A gripping and moving novel by one of the world's best-loved writers for children.

From much-loved author Shirley Hughes comes a thrilling World War II novel for children aged 10 and up. It is 1944 and Florence, Italy, is occupied by Nazi German forces. The Italian resistance movement has not given up hope, though - and neither have Paolo and his sister, Constanza. Both are desperate to fight the occupation, but what can two siblings do against a whole army with only a bicycle to help them? In extraordinary circumstances, people are capable of extraordinary things...

About the Author
Shirley Hughes has illustrated more than 200 children's books and is one of the best-loved writers for children. She has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and has been awarded the OBE for her distinguished service to children's literature. In 2007, Dogger was voted the UK's favourite Kate Greenaway Medal-winning book of all time. Shirley lives in West London.

Reviews
The mounting suspense will keep readers turning pages. An absorbing survival adventure and a solid fiction debut. * Booklist *
a beautifully moving story * Irish Independent *
A thrilling adventure. * The Good Book's Guide *
Action packed. . . an excellent addition to our World War 2 novels. * Reading Chick *
A thrilling Second World War novel for children by one of the world's best-loved writers. * The Bookseller Children's Buyer's Guide *
Best-selling illustrator Shirley Hughes writes beautifully in this gripping story set during World War Two [...] Shirley Hughes captures the thrill of this very important adventure. This beautifully jacketed edition has a linked website with historical details about the Second World War in Italy, including period photographs, videos and music, as well as interviews with the author, extra illustrations and much more. This is a wonderful first novel from the internationally revered writer Shirley Hughes; a modern classic in the making. -- Julia Ecceshare * Love Reading 4 Kids *


Awards
Winner of Museum of Tolerance: Once Upon a World Children's Book Award, Older Readers 2014 (United States). Short-listed for Blue Peter Book Awards 2013 (UK) and Kernow Youth Book Award 2014 (UK) and Oxfordshire Book Award 2012 (UK) and Young Quills Historical Fiction Awards 2013 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781406366174
Author Shirley Hughes
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 204g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 15mm