Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton gives American kids a firsthand look at growing up in Kenya as a member of a tribe of nomads whose livelihood centers on the raising and grazing of cattle. Readers share Lekuton's first encounter with a lion, the epitome of bravery in the warrior tradition. They follow his mischievous antics as a young Maasai cattle herder, coming-of-age initiation, boarding school escapades, soccer success, and journey to America for college. Lekuton's riveting text combines exotic details of nomadic life with the universal experience and emotions of a growing boy.

Author: Herman J. Viola
Publisher: National Geographic Kids
Published: 10/11/2005
Pages: 128
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.35lbs
Size: 8.26h x 5.26w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780792272977
Audience: Young Adult

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.1
Point Value: 4
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 72261 / Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

About the Author
Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton is a Maasai tribesman who grew up on the savanna of northern Kenya. He teaches eighth grade social studies in Langley, Virginia and holds a master's degree in International Education Policy from Harvard University. Each summer he brings a group of students and parents to Kenya to work on development projects that help his people.