I’m wowed by many covers, but I’m especially jazzed about this one for Megan Hoyt’s picture book BARTALI’S BICYCLE, about an athlete who quietly saved Jewish families during the second World War.
It’s got this retro yet modern vibe, thanks to Italian illustrator Iacopo Bruno.
1938 Tour de France winner Gino Bartali was an international sports sensation! Then 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 his greatest achievement was something he never told a soul—that he was working 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.
Megan! Congratulations on your beautiful book!
How did you feel when you first saw the cover?
It was beyond my wildest expectations! The colors were so rich and the expression on Gino’s face was so serious and determined. And the fact that he included the medal Gino Bartali was awarded for being “righteous among the nations” after saving so many Jewish families—you’ll find out more about that when you read the book—made it extra special to me as a Jewish author. It’s on the back cover.
I love Bartali’s expression of quiet determination in the illustration. Iacopo took the original photo and transformed it to reveal so much about what’s inside the man and the book.
What feelings do you want the cover to evoke in your readers?
Mystery! Intensity! I hope a child picking up my book for the first time will want to find out what secrets this award-winning cyclist is keeping. I hope it makes them curious! I also hope, after they read it, that Bartali’s Bicycle will inspire children growing up today in such a hostile political climate to become adults of integrity and courage and generosity. I have big dreams and high hopes for the coming generation! Kids today have been through a lot, and I hope when they read Bartali’s Bicycle they will be excited to learn what true heroism is all about.
Why is his story so special to you?
When I first heard about Gino Bartali’s success as a Tour de France winner just before World War II began, I thought, oh, that’s nice. He rides bicycles really fast. Good for him. Then when he died in 2000, suddenly people began coming forward to share their stories. He had secretly saved more than 800 Jewish Italians from certain death, and he never told anyone! When the story broke in Italy, elderly women ran out into the streets weeping. It was unbelievable. I knew I had to tell the story to American children, too. May we never forget. And during this particular time, at this moment when we are facing down racism and staring anti-semitism in the eye and saying no more, I hope our book will boost those efforts. I know in time we humans will learn the hard lessons we need to learn. And Gino Bartali’s story will, I hope, help us get there just a wee bit sooner!
I understand you went to Italy and had a chance to meet with the illustrator Iacopo Bruno!
Yes! When I scored a $300 flight to Italy, I asked if he wanted to meet since he lives in Milan. Just name the place, I said. And he chose (of course) a bicycle cafe! There were bicycles hanging all over the restaurant, and they sold racing gear, too. It was the perfect spot! Thank goodness he brought his wife Francesca because he does not speak a lot of English, and I don’t speak much Italian. We went to his studio after lunch and I got to see sketches from his latest work in progress and final sketches of our beautiful book! And he gave me a gift! I didn’t think to get him a gift. Is that an Italian thing or is he just the nicest illustrator ever? And so talented—he created art for the book that makes you feel like you fell into a 1940s movie or something. It’s so retro and cool!
My husband and I also went to the Gino Bartali Museum in Florence and the Museum of Memory in Assisi. Everywhere we traveled, people wanted to talk to us about how wonderful Gino Bartali was. They told us the same stories over and over, but we never got tired of listening to his fans talk about him. And I interviewed his granddaughter, Lisa Bartali, who wrote a note for the back of the book. We messaged back and forth on Facebook, and she shared screen shots of books written about her grandfather in Italian. I typed each page, first in Italian, then put them through Google Translate to see what in the world I was typing. It was wonderful to find Italian sources. Writing non-fiction is no joke. This was difficult research! In the end, so worth it!
Amazing! So few authors have the opportunity to meet our illustrators in person. What a thrill!
And blog readers will also have a thrill…because Megan is giving away an F&G of BARTALI’S BICYCLE before it’s released on February 23, 2021 from HarperCollins/Quill Tree.
Leave a comment below to enter.
A random winner will be chosen in October.
Good luck!
139 comments
Comments feed for this article
September 23, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Alicia Z. Klepeis
This book looks incredible — what an inspiring story! So glad you are sharing this with the next generation of readers…And what a lovely story about getting to meet Iacopo!
