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Don't Feed the Lion
- Author
- Bianna Golodryga
- Narrator
- Abby Sher
- Publisher
- Arcadia Children's Books
- Publish Date
- 11 November 2025
- Run Time
- 5 hours 57 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
With unexpected twists and compelling characters, Don't Feed the Lion explores how young people grapple with antisemitism, prejudice, allyship, and the courage to speak up.
Annie and Theo Kaplan have a family ritual: every Friday night they celebrate Shabbat with their energetic, immigrant grandparents. But this Shabbat, which happens to fall on Annie's eleventh birthday, isn't like the others. Thirteen-year-old Theo's soccer hero—Wes Mitchell—has posted an antisemitic message that quickly goes viral, leaving his parents disgusted, his sister enraged, and Theo himself clobbered by a torrent of confusion, anger, sadness, and a deep desire to just ignore it.
Antisemitism quickly affects the entire Kaplan family in various ways. Theo's teammates think Mitchell's comments were no big deal, and Theo notices an uptick in anti-Jewish commentary around school. A rare act of rebellion draws Annie into the fray, and a new classmate shows that ignoring pain is no way to get through it.
Don't Feed the Lion asks readers of all backgrounds: What will you do when it's your turn to choose?
Critics Review
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"A brave and beautiful story that helps kids understand antisemitism—and stand up to it with strength, pride, and compassion. This book is so needed right now."
actress and antisemitism activist
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"Don't Feed the Lion" will resonate with young Jewish Americans and their parents, and will better equip them as they navigate their teens in a highly polarised social climate. It is a story of grounded optimism, of the cyclical nature of history, and of proud resilience in the face of hatred, through family courage and personal agency."
President of Israel
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"This is an important and beautifully told story that captures the impact hatred has on individuals, families, and entire communities. At a time of growing antisemitism, it is critical that we teach our children to stand up for themselves and their heritage—and to come to the aid of friends in need. Bianna and Yonit have written a book that teaches a life lesson and is truly engaging."
CEO of Pfizer
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"Hate can't be fought alone. This book shows young people—from every background—how to be allies, how to speak up, and how to build bridges instead of walls."
New York Times Best-Selling Author, CNN Host, Founder of DreamMachine.org
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"As a journalist and a father of teens, I've seen firsthand how antisemitism festers when ignored. This book doesn't just tell a compelling story—it gives kids the tools to recognize and stand up to hate."
CNN Anchor and New York Times Best-Selling Author
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"When hatred is dressed up as opinion, we need stories that teach kids the difference. Don't Feed the Lion is a fierce and necessary reminder that silence is never the answer."
actor
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Details
- Author
- Bianna Golodryga
- Narrator
- Abby Sher
- Duration
- 5 hours 57 minutes
- Release Date
- 11 November 2025
- ISBN
- 9781540299345
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Arcadia Children's Books
- Genre
- Children’s / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction
Synopsis
With unexpected twists and compelling characters, Don't Feed the Lion explores how young people grapple with antisemitism, prejudice, allyship, and the courage to speak up. Annie and Theo Kaplan have a family ritual: every Friday night they celebrate Shabbat with their energetic, immigrant grandparents. But this Shabbat, which happens to fall on Annie's eleventh birthday, isn't like the others. Thirteen-year-old Theo's soccer hero—Wes Mitchell—has posted an antisemitic message that quickly goes viral, leaving his parents disgusted, his sister enraged, and Theo himself clobbered by a torrent of confusion, anger, sadness, and a deep desire to just ignore it. Antisemitism quickly affects the entire Kaplan family in various ways. Theo's teammates think Mitchell's comments were no big deal, and Theo notices an uptick in anti-Jewish commentary around school. A rare act of rebellion draws Annie into the fray, and a new classmate shows that ignoring pain is no way to get through it. Don't Feed the Lion asks readers of all backgrounds: What will you do when it's your turn to choose?
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