Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero

by Megan Hoyt, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator)

The true story of Gino Bartali, an Italian cyclist and secret champion in the fight for Jewish lives during World War II.

Gino Bartali pedaled across Italy for years, winning one cycling race after another, including the 1938 Tour de France. Gino became an international sports hero! But the next year, World War II began, and it changed everything. Soldiers marched into Italy. Tanks rolled down the cobbled streets of Florence. And powerful leaders declared that Jewish people should be arrested.

To the entire world, Gino Bartali was merely a champion cyclist. But Gino’s greatest achievement was something he never told a soul—that he secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save hundreds of Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death, using the one thing no authority would question: his bicycle.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Sports, Childrens, War

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 23, 2021

About the author

Megan Hoyt first fell in love with reading on a cozy branch of the crabapple tree outside her Texas home, and Marguerite Henry’s “horsey books” still remind her of the loud Texas cicadas at dusk. Her award-winning picture book biography, BARTALI'S BICYCLE, with Harper Collins Children's Books' new imprint, Quill Tree Books, was a National Jewish Book Award finalist. THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL, KATI'S TINY MESSENGERS, AND A GRAND IDEA followed, also with Quill Tree Books. TZIMMES FOR TZIPPORAH, her first Jewish-themed picture book came out in 2023 with Apples and Honey Press. Her poem, "Thanksgiving by the Lake," appears in the Millbrook Press anthology Thanku: Poems of Gratitude (2019). Her first picture book, HILDEGARD'S GIFT, came out in 2014.

Reviews

[Julie Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a triumph! The writing kept me riveted the entire time, on the edge of my seat. This story about a humble athlete quietly doing his best and endangering his own life to save others is about as inspirational as they come. The stunning illustrations heighten all the emotions, including a sense of dread and danger (at first) and joy and relief (at last). Great for teaching WWII curriculum and the hero's journey. Not to be missed!

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero is a children's picture book written by Megan Hoyt and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno. It is the story of an Italian cyclist whose work with the Resistance in World War II.

Gino Bartali Cavaliere di Gran Croce 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.

Hoyt's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Hoyt's prose is atmospheric as he relates the heroic deeds done by Bartali. Backmatter includes a timeline, author’s note, sources, and a note from Bartali's granddaughter. Bruno's bold, poster-style illustrations, rendered in pencil with digital color, prove thoroughly immersive.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It relays the extraordinary actions of Gino Bartali, an Italian cyclist who won the 1938 Tour de France and went on to save around 800 Jewish people and fifty English soldiers during the Nazi occupation of Italy. Several of Bartoli's pivotal efforts are illuminated, including his delivering fake identity packets to families across Italy and using his cycling fame to shield people as they boarded trains to freedom.

All in all, Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero is a well-made story and a welcome, timely reminder of the true definition of courage.

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly highly recommend!! This book is all about a day of perseverance, bravery, and a day when athletes stood for something good 💚 Viva Bartali!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bartali’s Bicycle tells the true story of Gino Bartali, an Italian cycling champion during World War II. Known for his incredible talent on the racing track, Bartali also used his fame and courage to secretly help save the lives of Jewish people. He transported documents hidden in his bicycle frame, helping them escape the dangers of the war. This beautifully illustrated book shares the story of how Bartali’s actions made him a hero both on and off the bike. This inspiring book teaches children about bravery, compassion, and standing up for what’s right. It shows how one person can make a huge difference, even in the darkest times. Bartali’s Bicycle is a powerful addition to a classroom library, offering a great way to introduce young readers to World War II history, heroism, and the importance of helping others.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspiring, moving, and important. It is the true story of Gino Bartali, a beloved cyclist and Italy's secret hero. Bartali worked as a secret champion in the fight for Jewish lives during World War II. His courage and heart brought me to tears. Don't miss this one. I can't recommend it enough!

[WhiteDF · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book biography tells the inspiring story of Italian cyclist, Gino Bartali who worked with the resistance to save 800+ lives during WWII- eventually named "Righteous Among Nations" by Yad Vasham, the Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel for his wartime work helping to rescue Jews. Hoyt ensures that Bartali's story is easily accessible to a young audience while illustrator Bruno perfectly captures the depicted time period. Don't skip over the timeline, letter from Bartali's granddaughter, or author's note at the end of the book. This title is one of ten titles nominated for the 2023-2024 KY Bluegrass Award for grades 3-5.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating & inspiring real-life story of Tour de France winning cyclist, & one of Yad Vashem's "Righteous Among the Nations" for helping save over 800 Jewish people in Italy during the Holocaust, Gino Bartali. Though Batali never spoke about his efforts during the war because he felt, "Good is osmething you do, not something you talk about" & "Heroes are those who have suffered", Batali's granddaughter hopes her grandfather's story "inspires others to be courages in the face of injustice and to live their lives with the same compassion and quiet strength that he did."

