'Some medals are pinned to your soul, not your jacket' says Gino Bartali, as he decides to use his skill at cycling to save the lives of Jewish people in hiding in Nazi occupied Italy. For children brought up in a world where externals matter so much - one where sports wins and school triumphs are celebrated often regardless of what is going on in the hearts of the victors, this is a powerful antidote. Bartoli, in the book, when he wins the last Tour De France before the war breaks out, says that heros are not people who win medals; heros are people who have suffered.

Megan Hoyt has done a marvellous job with this book of bringing these values to the fore; she makes it clear that Bruno, at heart, was an ordinary man with an extraordinary skill, which he decided to use for the good of others. She makes it clear that he was afraid, but that he decided not to stand by and do nothing when he was surrounded by a world going wrong. This is such an encouraging message for children to have brought to life through story - that it is important to stand up against injustice, even in the face of danger, simply because it is the right thing to do.

Iacopo Bruno's stylised and muted illustrations are atmospheric and really help bring Italy's iconic landmarks to life, as well as inviting children in to imagine a little of the darkness and fear that Jewish people experienced in occupied countries.

All in all, a hero worth following, and a book worth having!