27. The Lions' Run

27. The Lions' Run. Sara Pennypacker. 2026. 288 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, historical fiction, j historical, mg historical, world war II]

First sentence: A little freedom. Lucas had only a few deliveries this afternoon, and if he was quick with them, he'd finally have a couple of hours to himself before he'd have to show up back at the abbey.

Premise/plot: The Lions' Run is set in Occupied France during the Second World War. Lucas, the protagonist, is an orphan, a delivery boy. He lives at the abbey where there was a school. One day when he rescues kittens from drowning--if you're incredibly sensitive, this might prove a bit too much--he meets a girl, Alice, hiding a horse, Bia. The Nazis want Bia, and Alice is determined NOT to let them have her. She is trying to smuggle her to America. Meanwhile, Lucas is determined to join the resistance. As a delivery boy already, perhaps he can keep on blending in and not draw too much attention to himself. However, when he sets out to rescue something much larger--and noisier--than several kittens, IT will be a fight to survive.

My thoughts: It's way too early in the year to proclaim favorites of newly published books. YET this one does have a lot of potential to make that list all the same. IT is a World War II story but one that tells a unique story. It also explores the concept of bravery and courage. Is it courage if you're scared the whole time you're doing it?


© 2026 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews