Toro! Toro!
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by HarperCollins, 2002
About this book
Antonio tells his grandson how, as a small boy in 1936, he saved the life of his favourite bull, which was destined for the bullring, by taking him out into the hills. By doing so, he also saves his own life when Nazi planes strafe his village, killing all his family.
As he flees to shelter, he gives a graphic account of the hardships of the Spanish Civil War. Readers will empathise with Antonio, while acquiring an understanding of an important European conflict, which has rarely been made the subject of children's literature.
About the author
What to read next
We know that children can get hooked on a favourite book series or author and struggle to find something they love as much, but we’re here to help.
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Sir Michael Morpurgo is a legend in children's literature - but what should you try when you've read all of his stories? We've got some ideas, and we want to hear your thoughts too...
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