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera che Harper Collins ha portato nelle nostre librerie.
Poiché è piccolissimo, eviterò di dire troppo.
Ho conosciuto la figura di Bartali tanti anni fa, da bambina, grazie a un film con Totò. Ammetto di non aver mai saputo il gran bene che ha fatto, se non leggendo questa novel e sono davvero felice di averlo potuto fare in questo modo, con una lettura ricolma di storia e sentimenti, e delle illustrazioni pazzesche in grado di colpirti al cuore.
Per chi non lo sapesse, Gino Bartali era una leggenda del ciclismo negli anni '30, vincitore di diversi premi e molto amato.
Quando arrivò la guerra, la vita di tutti cambiò e la sua, silenziosamente, fece molto per tantissime persone, un molto che si venne a sapere solo tantissimo tempo più tardi: mentre idee terribili circolavano in Europa e i carri armati attraversavano le strade della sua amata Firenze, Gino, infatti, collaborava con la Resistenza per salvare centinaia di bambini, donne e uomini ebrei perseguitati.
Il bello è che ci riuscì.
　
" Il bene si fa ma non si dice "
　
Che grand'uomo, ragazzi, mamma mia che emozione leggere questo volume.
Una storia semplificata per permettere la lettura anche ai più piccini, ma non per questo meno intensa. Come dicevo prima, le tavole di Iacopo Bruno sono profonde e intense, concedendo a ogni atto narrativo di avere una potenza in più.
Una graphic novel importante per non dimenticare e per omaggiare un grande uomo.
Lo consiglio assolutamente ad adulti e piccini.

[Aily · Rating 5 out of 5]

non conoscevo questa storia e conoscevo questo ciclista solo per la fama, ma mi ha commossa. mai mi sarei aspettata di leggere un racconto simile, mi ha lasciata a bocca aperta. è stato veramente bellissimo ciò che ha fatto per tutte quelle famiglie ebree. sono sfuggite ai campi di sterminio grazie a lui! e lui ha messo a repentaglio la sua vita per salvare gente che neanche conosceva! questo SI che si chiama essere veri eroi.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

For eight year, Gino Bartali rode his bicycle around Italy, memorizing trails and paths, winning races and collecting trophies and first-place ribbons. He was such a good racer that in 1938 Gino won the grueling Tour de France. But it was after that race that Gino noticed things were changing at home in Italy.

Soldiers marched through Europe and soon the world was at war. Jews, who were blamed by some for Europe's ills, were rounded up and arrested. Gino had trouble believing the lies these leaders told about Jews. But Jews had already been denied any freedoms, and now they were being rounded up and arrested. Watching these abuses, Gino thought he needed to do something to help them. Summoned by Archbishop Elia Dalla Costa, Gino was asked if he wanted to become part of a network of Italians who were working to provide false identity papers to help Jews escape Italy and flee to countries like Switzerland and America.

Despite being afraid, Gino began rolling up and hiding the forged identity papers in the hollows of his handlebars and other parts of his bike. He then began to use his cycling skills and the paths and trails all over Italy he had memorized earlier to pick up and deliver packages of these precious documents to anxious, startled families.

But Gino did more that just deliver identity papers. For example, when Gino learned the soldiers were looking for his best friend's family, the Goldenbergs, he hid the whole family in his cellar for the duration of the war. Another time, capitalizing on his fame as a cyclist, Gino put on his racing clothes and headed to the train station where soldiers were herding arrested Jews into a train. Gino distracted the guards so that resistance workers could lead the Jews to different trains that would take them to safety. Another time, forced into the military, Gino used his uniform to find and help prisoners of war that were being held by the Italians. He led 49 English soldiers out to safety and no one took any notice of it.

No one really knows how many people Gino helped to save. Some say more than 800, others dispute that figure. Gino never talked about his wartime activities and no records were kept by the resistance (for obvious reasons). Regardless, Gino has been named "Righteous Among Nations" by Yad Vasham, the Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel for his wartime work helping to rescue Jews.
Bartali's Bicycle is a well-told, well-organized picture book for older readers that introduces this brave man to today's children. Discovering new heroes is always inspiring, and this one is made particularly so thanks to the accompanying illustrations, done in a style and subtle palette of colors appropriate to the period. Both author and illustrator gave an amazing amount of attention to detail that is unusual in a picture book, even a picture book biography like this one.

