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The Lion Above the Door

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The Lion Above the Door

By: Onjali Q. Raúf
Narrated by: Chris Lew Kum Hoi
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About this listen

 From Onjali Q. Rauf, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes an incredible story about missing histories and the concept of a universal family, told with humour and heart.

Leo and his best friend Sangeetha are the odd ones out in their school. In fact, they seem to be the odd ones out no matter where they go in their small town. But as Leo's dad is always telling him, it's only because he's extra-special, and Sangeetha is extra-extra-special. Only thing is, if they're so special, how come Leo never sees anyone who likes him in the history books he loves to read?

But on a special class trip to a nearby cathedral one day, Leo's attention is drawn to a large marble slab high above the doors of the hall, featuring a short list of names. Because right there, bang in the middle of the list, Leo finds himself staring at his own name...

Hungry to understand how a name like his could feature on a slab commemorating fallen war heroes, Leo and Sangeetha begin a search, and in doing so, uncover a missing story which changed the course of history, one which needs to be put right back into its missing pages.

Touching on themes of historical racism, The Lion Above the Door shines a light on the stories our history books have yet to contain and the power of friendships that can last through generations.

(P) 2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2021 Onjali Q. Raúf Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Multi-generational Family South Asian Creators Friendship Discrimination Heartfelt War

Critic reviews

Rauf's latest has a quite brilliant premise in which the bully, not the bullied, tells his tale. A thought-provoking and often very funny story which constantly plays with reader expectations.
All stars
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I loved the audiobook! It taught me so much about the wars. I love it when Sangita Leo and Olivia make a plan to learn more.Definitely recommend.Looking for an audiobook.Choose this one

Very good

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Loved this book and is highly recommended by me. The reader is perfect and story is so moving.

Amazing

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I don't usually write reviews however this book was so great I couldn't help myself from encouraging others to read it. The characters are likeable, the moral is great , the message gets across easily and the performance was phenomenal. You should definitely read this book, I highly recommend it.

Absolutely beautiful book with an amazing moral

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I loved this book, so much they’ve made me feel as if I was in their shoes. Every single word had a deep and powerful meaning that stood out perfectly. The storyline is creative and it made me learn something in a way by reading this book. It made me learn that it was okay to be who you are and it is okay that your different from the rest. It is an amazing book and I could read it over and over again.In the future I hope to see more books.

The similes, metaphors and the way they made me feel just like Leo did.

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Very inspirational and good for kids. The book is amazing overall and I really do recommend this book to everyone.

Great book

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