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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I can't wait to visit Library Shop Mission Hills on Friday, October 23 to celebrate THE LIONS' RUN! There will be discussion, a Q&A, and a book signing. I look forward to meeting you, readers! Register and learn more here: libraryfoundationsd.org/events/penny... #BookSky @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

libraryfoundationsd.org

Sara Pennypacker Presents The Lion's Run

Library Shop Mission Hills is so excited to welcome one of our favorite middle-grade novelists, Sarah Pennypacker (Pax, Clementine) for her latest novel, The Lion's Run!

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Reposted by Sara Pennypacker

Bank Street Library @bankstreetlibrary.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

We have a new Young Reviewer post by Hannah (September, 2026): bankstreet.edu/ccl/children... #YoungReviewers #BankStreetCBC #bankstreet @bankstreet.edu @sarapennypacker.bsky.social

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Friendly reminder that right now you can get THE LIONS' RUN for 50% off through the @barnesandnoble.com Book Haul sale! I can’t wait for you to meet Lucas and discover his courage—and maybe your own. www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lions-... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #BookSky #mglit

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I'm thrilled that THE LIONS' RUN has been recognized by the California Independent Booksellers Alliance as a finalist in the 2026 Golden Poppy Awards! ⭐ Thank you, California booksellers. This is an honor! www.caliballiance.org/golden-poppy... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social

A graphic sharing the news that THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker is a Finalist in the 2026 Golden Poppy Awards. It includes the book's cover, which features a young boy riding a horse, glancing over his shoulder.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

This summer, @avi-writer.bsky.social invited me to share my response to the question, "What advice can you give so I can become a writer?" This year, my best advice is: Be honest and be kind, but above all, be brave. Read my full reply here: avi-writer.com/blog/2026/07... #BookSky #mglit

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's new novel, THE LIONS' RUN, on a bookshelf inside a bookstore. The book's cover features a young boy riding a horse, glancing over his shoulder. Next to THE LIONS' RUN, other middle grade books are displayed face out on the shelf.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

I'm honored that PAX has been included in the British Columbia Human Rights Commissioner’s Book Club! This flexible book club explores human rights through storytelling. Thank you, @humanrights4bc.bsky.social. Learn more about the #CommissionersBookClub here: bchumanrights.ca/resources/co...

The cover of Sara Pennypacker's novel, PAX. The artwork by Jon Klassen features a fox in a forest, looking out at a rising sun.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Dear readers, @barnesandnoble.com is hosting their Book Haul sale, and THE LIONS' RUN is 50% off! THE LIONS' RUN is a story of courage and quiet resistance. If you pick it up, I hope you enjoy it. The sale runs through 9/7: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lions-... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #BookSky

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Tomorrow at 1:00pm ET, I'm excited to appear at the Barrington Public Library to discuss THE LIONS' RUN. Bring your questions, readers. I look forward to meeting you! Registration is required; see details & register here: barringtonlibrary.libcal.com/event/16125332 @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

I was so delighted to visit @booksofwonder.bsky.social in New York City. What an incredible bookstore!

Sara Pennypacker, a blonde, white woman, sits at a table inside a bookstore, surrounded by copies of her books. She smiles at the camera. Behind her are walls of children's books encased in glass.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

I've been thinking about my new book, THE LIONS' RUN, for more than twenty years. It's a story of courage, quiet resistance, and what I call the Theory of Termites: Tiny termites taking tiny bites can take down a cathedral. Thank you to everyone who has read it. us.macmillan.com/books/978125...

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's new novel, THE LIONS' RUN, being held in front of a bookshelf inside a bookstore. The book's cover features a young boy riding a horse, glancing over his shoulder. Next to THE LIONS' RUN, other middle grade books are displayed face out on the shelf.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Next Sunday, May 31 at 1:00pm ET, I will be appearing at the Barrington Public Library to discuss THE LIONS' RUN! I'm really looking forward to meeting you, answering your questions, and signing your books. Register here! barringtonlibrary.libcal.com/event/16125332 @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

“Because I am exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I should be doing. That is peace.” 🦊🌿

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's novel, PAX, lying on a wooden table. The book's cover illustration features a fox on a hill, overlooking a valley.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

I'm looking forward to visiting the Barrington Public Library on May 31 at 1:00pm ET to discuss THE LIONS' RUN! I can't wait to meet you, answer your questions, and sign your books. See details and register here to attend! barringtonlibrary.libcal.com/event/16125332 @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

I'm often asked if I have any advice for people who want to write. I say: Read. Read, read, read, read, read. When you find a book you really love, read it again and try to figure out how the author gripped you.

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's novel, LEEVA AT LAST, arranged face out on a bookshelf inside a bookstore. The book's cover features a young girl with her hands on her hips. Behind her, there is a pink house with four characters standing in the windows. Next to LEEVA AT LAST, Sara Pennypacker's books PAX and PAX, JOURNEY HOME are also on the shelf.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

"I don't want things to be magically what they're not. I want them to be what they could be. And somebody has to want that, or nothing bad will ever get better." 🌿📖 From my book, HERE IN THE REAL WORLD. #BookSky sarapennypacker.com/books/here-i...

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's novel, HERE IN THE REAL WORLD, lying on a wooden table. The book's cover illustration features a church lot surrounded by vegetation, and two children facing the lot.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

When I was doing school visits for PAX, I learned that kids want to know what they can do about injustice. So in my new middle grade novel, my characters explore ways they can take a stand against unfair situations. THE LIONS' RUN is on shelves now: us.macmillan.com/books/978125...

A photo of four copies of Sara Pennypacker's novel THE LIONS' RUN. One is arranged face out on top of three stacked copies. Its cover features a young boy riding a horse, glancing over his shoulder. In the background, there are bookshelves in a bookstore.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

My recent novel, LEEVA AT LAST, is the funniest book I've ever written. But I wrote it in anger. I think LEEVA AT LAST saved me that year that I wrote it. If you haven't read it yet, I hope you'll keep an eye out for it at your library or bookstore. sarapennypacker.com/books/leeva-...

sarapennypacker.com

Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker

With an orphaned badger, a risk-averse boy in a hazmat suit, and the town's librarians, Leeva sets off to discover "What are people for?"

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

"This morning the fox ran because below the hard, matted forest floor, below the crusts of snow that remained in the deepest pine-shades and below the wafers of ice lacing the puddles, he smelled it: spring." 🦊🌿 From my book, PAX, JOURNEY HOME. #BookSky

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's novel, PAX, JOURNEY HOME, arranged face out on a bookshelf inside a bookstore. The book's cover features a fox sitting next to his kit, facing the horizon. Next to PAX, JOURNEY HOME, other middle grade books are on the shelf.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Historical fiction tells a kid, "You know what? This has happened before and kids have thrived through it, they’ve triumphed through it, and things have changed.” @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky

A green graphic that reads, "Historical fiction tells a kid, 'You know what? This has happened before and kids have thrived through it, they've triumphed through it, and things have changed.'" Beneath the text is the book cover of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker. The book's cover features a young boy riding a horse, glancing over his shoulder.

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The Horn Book @thehornbook.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

⭐ #Fiction #HBReviewoftheWeek THE LIONS' RUN by @sarapennypacker.bsky.social ; illus. by Jon Klassen (Balzer + Bray/ @mackidsbooks.bsky.social ): "[Pennypacker] shows...how a young person grows in bravery each time they take action, + that the action itself gives hope" www.hbook.com/story/review...

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

"You thought ahead and you prepared a note enough like mine to back up the story you told yesterday. You weren't afraid?" Lucas thought about bragging, but decided on the truth. "Yes, I was afraid. That's why I prepared." 🐎🐎🐎 @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's new novel, THE LIONS' RUN, arranged face out on a bookshelf inside a bookstore. The book's cover features a young boy riding a horse, glancing over his shoulder. Next to THE LIONS' RUN, other middle grade books are displayed face out on the shelf.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Thrilled to see THE LIONS' RUN in @wsj.com's roundup of 6 Books to Read Now. Thank you for your review and recommendation! "Demonstrates that resilience might spring from the unlikeliest of places." www.wsj.com/arts-culture... @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #BookSky

A graphic sharing an excerpt from The Wall Street Journal's "March in Fiction: 6 Books to Read Now" article. It features The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker, and the blurb reads: "Sara Pennypacker's novel for young readers tells the story of a boy awakening to courage in Nazi-occupied France. Its suspenseful build to a climactic act of bravery demonstrates, writes Katie Daniels, that 'resilience might spring from the unlikeliest of places.'"

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

I am so moved by the way kids can love animals. Loving anything is an act of profound courage. #BookSky

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's novel, PAX, arranged face out on a wooden bookshelf inside a bookstore. The book's cover features a fox in a forest, looking out at a rising sun. Next to PAX, other middle grade books are arranged alphabetically on the shelf.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

"One of the questions [kids] always have is ‘Am I brave enough?' So, I knew, in this book, I was going to talk about courage.” Thank you to The Provincetown Independent for this piece about my writing process for THE LIONS' RUN! provincetownindependent.org/arts-minds/2... #BookSky

provincetownindependent.org

Sara Pennypacker Argues for Hope - The Provincetown Independent

When Sara Pennypacker begins planning a book, she thinks in terms of seeds, soil, and environment, with herself as the soil. “In order to choose a book to devote two […]

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

"It's such small things we can do. I wish it were more." "Little termites taking tiny bites can bring down a cathedral." 🐎🐎🐎 @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky

A photo of Sara Pennypacker's novel, THE LIONS' RUN, arranged face out on a wooden bookshelf inside a bookstore. The book's cover features a young boy riding a horse, glancing over his shoulder. Next to THE LIONS' RUN, other middle grade books are arranged alphabetically on the shelf.

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Reposted by Sara Pennypacker

Macmillan Children's School & Library Marketing @mackidssl.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

⭐ Stargaze with MacKids ⭐ THE LIONS' RUN by @sarapennypacker.bsky.social is a historical novel about an orphan during WWII who discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance. Out now! tinyurl.com/2kjzrzaa

“ a genuinely satisfying read.”
“A beautiful tribute to bravery in its many forms...”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
—Booklist, starred review
“Compassionate and complex.”
—the horn book, starred review
“A page-turning and ultimately triumphant tale of heroism.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Highly recommended.”
—School Library Journal, starred review
“will likely leave readers with big thoughts.”
—shelf awareness, starred review

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

While researching THE LIONS' RUN, I spent two weeks in Lamorlaye, France, walking every bit of the book that I was allowed to. Here is one of the lion statues that stands at the entrance of the racetrack after which the book is named. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky

A blonde, white woman wearing sunglasses gazes up at a large, old statue of a lion, mounted on a tall stone pedestal. In the background, there is a forest.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

As people involved in getting books into kids' hands, what do we do when the world falls far from the way we think it should be? I share my answer through the example of my new novel, THE LIONS' RUN, in my column in @thehornbook.bsky.social. www.hbook.com/story/the-wr... @mackidssl.bsky.social

hbook.com

The Writer's Page: Portraying Reality, Modeling Idealism

From the March/April 2026 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.

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John Schu @mrschureads.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

"John Schu, you should have asked me what writing this book taught me. I would have answered: The bravest thing you can do is care about someone else." — @sarapennypacker.bsky.social mrschureads.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-...

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

I can't wait to for the Tucson Festival of Books this weekend! I'll be on panels with the incredible Erin Entrada Kelly, Daniel Nayeri, and Tracey Baptiste. I'd love to see you there! tucsonfestivalofbooks.org?action=displ... @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #BookSky

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The Horn Book @thehornbook.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

From Mar/Apr #HBMag @sarapennypacker.bsky.social 's "Portraying Reality, Modeling Idealism" Writer's Page column: "When kids have information abt injustice, role models for how to make a difference, + ppl around who believe in them...look out!" www.hbook.com/story/the-wr... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

hbook.com

The Writer's Page: Portraying Reality, Modeling Idealism

From the March/April 2026 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

I stopped by the beautiful @caminobks.bsky.social in Del Mar, California this past weekend and left lots of signed copies of THE LIONS' RUN! Thanks for the warm welcome, Alison. @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #BookSky

Sara Pennypacker, a blonde, white woman, smiles next to a display of her new book, THE LIONS' RUN. A white woman with glasses smiles on the other side of the display and holds up her hands, gesturing towards it. The women are standing in a bookstore with rich yellow walls and white bookshelves in the background.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

I can't wait to attend the Tucson Festival of Books next weekend! Will I see you there? March 14: Panel with Erin Entrada Kelly and Daniel Nayeri: tucsonfestivalofbooks.org?action=displ... March 15: Panel with Tracey Baptiste: tucsonfestivalofbooks.org?action=displ...