September 23, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
It was the trip of a lifetime!
September 23, 2020 at 12:20 pm
danielledufayet
So inspirational -congrats and thanks for sharing!
September 23, 2020 at 5:25 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Grazie, Danielle!
September 23, 2020 at 12:24 pm
Kim Wilson
Yay, Megan!! I just love this story and can’t wait to see it out in the world!
September 23, 2020 at 5:26 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, my friend! And I can’t wait to see your new books!
September 23, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Kassy Keppol
Super Exciting!
September 23, 2020 at 5:26 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Yes! A thrill!
September 23, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Sherry Smith
Best of luck with the release of your book. It’s so important to tell stories that haven’t been told before and the art looks incredible. My friends were planning to bicycle this month in Europe but had to cancel. If you remember the name of the café in Milan, let me know and hopefully they can bicycle there in 2021!
September 23, 2020 at 5:05 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Sherry, it was called Upcycle! Here’s their website: https://upcyclecafe.it/
September 23, 2020 at 12:31 pm
Sharon Wilhite
I love reading books that inspire me to get out of my comfort zone to do more than I thought I could! I love good illustrations that complement the words and bring the words to life visually! Good job!
September 23, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Sharon! I’m so happy that you’re feeling inspired!
September 23, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Jon Lasser
Looks like a wonderful book!
September 23, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Jon! I can’t wait for you to read it!
September 23, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Sarah Kilfoil
This title looks amazing, both for my students and for my family! I’m looking forward to its release.
September 23, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I’m especially thrilled to hear that students will read it — I hope it will be a welcome addition to school libraries everywhere!
September 23, 2020 at 12:35 pm
teacherwriteracker
This story gives me the chills and I would love to share it with my children. Good luck with the release.
September 23, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you so much!
September 23, 2020 at 12:35 pm
colleenrkosinski
Sounds like a wonderful book!
September 23, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Grazie, Colleen!
September 23, 2020 at 12:41 pm
kathydoherty1
This is such an important book for kids–and adults–in these troubling times.tr
September 23, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Kathy!
September 23, 2020 at 12:46 pm
mariagianferrari
How wonderful that you were able to meet Iacopo in person, and in Italia no less. Looking forward to reading it! Congrats, Megan!
September 23, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Maria! It was amazing. He is amazing! Check out his instagram, too! https://www.instagram.com/iacopo.bruno.illustrator/?hl=en
September 23, 2020 at 12:55 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Congratulations, Megan!! We all need this book right now! I love that you got to go to Italy to meet lacopo Bruno!!! Molto bene!!!
September 23, 2020 at 5:22 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Grazie, Lisa!
September 23, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Sue Heavenrich
We need this book! May we never forget!
September 23, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Sue!
September 23, 2020 at 12:58 pm
bgonsar
Looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing his story with the world.
September 23, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you! It’s my great honor!
September 23, 2020 at 1:04 pm
Carrie Karnes-Fannin
I read just a tiny snippet of this manuscript a while back & have been on pins & needles ever since waiting for it to come out. The cover is fantastic! It’s going to be an amazing picture book.
September 23, 2020 at 5:11 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you so much! I’m on pins and needles, too! It’s beautiful. I look at it and can’t believe I wrote it — Iacopo brought it to life in a way that exceeded my expectations!
September 23, 2020 at 1:12 pm
Amy Mann
I love the story and the retro look of the book. 🙂
September 23, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Amy!
September 23, 2020 at 1:13 pm
Maria Bostian
I am so happy for Megan! What a beautiful book cover. Cannot wait to get my very own copy!
September 23, 2020 at 5:21 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you! I’m so happy you’re on this journey with me, Maria!
September 23, 2020 at 1:33 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
How fun! Thanks for sharing!
September 23, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thanks for reading!
September 23, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Leslie Santamaria
Thanks for doing the hard work to make Bartali’s story accessible to kids!
September 23, 2020 at 5:33 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
It was my great pleasure!
September 23, 2020 at 1:42 pm
Melissa Stoller
Megan – I love hearing about your research in Italy, and I’m so glad you were able to meet the illustrator! Can’t wait to read this amazing story! Hooray, my friend!