Back matter includes a Timeline, a letter from Gino Bartali's granddaughter, Lisa Bartali, an Author's Note and an extensive list the the sources used by the author.

Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero would be an excellent addition to units on the Holocaust and World War II.

This book is recommended for readers age 8+
This book was borrowed from the NYPL

[Mercymount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bartali’s Bicycle is by Megan Hoyt and illustrated by Icopo Bruno and also, published in 2021.The book is about saving the people of Italy and Bartali’s Bicycle riding.
Gino Bartali would ride his bike every day, but when war came he couldn’t ride for weeks! Then he realized that so many good people were being hunted down by Hitler. He immediately got on his bike , raced down the streets, and went to find his friends who were giving Secret Identity Slips to people. He got a lot, stuffed them in his bike and went to every house delivering them.
Gino Bartali is a very nice guy, his friends who he helped were also very, very nice. The people of Italy were very nice I bet, in the book it doesn’t give too much detail of that so I can’t be sure, they of course were very scared because of Hitler’s army. They were underground a lot too, probably.
This story has a nice setting. In Tuscany Italy Hitler was trying to get Gino Bartali but he couldn’t. The only reason for that was because Gino was on the other side of Italy! Gino would ride his bike so fast so he could not be found be Hitler. He was still doing Secret Identity Slips. But soon the war would be over. Everyone would be able to see their friends again. It was happy at the end!
The book is about saving the people of Italy and Gino Bartali’s Bicycle riding. I recommend this book to ages 7-10. I do not recommend this book to toddlers because they would not understand it and also would probably say it’s stupid. If you do choose to read this book, I hope you enjoy it!

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero by Megan Hoyt (Goodreads Author), Illustrator Iacopo Bruno- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The narrates the story of famous Italian cyclist Gino Bartalli who laurels during Olympics and other cycling events for his country. In 1938, World War II started. Bartali found that soldiers marched into Italy. Tanks rolled down the cobbled streets of Florence. Powerful leaders declared that Jewish people should be arrested. To the entire world, Gino Bartali was merely a champion cyclist. But Gino’s greatest achievement was something he never told a soul—that he secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save hundreds of Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death, using the one thing no authority would question: his bicycle. Gino went on to save around 800 Jewish people and fifty English soldiers during the Nazi occupation of Italy. In the book, Bartoli's pivotal efforts are illuminated, including his delivering fake identity packets to families across Italy and using his cycling fame to shield people as they boarded trains to freedom. The book brings out a motivating story for readers of all ages.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bartali's Bicycle is the true story of a famed bicyclist, Gino's Bartali, who managed to save hundreds of lives in secrecy from the Nazis. When he was young, Gino fell in live with cycling and earned fame from winning the Tour de France in 1938. But his cycling career halted when WWII arrived and Nazis were taking over his country. Disgusted by their hatred and intolerance, Gino joins the resistance where he helped deliver fake passports to many Jewish families, allowing them a chance to escape. There were many close calls, but Gino continued his service until the war ceased. Even then, he never boasted about his heroism, claiming it was the right thing to do.

I found Bartali's Bicycle to be very near perfect in its delivery of acts of heroism. Though it's less focused on providing insights on Gino's personal life, it highlights the many accomplishments he did in secret. With just the right amount of text, it's complimented by stellar pencil illustrations done with digital art, very eye-catching. If there's one thing to learn from this book, it's like Gino says, "Some medals are pinned to your soul, not your jacket." Hoyt & Bruno does justice and brings Gino's story to life for children.

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gino Bartali thought of himself as an ordinary bicyclist in Italy in the 1930s. But he was far from ordinary.

For eight years he trained along Italy's mountains and rugged paths. He won race after race, including the prestigious Tour de France in 1938.

When World War II broke out, Gino refused to believe the lies that leaders were spreading about the Jews.


He watched as Jews were rounded up and taken away on trucks. He wanted to help--but how?

A priest contacted him and asked him to deliver secret identity papers to Jews who were trying to escape. Although he was afraid of getting caught, he decided to help. "Some medals are pinned to your soul, not your jacket," he said.


He stuffed the fake identity papers into his hollow bicycle bars and delivered them to hundreds of families, he hid his friend's family in his cellar, and rescued prisoners.

Gino was a humble man who didn't want to be recognized.

"Good is something you do, not something you talk about," he said.

But stories trickled out. Children came forward.

