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The Lions’ Run

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What to expect

Small acts of bravery can have extraordinary consequences. . .

The acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an unforgettable WWII novel about an orphan who discovers unexpected courage when he becomes involved with the Resistance in France during Occupation.

"A beautiful story of bravery and resistance. The Lions' Run reminds us that, more than size or strength, heroism begins with heart." RUTA SEPTYS, international bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray

"Tremendous... a vivid, enthralling novel." THE OBSERVER

Petit éclair. That's what the other boys at the orphanage call Lucas. He's tired of his cowardly reputation, just as he's tired of the war and the Nazi occupation of his village. He longs to show how brave he can be.

The chance arrives when he saves a litter of kittens from cruel boys and cares for them in an abandoned stable. There he meets Alice, the daughter of a horse trainer, who is hiding her beloved young horse from
German soldiers.

Soon Lucas begins to realise they are not the only ones in the village with secrets. The housekeeper at the German maternity home and a priest at the orphanage pass coded messages; a young mother at the home makes dangerous plans to keep her baby from forced adoption; and a neighbour in town may be harbouring a Jewish family.

Emboldened by the unlikely heroes all around him, Lucas is forced to decide how much he is willing to risk to make the most courageous rescue of all.

Perfect for fans of Ross Montgomery, Phil Earle and Michael Morpurgo, this incredible story told in short chapters, illuminates a little-known aspect of World War II history. Featuring a beautiful cover and map illustrated by highly acclaimed artist and 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureate, Jon Klassen.

Praise for The Lions' Run:
"Lucas DuBois is proof that a mere kitten can be the bravest of lions by always standing up for what's right." ALAN GRATZ, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

"Heart-pounding and heart warming, this story of a boy standing against injustice will have you racing through the pages to its startling, triumphant end." KIMBERLY BRUBAKER BRADLEY, Newbery Honoree for
The War That Saved My Life

"[Lucas'] resolve to protect the defenseless leads him to his most daring―and dangerous―act of bravery yet, one that will keep readers in suspense through the book's heart-stopping final pages." The Wall Street Journal

"Pennypacker's illuminating and stirring historical fiction will leave middle grade readers feeling deeply inspired, righteously angry and firmly resolved." The New York Times

Critics Review

Tremendous... a vivid, enthralling novel.
The Observer
The Lion's Run is a tender and illuminating novel that celebrates the courage of children
The Times
With a tight plot and young characters who actively resist and thwart the Nazis while remaining tenderhearted, The Lion's Run is sure to delight readers ages 8-12 as well as their teachers
Historical Novel Society
Written in sparing, evocative prose, it is accessible enough for the middle-grade target audience, while offering much thought-provoking content for older readers, exploring ideas of courage, integrity and the bonds between people and animals... a book to read and share and talk about - historical fiction at its best. Chilling, breath-taking and ultimately hopeful
Children's Books Ireland
A powerful story of heroism and the importance of standing up for what is right
Books for Keeps
With poignant and moving storytelling, this is a narrative that will stay with the reader long after they finish
Books for Topics
Superb
The Wall Street Journal
Pennypacker's illuminating and stirring historical fiction will leave middle grade readers feeling deeply inspired, righteously angry and firmly resolved
New York Times
The Lion's Run will likely leave readers with big thoughts about courage and the ways we respond to injustice and atrocities
Shelf Awareness
Author Sara Pennypacker
Narrator Graham Halstead
Duration 5 hours and 52 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781444987522
Format Audiobook
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Genre Children’s / Teenage emotions: Courage, bravery, hope, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Military and war fiction, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Ponies and horses
Availability AU, GB, IE

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