When Courage Whispers Louder Than War
In The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker, the acclaimed author of Pax returns with a story that doesn’t roar—it resonates. Set in the shadowed stables and cobbled streets of Nazi-occupied France, this middle-grade novel is a masterclass in quiet heroism. With Jon Klassen’s evocative illustrations and Pennypacker’s signature emotional depth, readers are invited into the heart of a boy who learns that bravery isn’t always loud—it’s often found in the softest acts of defiance.
A Tender Hero in a Time of Terror
Lucas Dubois, nicknamed “Petit Éclair” by the other boys at his abbey orphanage, is no one’s idea of a hero. Timid, gentle, and often overlooked, Lucas is more likely to rescue kittens than confront soldiers. But when he stumbles upon Alice, a British girl hiding a prized racehorse from Nazi requisition, Lucas’s world shifts. Their unlikely friendship becomes the spark that ignites his transformation—from a frightened boy into a quiet resistor.
Pennypacker doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of war. Through Lucas’s grocery deliveries to a chilling Lebensborn maternity home and his encounters with coded messages, hidden families, and impossible choices, the novel paints a haunting yet hopeful portrait of wartime resistance. Each character—from the defiant housekeeper to the desperate young mother—adds a layer of complexity, reminding readers that even in the darkest times, humanity flickers.
Why This Story Matters—Now More Than Ever
The Lions’ Run is more than historical fiction—it’s a mirror to our times. In an age where empathy is often mistaken for weakness, Lucas’s story reminds us that kindness is a form of resistance. His courage isn’t forged in battle, but in the stables, kitchens, and corridors of everyday life. This is a book that belongs in classrooms, libraries, and family bookshelves—not just for its historical insight, but for its timeless message: bravery begins in the heart.
Conclusion: A Roar That Echoes in the Soul
Sara Pennypacker has once again gifted readers a story that lingers long after the final page. The Lions’ Run is a triumph of storytelling—poignant, powerful, and profoundly human. It’s a novel that will stir young readers and move adults, a testament to the quiet revolutions that begin with compassion. If you read one middle-grade novel this year, let it be this one.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*Please note that this book was provided in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