Grateful families remembered the remarkable Gino Bartali, the Tour de France winner, Italian sports hero, and...secret champion.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an experienced Holocaust educator, this was a surprisingly unknown story to me. With the excitement and appeal of an astonishingly powerful and talented cyclist in Italy during the war years. Bartali is impressive and engaging in it's own right as a sport figure. To learn about his growing awareness of the horrors and injustices toward Jewish people offer an inspiring , his decision to risk his own safety (and life) to help others survive account of righteousness. The details and illustrations offer a compelling and page-turning experience that is a fast-paced as a high-speed bicycle race. Throughout his daring and successful efforts to secretly transport and deliver falsified identity cards and other documents that would save Jewish lives as they crossed into Switzerland, I was reading at the edge of my seat. Ultimately, his decision to personally hide a Jewish family offered the ultimate proof of his courage and convictions.
A powerhouse read that will appeal across many ages and celebrate a lesser known hero who deserves the spotlight.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our time of giant ego's and social media celebrities, it is a pleasure to read a biography of a true hero - and even rarer - a hero who kept his inspiring accomplishments a secret. Tour de France champion in 1938 just as Europe was about to descend into the horrors of WWII, Bertali put his outstanding athletic ability to work delivering forged identity papers to Jews hidden all over Italy. In the guise of training, Bertali secreted the papers in the handlebars of his bicycle. He often rode over 250 mile a day, bringing the precious papers to Jewish families to allow them to escape. Bertali's contribution later led to him being declared a but his work only came to light through the diaries of another man. Bertali himself said, "I am just a cyclist."

Hoyt's lively picture book biography does an outstanding job of providing the historical back ground to young children, creating an exciting story and bringing a true hero to a new generation. Jacopo Bruno's colorful and dynamic illustrations are a perfect match, providing additional context to this story.

A must addition!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book about an athlete, Gino Barteli, who uses his sport(biking) to transport documents during WWII in Itally and protecting people of Jewish faith. After the war he never talked about it and let people know what he'd done. He believed "Some medals are pinned to your soul, not your jacket." He was a Tour de France in 1938 and then in 1948!

It talks about him being afraid, but he'd think,
" Elbows in, Head down."

A powerful leader (Hitler, it has a figure that you can figure who it is, but the author probably didn't want the focus of the story be Hitler.) said" People will fall for a big lie more easily than a small one." He said Jewish people were not really human. Gino refused to believe the lie. He saved 800 Jewish lives and 50 Brittish soldiers lives. He was a good person.

This is a powerful story.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bartali's Bicycle provides readers of WWII historical fiction with the story of a renowned winner of the 1938 Tour de France and his lesser known occupation of Resistance fighter during World War II. Quietly responsible for rescuing more than 800 people and delivering forged passports and intelligence communications, Bartali never sought accolades for his acts, but those whose lives were impacted began to tell of his heroic actions. Illustrations by Iacopo Bruno augment the text beautifully. Back matter includes a timeline and letter by Bartali's granddaughter. Would pair with Jars of Hope by Jennifer Roy (An Irena Sendler story) and Nicky & Vera by Peter Sis (Nicholas Winger, another WWII unsung hero), allowing for excellent compare/contrast and character mapping within the subject of World War II.

A Texas Bluebonnet nominee 2022-2023.

[Shirin Shamsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero, written by Megan Hoyt with illustrations by Iacopo Bruno, is such an incredible story. The line, “Some medals are pinned to your soul, not your jacket,” gave me goosebumps as I learned the story of this brave, humble and courageous soul.
Megan Hoyt’s debut non-fiction biography of Bartali, is beautifully and powerfully written. I feel this book should be in every school, library and on every bookshelf.
Bartali’s story shows that ordinary people can do extraordinary things; how one man made a difference by doing something about the horrors of World War Two. Inspiring, lyrical, moving and heartwarming. A memorable book.

[Anita Amin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Some medals are pinned to your soul, not your jacket”-Gino Bartali, BARTALI’S BICYCLE by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno. If you haven’t read this picture book biography about the Tour de France winner who used his bicycle to save hundreds of lives during WWII, you need to. It's an amazing, inspiring story, beautifully detailed and researched by Hoyt with magnificent illustrations by Bruno. It is focused on how his cycling helped save lives, so the details aren't overwhelming. A hard topic for children handled thoughtfully with care. The book includes a timeline and a letter from the granddaughter of Gino Bartali. And as a cycling fan, I appreciate the end papers covered with colorful cycling jerseys. Every school library needs this book.