September 23, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, research partner! 😉
September 23, 2020 at 1:44 pm
readmybook2002
Great cover! And to think you met the illustrator too. Thank you for sharing.
September 23, 2020 at 5:33 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Grazie mille!
September 23, 2020 at 2:31 pm
julie rowan zoch
Love, love, love this story! It’s a dream we all have to come so close to the places and people in our stories! So excited for you, Megan!
September 23, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Julie! I’m excited for you, too!
September 23, 2020 at 2:31 pm
Elizabeth S Harris
My kind of story! Can’t wait to read. Thank you for writing about this hero.
September 23, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
You’re so welcome!
September 23, 2020 at 2:54 pm
Derick Wilder
Congratulations on writing this beautilful book, Megan! Thanks for sharing part of your journey–can’t wait to read it!
September 23, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you for helping me shape it into something worthy of our children, Derick! I’m so happy to have you as a critique partner!
September 23, 2020 at 2:58 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
I can’t wait to read this beautiful book! The cover is incredible, and the story sounds fascinating. Thanks for sharing it with us!
September 23, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Becky! I can’t wait to read your new book!
September 23, 2020 at 3:04 pm
srburnett
Thanks for sharing your inspiration! I really appreciate how you wrote to inspire and encourage integrity in the next generation.
September 23, 2020 at 5:20 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I worry sometimes that we have lost our way, but then I look at the precious children all around me and my faith is restored. ❤
September 23, 2020 at 3:24 pm
DebbieZ.
I am filled with hope knowing this story is coming into the world.
September 23, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you so much! It feels like perfect timing to me, too!
September 23, 2020 at 3:27 pm
Natasha Wing
I love that you got to go to Italy and meet his granddaughter. What a great nugget of history you found!
September 23, 2020 at 5:19 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I wasn’t able to meet her in person because while I was there she was somewhere else putting on a bicycle festival! My one regret!
September 23, 2020 at 3:43 pm
Sheri Radovich
Very interesting story and so great you got to go to Italy and meet someone before they stopped letting foreigners in the country.
September 23, 2020 at 5:18 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Yes, I believe Iacopo at one point this past spring was stranded in another city and not allowed to return to Milan for some time. I can’t wait until we put this pandemic behind us!
September 23, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Pamela Harrison
Oh, Megan, your new book sounds wonderful. I love the cover and the fact that you were able to meet the illustrator. This hero’s story needed to be told. Congratulations!
September 23, 2020 at 5:36 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Pamela! And I agree! I’m so glad his story will be told!
September 23, 2020 at 4:09 pm
Johannah Luza
This is so exciting Megan! Can’t wait to read the book! Since my own grandparents were killed by the Nazi’s I’m always looking for books about heroes! Congrats to you!!!
September 23, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I’m so sorry, Johannah. May your grandparents’ memory be a blessing. And may we always remember! ❤
September 23, 2020 at 4:40 pm
Meghan Burch
This looks like such an amazing book! Congrats!
September 23, 2020 at 5:37 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you!
September 23, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Heather Kinser
Hi Megan. Congratulations on you book. What an inspiring story! This topic has me hooked, so I’m putting my name in for the giveaway.
September 23, 2020 at 5:37 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I’m so glad! Thank you, Heather!
September 23, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
What a wonderful story! Congratulations on your book. Wonderful!
September 23, 2020 at 10:27 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you!
September 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm
Cathy Ogren
This book looks amazing! Congratulations, Megan!
September 23, 2020 at 10:27 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thanks, Cathy!
September 23, 2020 at 7:13 pm
Gabi Snyder
Can’t wait to read this! Gorgeous cover, Megan! Congrats!
September 23, 2020 at 10:27 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Gabi!
September 23, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Leslie Hofbauer
Then story and book sound amazing! Thank you for writing this story!
September 23, 2020 at 10:28 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Gino was amazing! And you’re welcome!
September 23, 2020 at 7:49 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Congrats, Megan! What an inspiring story.
September 23, 2020 at 10:29 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Susan! And thanks for all your support over the years!
September 23, 2020 at 7:51 pm
Lori Alexander
This sounds wonderful, Megan. Can’t wait to read it!
