The Lions' Run

By: Sara Pennypacker, Jon Klassen

Narrated by: Graham Halstead

"Graham Halstead’s narration contains layers of emotion..." — Kirkus

“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

The acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of Pax delivers an historical novel about an orphan during WWII who discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance.

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

He gets the chance when he saves a litter of kittens from cruel boys and brings them to an abandoned stable to care for them. There he comes upon a stranger who is none too happy to see him: Alice, the daughter of a horse trainer, who is hiding her filly from German soldiers.

Soon Lucas begins to realize 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 neighbor in town may be harboring 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 Alan Gratz, Ruta Sepetys, and Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, this accessible novel, told in short chapters, illuminates a little-known aspect of World War II history.

A Macmillan Audio production from Balzer & Bray

Critic reviews

"A beautiful tribute to bravery in its many forms and the power that children and women can wield." —Booklist (starred review)

"A page-turning and ultimately triumphant tale of heroism." —The Horn Book Magazine (starred review)

"Richly descriptive writing and steadily building suspense make for a genuinely satisfying read." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Compassionate and complex." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“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 heartwarming, 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

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

A young boy with perseverance

This book was exceptional. A young boy caught in a difficult time in war during World War II. He showed such perseverance and optimism. It’s a great story for young middle school age students with a very great story that leaves such an impact highly recommend this author. I have read another one of her titles packs and it was exceptional as well. This is one title that I would definitely recommend and read again.

World War 2 era

this was a great listen, I enjoyed the time setting and how it explored the details of what happened in Nazi occupied areas.