Content levels
Trigger warnings
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
When Lenny Levi's father goes off to fight in the Second World War, his son has to learn to be brave: brave when bombs are dropped on his street in London, brave when he's evacuated to a big house in the country, and brave when spiteful children tease him and call him names.This beautiful book will strike a chord with anyone who has ever felt homesick and alone. Full of detail and character, it embraces the past and the present with unique poignancy and power.
Is Lion and the Unicorn appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 8 and up.
This gentle historical story depicts a Jewish boy's experience during WWII London bombings and countryside evacuation. Contains wartime peril, antisemitic bullying, and parental separation but handles these sensitively for middle grade readers.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death of parent, war, and abandonment (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Kids will connect with Lenny's struggle to be brave when far from home and facing mean kids who don't accept him.