "Again, again!" after reading this book to my 1 and 2-year-old. Simple yet endearing, Astro Pea is clever, cute, and begs to be read over and over. The chalk drawings are trendy but still timeless in their execution. Creative wordplay delights both children and adults. Toddlers will enjoy interacting with the story and pointing out the pictures and parents won't mind repetitive recitations of this story. I'll be first in line to purchase this book when it's released.… (meer)