September 23, 2020 at 10:29 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I’m so glad! Thank you!
September 23, 2020 at 8:57 pm
Debbi Goodman
So glad that you told this wonderful story! Looking forward to reading it.
September 23, 2020 at 10:30 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thanks, Debbi!
September 23, 2020 at 9:02 pm
ellenramsey
I’m a bicycle fan, and this is an amazing bicycle story –Bartali was a hero in two ways.
September 23, 2020 at 10:30 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Yes, he was!
September 23, 2020 at 9:14 pm
seschipper
Wow what an incredible story and the cover is amazing!
It is wonderful to learn about unsung heroes ! ( I have just finished reading “All the ways we said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Karen White and Lauren Willig, It dealt with the same topic, saving Jewish lives during that time period!)
🙂
September 23, 2020 at 10:31 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thanks for the recommendation. I’m going to go read that one, too!
September 23, 2020 at 9:39 pm
marty
Love having stories, and real life heroes, like this for children to learn about and emulate. Congrats on its upcoming publication!
September 23, 2020 at 10:31 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Marty!
September 23, 2020 at 9:42 pm
CJ Penko
This looks absolutely stunning. Can not wait to get my hands on this! ❤🤞
September 23, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I’m so happy to hear that, CJ! Thanks!
September 23, 2020 at 9:45 pm
writeremmcbride
Megan, what a fabulous book and inspiring interview! I agree that our children need to see individuals taking responsibility for doing what is right and acting on behalf of those who are oppressed. Your book will be an inspiration and motivation for many!
September 23, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I sure hope so! Thank you!
September 23, 2020 at 10:23 pm
Katy Duffield
I’d read about Bartali and his amazingly heroic efforts. So great that young readers will get to learn about him from your beautiful book!
September 23, 2020 at 10:36 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Yes! And there’s a documentary about him, too! I think Netflix had it, but it may have rolled off their rotation.
September 24, 2020 at 12:06 am
sunwalker2013
I can hardly wait to get my hands on this book. Your story about it has touched me deeply in these troubling times.
September 25, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
I’m so glad! What a crazy year it’s been.
September 24, 2020 at 1:03 am
expressdog
This is a story that will influence kids for decades to come! Thank you for writing it!
September 25, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
You are so welcome. It was an honor uncovering it.
September 24, 2020 at 6:47 am
Linda Mitchell
The story of this story actually brought tears to my eyes. We need these stories more than ever. The cover art really does have an emotional, time-travel impact. Bravo! on this new book. I can’t wait to share it with my middle school crowd.
September 25, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Oh, I’m so happy that you want to share it with middle schoolers! I was hoping for that!
September 24, 2020 at 9:25 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
What a story! I love how you got to meet your illustrator and Bartali’s granddaughter, too! I’ll look for the movie, too.
September 25, 2020 at 12:47 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
The documentary has a couple of other stories in it, too, that are equally heartwarming!
September 24, 2020 at 9:36 am
Tracy Hora
Can’t wait to read your final version with these fab illustrations! (Read long ago on the forum) I’m thrilled for you, Megan!
September 25, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Yay! It’s come a long way since then, of course! Thanks to my spectacular editor at HarperCollins, Karen Chaplin.
September 24, 2020 at 9:47 am
Amy Harding
This cover is truly thrilling, but so is this story! Can’t wait to see it, Megan! Congratulations to both you and Iacopo!
September 25, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you so much, Amy!
September 24, 2020 at 9:48 am
Angie
I adore this story! What a wonderful secret! All the pieces came together just perfectly for you to tell this story. Love the cover! Congratulations!
September 25, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Grazie, Angie!
September 24, 2020 at 12:52 pm
jjsewell416
A wonderful story I can’t wait to read! Congratulations and thank you for bringing Gino’s story to a new generation.
September 25, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
You are so welcome! It was an honor!
September 24, 2020 at 3:02 pm
Maria
I’ve already made a plan to buy this book for bike loving friends! It looks wonderful. Congratulations!
September 25, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Oh yay! Thanks, Maria!
