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Cover of A Lion to Guard Us

A Lion to Guard Us

by Clyde Robert Bulla

Book Details

Publisher:Harper Collins
Published:1989-10-20
Pages:132
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

Age Range:6-10

About This Book

Left on their own in seventeenth-century London, three impoverished children draw upon all their resources to stay together and make their way to the Virginia colony in search of their father.

Our Review

This compelling historical novel follows three young siblings navigating the harsh realities of 17th-century London after being orphaned, then embarking on a perilous transatlantic journey to colonial Virginia in search of their father. Through vivid descriptions of London's impoverished streets and the treacherous ocean voyage, the story brings early American history to life in ways that will captivate young readers. The children's resilience and determination create an emotional anchor that makes complex historical periods accessible and deeply personal for elementary school audiences.

What distinguishes this survival story is how it balances genuine historical challenges with age-appropriate tension, allowing children to experience the colonial era through the eyes of characters their own age. The sibling dynamics feel authentic, providing both conflict and comfort as the children face hunger, danger, and uncertainty together. Young readers who enjoy adventure tales with heart will find themselves completely absorbed in this journey across oceans and continents, emerging with a richer understanding of early American settlement and the power of family bonds.

Themes

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Juvenile Fiction