The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue

Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes (1885–1954) performed an extraordinary feat of moral courage, here described as perhaps WWII’s “greatest individual act of rescue.” While the German army advanced toward his post in Bordeaux, France, many were “driven from their homes, their countries, and everything they ever knew and loved,” writes Brown (Like a Diamond in the Sky) in quietly propulsive narration that conveys escalating, life-and-death urgency. Though Portugal “officially took no side in the war,” it joined the world in refusing the refugees; de Sousa Mendes, haunted by the frantic, growing crowds gathered at his consulate, nevertheless resolved to say yes. In direct violation of orders, he signed thousands of visas—even shortening his signature to conserve ink—and eventually escorted groups through shortcuts and across the border to Portugal at great personal cost. Digitally colored pencil illustrations by Castrillón (Nano) include sweeping compositions, finely etched textures, and curvilinear motifs to convey the tide of events and the protagonist’s steadfast, heroic defiance. Includes contextualizing back matter. Ages 5–8. Author’s agent: Sean McCarthy. Sean McCarthy Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Helen Boyle, Pickled Ink. (Sept.)