About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the weight of a secret or feeling a profound sense of duty to protect something vulnerable. Pennypacker captures the intense, private world of middle childhood where loyalty to a cause often clashes with the rules of the adult world. This story follows a group of children who discover a pride of mountain lions in their backyard and must decide how to protect them without betraying their existence to a world that might see them as a threat. It is a masterclass in moral complexity, exploring the fine line between secrecy and integrity. While the stakes are high, the prose is gentle and grounded, making it an excellent choice for sensitive readers aged 8 to 12 who care deeply about wildlife and environmental justice. It models how quiet courage can be just as powerful as loud action.
