The Bicycle Spy - by Yona Zeldis McDonough (Paperback)

About the Book

In 1942 France, Marcel delivers for his parents' bakery on his bike. He dreams of someday competing in the Tour de France, but there's been no race since Germany's occupation. Marcel soon comes to realize there are worse things about the war than a canceled race.

Book Synopsis

Can Marcel make the ride of his life?

Marcel loves riding his bicycle, whether he's racing through the streets of his small town in France or making bread deliveries for his parents' bakery. He dreams of someday competing in the Tour de France, the greatest bicycle race. But ever since Germany's occupation of France began two years ago, in 1940, the race has been canceled. Now there are soldiers everywhere, interrupting Marcel's rides with checkpoints and questioning.

Then Marcel learns two big secrets, and he realizes there are worse things about the war than a canceled race. When he later discovers that his friend's entire family is in imminent danger, Marcel knows he can help -- but it will involve taking a risky bicycle ride to pass along covert information. And when nothing ends up going according to plan, it's up to him to keep pedaling and think quickly... because his friend, her family, and his own future hang in the balance.

Review Quotes

"A fine story of war, friendship, and taking a stand against injustice." -- Kirkus Reviews

"History seamlessly meets fiction as readers learn about a snippet of life in World War II Europe... Students will become engrossed in Marcel's exploits." -- School Library Journal

"Clearly written, suspenseful, and accessible to a younger audience... An engaging story." -- Booklist

About the Author

Yona Zeldis McDonough is the award-winning author of 27 books for children and seven novels for adults. Her essays, articles, and short fiction have appeared in numerous national and literary publications. She is also the fiction editor of Lilith magazine. McDonough lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their two children.