September 24, 2020 at 6:40 pm
chardixon47
Congratulations Megan! I look forward to reading Gino’s story. How fortunate to get to meet the illustrator 🙂
September 25, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Yes, it was wonderful! Thank you!
September 24, 2020 at 6:54 pm
Lynn
Love this interview and would love to have this book! I am into World War II stories, especially those amazing stories of people living through the war in any way possible. My dad was one of the Canadian soldiers who liberated the Netherlands, so I enjoy stories about the bravery and sacrifice for others. Congratulations on this wonderful book!
– Lynn Davidson
September 25, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Oh Lynn! What a tremendous legacy! I hope you will tell his story one day, too! Hugs!
September 24, 2020 at 7:19 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
What an important story. It’s easy to be discouraged about humanity, but we need to remember the people who put their lives on the line to fight evil.
September 25, 2020 at 12:52 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
So true, Janet. I can’t tell you how many times I have cried while writing and editing this story and while visiting Assisi where he dropped off most of the false ID papers to be distributed. I even got to see the printing press the counterfeiters used to create them!
September 25, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
(Although I feel it’s wrong to call them “counterfeiters” since they risked their lives every single day to make these!)
September 24, 2020 at 11:16 pm
Sarah Meade
What an incredible story and a beautiful book. Congratulations, Megan! I can’t wait to read it.
September 25, 2020 at 12:53 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Sarah!
September 25, 2020 at 8:38 am
Beverly Lyle Patt
Can’t wait to read about this humble hero. And the cover IS amazing. Lucky author!!
September 25, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you! Yes, I do feel incredibly lucky!
September 25, 2020 at 8:53 am
Carole Calladine
What an incredible story. Love the cover.
September 25, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Megan Elizabeth Hoyt
Thank you, Carole!
September 26, 2020 at 3:24 pm
jenabenton
This sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to read it.
September 26, 2020 at 4:31 pm
doreenrobinson
What an incredible story – I’m so grateful that you’re shining a light on Gino Bartali! Congratulations Megan and illustrator Iacopo – the illustrations are so beautifully done.
September 26, 2020 at 4:40 pm
maryvanderplas
Wow, what a terrific interview. I’m looking forward to getting this book. Congratulations!
September 27, 2020 at 10:33 am
Sandy Perlic
Oh, Megan, I’m glad you wrote this book! Sounds like it’s a story that needs to be told, and I can’t wait to read it for myself.
September 27, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
OH, I am SO IN LOVE with the cover of your new book! And I am TRULY ENAMORED with Gino–he’s a hero of mine, too! THANK YOU for sharing his AMAZING story of bravery. You’re SO RIGHT: children need to know his story, especially in today’s world. It will also give them courage to do the right thing. I CAN’T WAIT to read it!!! THANK YOU!!!
September 28, 2020 at 11:01 am
Mary York
Thank you for bringing forward another hero of the Holocaust era!
September 28, 2020 at 1:23 pm
Darcee Freier
Thanks for bringing Gino Bartali to young audiences. I’d never heard of him, either, and look forward to reading the book. How exciting to visit Italy and meet the illustrator and other fans.
September 28, 2020 at 4:08 pm
Stephen S. Martin
So many unsung heroes in World War Two. Glad you found this one.
September 28, 2020 at 10:35 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Wow. Congratulations on this breathtaking story and the whole adventure, to boot! I can’t wait to read it.
September 29, 2020 at 9:46 am
Marjory
I had never heard of Bartali and look forward to reading this book. The illustration looks fantastic. I enjoyed hearing about the author’s research journey in this post, too. Thanks!
September 30, 2020 at 10:08 pm
Linda
What fantastic graphics on this book.
October 1, 2020 at 3:47 pm
Kari Lavelle
Congrats, Megan! I can’t wait to read this story!
October 13, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Johannah Luza
I taught about the Holocaust to my 7th and 8th grade students at Temple B’nai Israel in Oklahoma City and to this day try to read all I can about heroes of the Holocaust. I am so thrilled for you! Mazel Tov Megan!
November 24, 2020 at 10:35 pm
Karan Greene
What an amazing experience! Can’t wait to read the book! Congratulations!