A Lion to Guard Us

Clyde Robert Bulla
45 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 1981

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Book Brief

Clyde Robert Bulla

A Lion to Guard Us

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1981
Book Details
Pages

117

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

England • 1600s

Theme
Family

•

Perseverance

•

Childhood & Youth
Topic
Education

•

US History

•

World History
First Publication Year

1981

Publisher

HarperCollins

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

570L

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Super Short Summary

In Clyde Robert Bulla’s historical fiction novel A Lion to Guard Us, Amanda Freebold and her younger siblings struggle to survive in 1609 London after their mother dies. They embark on a treacherous sea journey to Jamestown, Virginia, to reunite with their father. Despite many challenges, including a shipwreck in Bermuda, they persist in their quest, facing uncertainties with courage and determination.

Adventurous

Hopeful

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

3.9

3,759 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Clyde Robert Bulla's A Lion to Guard Us is praised for its engaging narrative and educational value, making early American history accessible to children. However, some critics feel the character development is lacking and the pacing slow. Overall, it's a valuable resource for elementary classrooms, though it may not captivate older readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Lion to Guard Us?

A reader who would enjoy A Lion to Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla is typically a young reader aged 8-12 who relishes historical adventures and stories of perseverance. Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie or Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars will find a similar appeal in its engaging narrative and historical context.

3.9

3,759 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Amanda is the eldest sibling and main character who takes on a caregiver role for her siblings as they deal with various challenges.

Jemmy is Amanda’s younger brother, who grows from a shy child to a more independent and talkative boy, particularly valuing a family heirloom.

Meg is Amanda’s youngest sibling, who starts as a silent child but gradually becomes more playful as the story progresses.

The absent parents of the Freebold children, whose conditions propel the narrative and emphasize the siblings' challenges and aspirations.

Servants in Mistress Trippett’s home, where Cook serves as an antagonist, while Ellie acts as a supportive figure for Amanda.

A kind-hearted doctor who assists the Freebold children, showing compassion despite societal class distinctions.

An antagonist who owns the home where the Freebold family resides, characterized by her demanding nature and higher social status.

A complex character seen as both helpful and opportunistic, becoming entangled with the children over the possession of a valuable item.

Book Details
Pages

117

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

England • 1600s

Theme
Family

•

Perseverance

•

Childhood & Youth
Topic
Education

•

US History

•

World History
First Publication Year

1981

Publisher

HarperCollins

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

570L

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