Review Detail

The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker is a middle-grade historical fiction novel set in France during World War II. Thirteen-year-old Lucas, an orphan in Nazi-occupied France, is given the nickname “Petit éclair” by the other boys at the abbey, who see him as a soft coward. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear this label is far from accurate. Lucas gradually emerges as one of the bravest characters.

At the beginning of the book, Lucas saves several kittens that his bullies try to drown. This leads him to hide the kittens in an abandoned stable, where he meets Alice, who is hiding her horse from the Nazis. Lucas’s bravery continues to grow as he delivers messages for the Resistance. When Lucas learns that one of the babies he befriended in the Lebensborn program (German maternity homes) is going to be sent to Germany to be adopted, he acts quickly and helps the baby escape. The last few chapters are action-packed as Lucas goes on the run with Alice’s horse and baby Felix. Page after page, we see Lucas gain courage.

What I Liked: Lucas is such a lovable character, and his kindness is one of his most endearing qualities. He remains empathetic and selfless even though the circumstances of his life could have made him hard and self-centered. The World War II setting was integral to the plot, and I especially enjoyed learning about the Lebensborn program, which was new to me. While World War II can be a heavy topic, Pennypacker does a wonderful job of describing the injustices of the war in an age-appropriate way.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction or stories about unlikely heroes finding their strength.