It’s been a decade since Sarah Pennypacker’s Pax was published and now, with The Lions’ Run, she has delivered another instant classic. Like Pax, The Lions’ Run is a moving adventure story featuring animals, set during a time of conflict. In this historical novel, a boy named Lucas is resident at an abbey orphanage in a French village that is under Nazi occupation. Lucas rescues some kittens from local bullies and in his furtive efforts to care for them, forms a somewhat unlikely friendship with Alice, the bold daughter of a wealthy English horse trainer.

Alice has secrets too, as do others in the village. Lucas learns that many within his community are engaged in inspiring acts of resistance. Lucas is a great character, sensitive and kind with a moral strength that leads him to action. The final act is thrilling.

Pennypacker does a great job of acknowledging the complexities of family, class and bravery, which are major themes of the book. Don’t miss the hardcover edition, which has a stunning cover and interior illustrations by Jon Klassen. This book is set in the past, yet feels timely, and readers aged 10+ will love it.