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Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna Paperback – October 11, 2005

by Herman J. Viola (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 391 ratings
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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.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Part of series
    National Geographic-memoirs
  3. Print length
    128 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    7 - 12
  6. Lexile measure
    720L
  7. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.39 x 8.32 inches
  8. Publisher
    National Geographic Kids
  9. Publication date
    October 11, 2005
  10. ISBN-10
    0792272978
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0792272977
  12. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Every home should have this book."

--"The Baltimore Afro-American"

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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Geographic Kids; Reprint edition (October 11, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0792272978
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0792272977
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 720L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 12
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.39 x 8.32 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 391 ratings

About the author

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Joseph Lekuton

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
391 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Traveler
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice introduction to the Maasai for trip to Kenya
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
I know this is a children's book, but it was a quick read and really helped us understand the Maasai and what we saw on our trip to Kenya. Our whole family read this book, and enjoyed it.
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Teresa
5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic and overall a great book!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
Very very interesting read! I was born in Kenya but only now learning a lot of new things about the Maasai from this book! I am of a different culture but I feel we are different in many ways yet very similar in a lot of others especially in regard to values we held ; like respect for the elders and sense of community, discipline from the elders, and even the nights we would sit to listen to stories from our parents or grand parents to the not so dark nights with sounds of frogs, or crickets replaced the quiet of the night and the moon and stars bought the children some more time to play outside before dinner was ready...beautiful memories! Overall it's a great read!!
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Too Good to be this short
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2011
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Not having been to Kenya let alone Northern Kenya where the Maasai live I believe the book seems to give a good account of the lives of the Ariaal people. It was captivating to learn about the traditions and customs of these amazing people. It also provided insight into how life is experienced based on our perspective- Captivating Inspiring Funny. The only detraction for me is that it was over far too quickly. I guess that is a testament to how interesting a read it was. In the final analysis it is a story of inspiration to those going through hardship- Mountains are made to be surmounted Also it speaks about the need to have pride in your origins and that one does not have to sacrifice one's culture in the pursuit for progress and advancement Kudos to Lemosolai for making pressing onward to your goals and more so for showing tangible commitment to your heritage and people.
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ETui
5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK to accompany African Studies
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2017
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Facing The Lions is a wonderful book and a MUST READ if you want to understand how Massai people think!!!
I read it to my kids (11,9,7,4) while we were in Kenya. (Though they could have read it by themselves- I did not want to miss it!!!)

Joseph is a boy that grew up in a Massai tribe and explains his world so well that you start to understand their way of thinking.
The book has short chapters. It would be an easy read for a reluctant reader.
If you study about Africa, Kenya or Massai, it is a must!
Your students will love it and beg for just ONE more chapter!!!

I love the message that education is important. How hard some students have to fight to reach their goal. What a different world it is to be brought up in a tribe that does not acknowledge education.

Note: I did skip one chapter (of the last chapters) which talks about Josephs experience about circumcision (because of my 7 and 4 year old) while the older ones read it by themselves.
9 people found this helpful
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Georgia
5.0 out of 5 stars Also a Harvard Warrior
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2003
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Facing the Lion is a terrific read. For those that have dreamed of African success stories, this story tops them all. Mr. Lekuton has worked his way from the desert near Marsabit, Kenya to Langley School near Washington D.C. He is still a product of the environment he grew up in, but conversant with people in the top level of government in Kenya and the U.S. His story is an inspiration to all that worked in Africa for the Peace Corps or Non Governmental Organizations (NGO's) because it proves that out there in Africa there is much hope waiting to be found. I have a strong visual image of Joseph sitting across from Moi High School trying to figure out how he could get in, even with the entrance letter amoung his things. He is now a hero to all those secondary school children at Moi, a true African role model.
In a time of uncertainty and despair, this book shines as a true
beacon of the good things that can come from Africa. My hat is off to this Maasai and Harvard warrior.
Andy Hanson
Aspen, Colo.
16 people found this helpful
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Blenheimbelle
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opener!
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2010
Verified Purchase
We just returned from a phenomenal adventure in Tanzania. My 10 year old daughter and I were on safari for 11 days while my husband; her Dad climbed (and summited!) Kilimanjaro. I wanted give my daughter more information and hopefully an understanding of the people of this land we were visiting. When we had the opportunity to visit a Maasai boma she was explaining things to me. It really opened her eyes to the amount of responsibility that is placed on the children there. Not only did she read about it but was able to see it in action. She really enjoyed retelling Joseph's stories to us. Especially about the Hyena!!! Well written for children aged eight and up. Perhaps a bit young for anyone over the age of twelve. But all the adults passed it around and read it too. Thinking of getting another copy to donate to our school library!
2 people found this helpful
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James K. Sang
5.0 out of 5 stars Facing the Lion : Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2003
Verified Purchase
I received the book from Amazon.com, just before my lunch break on a Friday afternoon. I went to a nearby park, and just about two hours later, I had finished reading it. Wow! Unbeknownst to me, the book had shut out the world around me for two hours!
Not only did I find the author's story quite exceptional, he has a way of telling it, interspersed with humor. Some lines just left me rolling down with laughter. Within those humorous lines, however, is a humbling story of a young man who emerged from the harsh world of the northern Kenya frontier to become a success story in the academic world. Very few people can do both. Many fall by the wayside. The author just soldiered on.
I'm glad I bought the book, and I can't wait to read it to my 6-year old, chapter-by-chapter, every night.
Excellent book.
8 people found this helpful
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val
4.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read like a child's book but an amazing story.of N.Amazing man
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2016
Verified Purchase
We in America have everything. Even the poor and welfare recipients have more in terms of comforts than the Massai. But no one, even the wealthy, could have a childhood as rich or have an outlook as positive as those who live truly free. My prayers are that modern society remembers and holds dear the traditions an lives of nomadic people such as the Massai. Thank you Joseph for a truly inspiring story and life.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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CCobel
5.0 out of 5 stars Joseph is special
Reviewed in Canada on December 26, 2019
Verified Purchase
I read this book on a beach in one sitting. I laughed. I cried. I love and respect a man who works hard, doesn't give up, has dreams, makes the world a better place and loves and respects his mother.
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Mori
5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gut
Reviewed in Germany on October 8, 2012
Verified Purchase
Ein schönes Buch. Ich habe es im Zuge meines Studiums gelesen und kann es besonders für die Schule empfehlen. Es gibt einen guten Einblick, wie der Alltag des Jungen aussah. Auch die weitere Geschichte des Autors ist bemerkenswert und spannend.
One person found this helpful
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Janet Marshall
5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2009
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I've just finished reading this book and have to say I did enjoy it. I hadn't realised though that it's a book for young people! My fault probably - should have read the Amazon small print.

The story of Joseph growing up is an inspiration to anyone who thinks they have it tough!
7 people found this helpful
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M. R. Newell
5.0 out of 5 stars Roaring Good Read
Reviewed in Canada on October 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
I love this book. It is especially engaging to read about the Maasai life from an actual Maasai. It is very well written and is very approachable for middle school students. I teach 5th and 6th grade and they loved learning about this extraordinary way of life.
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Gisele B 21
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring story
Reviewed in Canada on June 24, 2019
Verified Purchase
Fun and interesting read. A quick view into the Maasai way of life.
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