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The Horn Book @thehornbook.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

March/April 2026 #HBMag (wraparound cover from THE LIONS' RUN illustrated by Jon Klassen; Balzer + Bray/ @mackidsbooks.bsky.social ) See the Table of Contents here: www.hbook.com/story/march-... #kidlit @sarapennypacker.bsky.social @marjorieingall.bsky.social @rpayne.bsky.social

hbook.com

Table of Contents: March/April 2026 Horn Book Magazine

From the March/April 2026 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

"After a reader has finished this book, I want them to be filled with questions like: Is it ever okay to commit a crime to correct a crime? What is courage?" I enjoyed this conversation about THE LIONS' RUN with @publisherswkly.bsky.social! www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/... #BookSky

publishersweekly.com

Four Questions for Sara Pennypacker

After more than two dozen middle grade and picture books, Sara Pennypacker has written her first work of historical fiction for children, 'The Lions' Run.'

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The Horn Book @thehornbook.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

#HBOutoftheBox: Peek-a-boo! It's the complete March/April #HornBookMagazine wraparound cover. Art by Jon Klassen from THE LIONS' RUN (Balzer + Bray/ @mackidsbooks.bsky.social ) written by @sarapennypacker.bsky.social , gif (at link) by Mark Tuchman: www.hbook.com/story/march-... #HBMag

hbook.com

March/April 2026 Horn Book Magazine cover surprise

Peek-a-boo! It's the complete March/April Horn Book Magazinewraparound cover. Art by Jon Klassen, gif by Mark Tuchman.

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

The @mackidssl.bsky.social team has created a wonderful teacher's guide for my new novel, THE LIONS' RUN! You'll find lots of discussion questions, activities, historical resources, and more. www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/teachers-gui... #BookSky @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

A graphic promoting the Teacher's Guide for THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker. It is titled, "A TEACHER'S GUIDE FOR THE LIONS RUN," and beneath, there are two sections of text titled "About the Book" and "About the Author."

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Readers, I'm thrilled to be attending the Tucson Festival of Books! I'll be speaking on panels with some truly incredible authors. March 14: Panel with Erin Entrada Kelly and Daniel Nayeri March 15: Panel with Tracey Baptiste I'd love to see you there! tucsonfestivalofbooks.org?action=displ...

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MacKids Books @mackidsbooks.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Did you hear? THE LIONS' RUN is an INSTANT New York Times bestseller & a #1 Indie Next List Pick! This historical novel about an orphan during WWII who finds unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance. It features stunning and impactful illustrations Jon Klassen

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

A great review of THE LIONS' RUN #audiobook, narrated by Graham Halstead, in Kirkus @audiofilemagazine.bsky.social! "Halstead’s performance matches the breakneck pacing when Lucas stands up to German soldiers and confronts his own sense of insecurity." www.kirkusreviews.com/audiobook-re... #Booksky

kirkusreviews.com

THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker | Kirkus Reviews

Graham Halstead’s narration contains layers of emotion that fully reveal the character and gr…

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Jarch @itsokihaveabook.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

"But he had just realized that hope was a job, and somebody had to do it, and today that somebody was him." -THE LIONS' RUN by @sarapennypacker.bsky.social

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Bianca Schulze: The Children's Book Review @tcbrbookreview.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

@sarapennypacker.bsky.social's NYT bestseller The Lions' Run illuminates a little-known chapter of WWII history through a French orphan who discovers empathy is the truest form of courage. This conversation is one you won't forget: creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social

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Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

"I want to reassure [kids] that small acts count and that true bravery begins with empathy, with caring enough about someone, or something, else enough that you act in spite of fear." Thanks for having me on the blog, Audible! www.audible.com/blog/article... @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky

audible.com

“The Lions’ Run” tenderly portrays a child finding his courage in Nazi-occupied France

Children’s book author Sara Pennypacker teaches empathy while honoring real history.

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