The World Entire

A True Story of an Extraordinary

World war II Rescue

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Chronicle Books

pub. 9.2.2025

68 pages

Ages 5 - 8

Author: Elizabeth Brown

   Illustrator: Melissa Castrillón

Character: Aristides de Sousa Mendes

Overview:

"'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."

Tantalizing taste:

"While Portugal officially took no side in the war, its leaders were not interested in helping the people fleeing the Nazi army. The prime minister had ordered Portugal's diplomats not to give visas to anyone hoping to escape...

Aristedes tossed and turned in his bed. He thought about what it would be like if his family were in the same situation.

How could he live with himself if he didn't help? What if all these children were his own?"

And something more: Elizabeth Brown in the Author's Note explains: "On July 8, 1940, Aristides returned to Portugal. He was arrested, was taken to Lisbon by the secret police, and stood trial. He was stripped of his job and diplomatic title, and he and his children were prevented from working or attending universities in Portugal for the rest of their lives. Aristides also lost his beloved [home] Casa do Passal ... Aristides had to feed his wife and children in soup kitchens and with the assistance of other aid societies led by the Jewish community.

Before he died in 1954, Aristides 'asked his children to clear his name and have the honor of his family restored... After many years, his deeds began to be recognized... in 1966 Israel declared Aristides de Sousa Mendes to be 'Righteous among the Nations.'... the U.S. Congress issued a declaration to honor Aristides' bravery in 1986, and then in 1987 to 1988, the Portuguese president... 'apologized to the Sousa Mendes family and the Portuguese Parliament promoted him posthumously to the rank of Ambassador.'' And in 2017, he was awarded Portugal's highest honor - the Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty.