Facing the Lion, Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton
Facing the Lion, Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton
List: $10.99 | Sale: $7.70
Club: $5.49

Facing the Lion
Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

Author: Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton, Herman Viola

Narrator: Kevin R. Free

Unabridged: 2 hr 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 03/08/2013


Synopsis

Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton is a Maasai tribesman of Kenya. In this fascinating autobiography, he shares stories about growing up in his nomadic tribe-from licking sweat off cows' noses to survive a drought, to facing down a lion at age 14, to playing soccer for the president of Kenya. The only member of his family to receive a formal education, Joseph sometimes lived as much as 40 miles away from school. While at school, he learned about Western culture and traditions. A member of two very different communities, Joseph struggled with what he was taught and what he already knew. But eventually, he learned to balance two worlds. Hailed by Children's Literature as a "superb book for any age," Facing the Lion is a riveting tale of one man who took his destiny in his own hands and became an extraordinary citizen of the world. "An intriguing portrait of a remarkable life and a culture little known to most American readers."-Publishers Weekly "What gives this short, readable book its power is Lekuton's authoritative, intimate view of now and then."-Booklist

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jennifer on February 28, 2012

I bought this book for my classroom but also because it fits my Around the World bookclub here on Goodreads. It's a memoir from a boy who grew up in the Maasai tribe in Kenya. Though short I loved the book because it gives readers - especially kids - an idea of what it's like to live a very differen......more

Goodreads review by Grace on March 20, 2021

Just a boy living his life in Kenya. That’s literally it. Not the best thing I’ve read, but still far from being the worst. PT: Reading Around the World: Kenya, Africa, Positive Messages!, books for readers of all ages What I Liked 1) readable for all ages (as advertised). Love me a book that fulfil......more

Goodreads review by Jenny on June 11, 2021

This was a quick read that gives a good glimpse of what life is like for a nomadic boy in Kenya. I do love how he balances his two worlds, and is trying to help his people without taking away their culture. This could have been longer, but as it was intended for kids, it's a good length for that.......more

Goodreads review by Becky on June 10, 2018

Excellent tale of bravery and acceptance, written with humility and thankfulness. Perfect read aloud; m ay want to skip chapter 7 for a younger audience.......more