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

Everyone knows Oskar Schindler and his famous list, but few have heard of Aristides de Sousa Mendes―a Portuguese diplomat who saved the lives of thousands in World War II. This magnificently illustrated picture book biography tells a moving story that resonates profoundly today.

"He who saves a single life, saves the world entire." --The Talmud

Here is the true and powerful story of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who, against his government's commands, helped refugees flee France to escape the Nazis by granting visas that allowed them entry to Portugal.

In one of the greatest individual acts of rescue in World War II, Mendes saved many thousands of people, including the artist Salvador Dalí; H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George; professors of medicine, biology, and physics who would go on to teach in America; and thousands of others whose lives are less known but no less precious. He and his family paid dearly for it, but Aristides never regretted his actions, believing to the very end of his life that every life is worth saving.

EXTRAORDINARY HISTORICAL NONFICTION: Over twenty-three days in 1940, Aristides de Sousa Mendes committed an incredible act of heroism, defying his government's orders and putting his family's lives in peril to do what he felt he must. "I could not have acted otherwise," he is quoted as saying. In the first book for children about this extraordinary individual, beautifully crafted text and vivid illustrations combine to illuminate a little-known story that deserves to be told.

GREAT FOR CLASSROOMS: This picture book biography is an outstanding resource for reading lists and lesson plans, complete with informative backmatter. It offers a new window into teaching about WWII, the Holocaust, and the power of civil disobedience.

THE PAST INFORMS THE PRESENT: For anyone interested in current immigration issues, military conflict, or the rise of Fascism around the world, this book offers a great starting point to discuss the past, present, and future.

Perfect for:

• Children and families interested in WWII
• Teachers and librarians looking for accessible history books and biographies
• Readers of inspiring Holocaust books like Nicky & Vera, The Boy on the Wooden Box, and The Enigma Girls

Author: Elizabeth Brown
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 09/02/2025
Pages: 68
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.41lbs
Size: 9.61h x 12.05w x 0.47d
ISBN: 9781452170985
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 06/23/2025
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2025 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw

About the Author
Elizabeth Brown is a children's writer, film producer, and teacher with a passion for social justice. Her previous picture books include Dancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler, which was a New York Public Library Best Book of the Year, and Like A Diamond in the Sky: Jane Taylor's Beloved Poem of Wonder and the Stars, which was Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year. She lives in Chicago, IL.

Melissa Castrillón is an English-Colombian illustrator based in the southeast of England. She has illustrated more than ten picture books, which have been translated into more than twenty languages around the world. Her book The Balcony was awarded the Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators and was selected as a New York Times Notable Picture Book.