[Ashley Belote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true page-turner! This adventurous narrative presents the historic and heroic acts of Gino Bartali. The tension and suspense throughout moves the story along quickly. The text is packed with facts and the beautiful illustrations from Iacopo Bruno set the scene and bring the reader into the WWII era. Megan's words are truly captivating and lyrical, the perfect blend to tell such an inspiring story and shed light on a humble hero. There is much to be learned from this narrative, including the self-discipline and courage it takes to keep our "elbows in, head down, and face to the wind." 5 stars!

[Jen Fier · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished reading BARTALI’S BICYCLE I closed the book, flipped back to the front cover, and breathed “Wow, what a story.”

This narrative nonfiction piece by Megan Hoyt and Iacopo Bruno features Gino Bartali, an endurance cycling champion and unsung hero of WWII. Bartali “secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save hundreds of Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death, using the one thing no authority would question: his bicycle.” The captivating text and illustrations make readers feel Bartali’s courage and resolve with each pedal stroke and page turn. Highly recommend!

[Reshamad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review is part of Cybils Awards

This is a non fiction biography of Italy's "secret" hero : Chino Bartali.
Bartali was a champion bicyclist and winner of the Tour De France in 1938. But when the world war II began, Bartali decided to do what he could to help those around him. Secretly working with the resistance movement to rescue hundreds of jewish children and families, Bartali worked tirelessly and bravely as he toured the borders as a bicyclist champion.
A lovely picture book dedication to a beloved personality. Recommend reading!

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story about an Italian man, a star bicyclist (Gino Bartali) who won the Tour de France before joining the resistance against Germany during WWII and helping to save thousands of Jewish lives. Bartali never thought what he did needed any kudos, saying that he "was just a cyclist," so he told no one. The world would never have known of his heroism were it not for the diaries his sons found when he died. An inspiring story and beautifully illustrated, Megan Hoyt's author's note adds details that are not included in the story. She also includes a page of sources, showing just how well researched this story is. Great book!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live with two cyclists and have to hear cycling talk all the time. I bought this book because I was excited to see a picture book about bicycling but I had no idea what it was about. It is the true story of Gino Bartali, Tour de France winner and Italian hero. Bartali stood up to facism and saved the lives of many. The illustrations are beautifully done.

I would use this book as part of a history lesson. I like to point out how in history there are always people who made a tremendous impact on others just by doing the right thing. This would work really well for such a lesson and could add some additional background knowledge to students as they learn about World War II.

[Tootie Nienow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is a work of art. From the active, engaging cover to the deep, lyrical words. I love the way Bartali is looking behind him on the cover. It makes me want to open and read this story to find out what he is peddling away from. Right away, Megan's words give us a hint of what he will become, "heroes are those who have suffered." Lovely! The illustration where the Goldberg family is free is such a comforting warm moment after pages of action. This is a long read for a picture book but I was captivated by every page and it read very fast. I can't wait to hold this book in my hands.

[Becky Scharnhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely enthralled by this story about Gino Bartali, the Italian cyclist and Tour de France winner, who saved the lives of over 800 Jewish people during WWII. The text was captivating, and the illustrations were gorgeous! You'll want to give yourself extra time to take this one in because each page is filled with incredible detail and substance, both in the words and the illustrations. This inspiring book about a humble hero should be in every classroom library and on everyone’s to-read list.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book has it all! It's a true story about a humble man who saved many lives while risking his own. There are many painful truths about the power of evil during the Holocaust. This is a tale about the human spirit and its quest to rise above the dark. Megan Hoyt's writing puts the reader right on the bicycle seat with Bartali! Iacopo Bruno's illustrations take us to an era that we must never forget. This book makes a perfect gift to share with readers of all ages. It reminds us all that a single person can be a champion in the fight for human rights.

[Michelle Tuite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading 2022
Book 18: Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero by Megan Hoyt

Reading through all of the books on the Texas Bluebonnet List. This selection is a picture book that I will review as book 18 along with two other books.

Synopsis: The true story of Gino Bartali, an Italian cyclist and secret champion in the fight for Jewish lives during World War II.

Review: It is great to read a book like this to learn about history that I did not know before. The pictures in this book were awesome as well. My rating 4⭐️

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent picture-book biography of Gino Bartali, an accomplished Italian cyclist and champion of human rights during World War II who showed the world that doing good is often done in silence, that “some medals are pinned to your soul, not your jacket.” Superb illustrations evoke a Forties vibe. Endnotes include a timeline of Bartali’s remarkable life; an epistolary description of Bartali’s historical importance written by his granddaughter; an informative Author’s Note; and an extensive list of sources for further study.