The Lion Above the Door
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By Onjali Q. Raúf
avg rating
92 reviews
’Ever since I can remember, people have stared at me and my family.
Dad tells me it’s because we’re ‘special’.
But if we’re so special, how come nobody ever looks like us in the books at school? Not even the books about world wars …’
As the only Singaporean boy not just in his school, but in the tiny English he calls home too, Leo witnesses – and feels – the impacts of racism every day. But on a class trip to a nearby cathedral, Leo’s attention is drawn to a marble slab high above the doors of the hall. Right there, bang in the middle of a list of WWII war heroes, Leo finds himself staring at something incredible: his own name.
Desperate to know who this other Leo was, and with Sangeeta asking why women are missing from the history books too, the two friends embark on an epic search.One that will help uncover missing s/heroes from the past, who each deserve to take their rightful place in the pages of history.
Touching on themes of historical racisms and eradications, The Lion Above the Door shines a light on the millions of s/heroes still missing from our history books, and the power that lies in all of us to rectify past wrongs.The first edition of this book also contains a special collection of historical photos and stories of real life forgotten heroes from World War Two.
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I like this because it shows what has sometimes happened in real history. When groups of people often ethnic minorities have been left out of the story of history even though they have contributed an important part and often sacrificed their lives. It also shows how some people may feel when they are always the different ones and how they can find pride in themselves.
The book was awesome. I really enjoyed it.I would recommend this book for kids that like world war two.my favourite character is Olivia and Sangeeta.
A wonderful book, which contains all sorts of inspirational messages, but, unusually, manages to do so without overpowering the story. Highly recommended!
Interesting read written from the viewpoint of a child in a world he doesn't relate too. With determination and willpower he changes his place and is accepted....actions speak louder than words.
I rated this book five because of how its so catchy.
When I first read the blurb it hooked me in.I would read it a hundred times if I needed to.
I really enjoyed this book because it shows the unity and love that shine through families, although, it also expresses how different they can be. I feel it really shows that some people are just lost in history and are only a name to everyone who hears about them. It shows we need to treasure our past and not let someone fade out just for such a silly reason. The amazing story line and all the incredible characters fill line, pages and eventually a whole book.
I would highly recommend this book. Onjali is a fantastic writer and explores important topics. You want to know what happens next and it makes you think about your own education and the things you weren’t taught.
I enjoyed this book I would reread it. I love reading the author's other book. I appreciate her style of writing. I would describe it as a very heartwarming journey, a pageturner, and very entertaining.
Everyone should read this book!
I can see why many people would like this book, it was good but I personally prefer fast-paced adventure books.
i love the commeration to passed soilders
So good
Great book about forgotten heros
I love Onjali Q. Rauf! Her books are mind blowingly good !
Every time I read her books there physically impossible to put down ( I love them!!!!) I have read The boy at the back of the class ( Which made me cry ) This one and the night bus hero and just today I got her newest ; the star above my window and the first paragraph is AMAZING!!! I totally recommend this author especially to 8 - 12 year olds. Like if you agree!!!
This book teaches us the important of diversity and to celebrate awareness. It tells us the story of a child who is trying to make sure people from other ethnic backgrounds are more represented in history. I recommend this book to people who like adventure stories.
Made me want to read more by the same author
I would say this was better than all of the other books that I have read by this author and it was based in a area a I knew. I would recommend this for people who like an historical adventure in present day.
This book is amazing! I love it! Onjali Q. Rauf's books are some of the best books I have ever read!! This book is about a girl and a boy who get bullied because they look different to everyone else. They are learning about World War 2 at school and found out about something they are not pleased about! I found just one problem with it, I couldn't put it down! It left me longing for more!!
Very good , love it ! I love it because it was about a school trip and i love going on school trips
i love Onjali Q. Rauf
This book was excellent. I would recommend this book.
It was cool
Interesting with bold messages of equality and kindness.
The author is an excellent writer; this book is mysterious and a really good read. I’d recommend it to children who are about 10 years old!
It was very exciting and taught me a lot about what Africa and Asia did to help during the second world war.
It was amazing
It’s very good
A fantastic fiction story by Onjali Rauf. It tells the story of a boy called Leo when on a school trip finds his surname on a memorial stone he then looks into the soldier to see if they could be related. It is a story that has history at its core and shows how ethnicity in war isn't talked about. A fantastic story for anyone interested in World War 2.
it's a really good book but not much of my type. it's about how you shouldn't treat others diffrently because of how they look or dress or where there from because in the end were al really the same.
I enjoyed the part where Leo found his name carved high above a door
