Don't Feed the Lion

by Bianna Golodryga, Yonit Levi

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.

“. . . A story of grounded optimism . . . and of proud resilience in the face of hatred, through family courage and personal agency.”–Isaac Herzog, President of Israel

“This book is so needed right now.”–Gal Gadot, actress and antisemitism activist

"This book . . . gives kids the tools to recognize and stand up to hate.” ―Jake Tapper, CNN Anchor and New York Times Best-Selling Author

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?

Genres: Jewish, Childrens, Middle Grade

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A very timely book, about the damage unchecked hatred can cause, and also about the bravery of some willing to stand up to it…
Theo is the only Jewish kid on his middle-grade soccer team. It’s never seemed to be a problem, even when he has to leave practice a bit early on Fridays for his family’s Shabbat get-togethers. Most of the team has known him forever, Connor in particular. So when a swastika suddenly appears on Theo’s locker, he’s totally shocked. However, he chooses not to make a thing of it and just keeps his head down, because he isn’t even positive who did it.
The situation escalates when a revered soccer pro makes a widely publicized anti-Semitic remark. Theo’s parents and grandparents are angry, his little sister Annie wants revenge, his teammates think it’s no big deal, and even joke around about the comment. And Theo just wants it all to go away, so his life can return to normal…
This book should be in all classrooms, everywhere; it and others like it, are sorely needed.

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Leah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Arcadia Children’s Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In recent years, my reading taste has gravitated away from YA and towards adult reading. However, I’ve been adding in a few MG reads here and there, and have discovered some really great ones. When I saw this book, I had to request it because it looked so good and timely. I wasn’t wrong, and it reminded me of The Assignment by Liza Weimer in the need to address antisemitism among young people.

I’ve spoken on my blog about the increasing levels of antisemitism around the world, and have chosen to specifically seek out and review Jewish books. Granted, most of them are adult books, but I couldn’t resist an MG book about antisemitism and standing up to it. This is an outstanding example of a book that can be used to teach children about antisemitism, allyship, and the importance of speaking out against injustice, and I strongly urge you to read this one with your MG-age children—it can be a great way to start to talk about a topic that can be difficult to address with kids.

The story centers around two siblings, Annie and Theo, who are just your average everyday kids, except they’re also Jewish. Annie is turning 11, and Theo is 13, and a co-captain of the soccer team with his best friend, Connor. They spend every Friday evening with their grandparents, having a family Shabbat dinner. It’s their usual normal routine, and nothing gets in the way. When the book starts, Annie is excited that it is her birthday, and is hoping for some ankle boots she’s been saving her money for. Theo is mostly focused on soccer, trying not to freak out about his upcoming bar mitzvah, and waiting to see if his favorite soccer star, Wes Mitchell, will be re-signed to the team.

Wes is a problematic character—he’s always picking fights, getting penalties, and having the team owner bailing him out of whatever snag he has created for himself. But when Wes isn’t doesn’t get re-signed, he posts an offensive meme and creates the new hashtag the world never needed, #NeverTAJ (never trust a Jew). The authors didn’t have to imagine hard to come up with this part of the story since there are more than enough real-world incidents to refer to, but I got the feeling that this was strongly influenced by Kyrie Irving’s antisemitic statement.

Just like in real life, as soon as Wes has made his point, people tend to bring things from the online world into the real world. The next day, Theo goes towards his gym locker, and sees a swastika and the hashtag on his locker, done in marker so fresh it still smears when he touches it. But being in middle school comes with a lot of pressure, including peer pressure and the urge to ‘fit in’ and not do anything ‘weird’ to stand out. I recall those days well, and it would take a LOT for me to even consider being willing to repeat those days. Theo is more concerned about his upcoming bar mitzvah, for which he feels completely unprepared; doing well at soccer so the team has a chance at the state’s championship; and balancing soccer practice with his Jewish family needs.

The locker incident was more than just a blip on Theo’s radar. It pushes him to realize that antisemitism isn’t just something that happened in the past, and that it doesn’t go away by ignoring it. That’s his first attempt to handle the situation, by reassuring the coach that things are fine and it was no big deal. But he isn’t the only person affected by this. When Annie breaks school policy to create a social media account she isn’t allowed to have, she discovers how ugly the internet can be. And while Theo prefers to keep quiet and bottle things up, Annie is livid, and has no problem saying what she thinks online. After seeing the posts by his sister, not realizing that she’s the one behind the posts, he starts to realize that things aren’t getting better by ignoring them, and feels pushed to do something of his own. Especially after he learns of another antisemitic incident in the neighborhood.

This story is a strong one, with very well-rounded characters. I loved the Friday night ritual, how the whole family are complete and substantial characters in the story, and even the side characters feel fully realized. It all felt very realistic, and brought me back to my own days at that age. I thought that the way the conversations with the coach, principal, and parents felt very realistic as well, along with the interactions between the kids.

Antisemitism is an ancient and very broad topic, and it can be tough to discuss in detail because there are so many ways that it can have an impact. Additionally, it can’t be easy for parents to find a way to talk to their children about hateful incidents in the neighborhood, especially if they are targets. Online hate always comes to pass in real life sooner or later, and this book did an outstanding job of addressing that, and different ways to stand up to antisemitism, whether you are Jewish or not. Theo and Annie both choose different avenues for their activism, but both can be effective.

The perspective changes from just Theo and Annie at first, and gradually includes the POV of the kids around them, including new biracial student Gabe, and Connor, Theo’s best friend. I thought it was really effective to show the ripple effect that hate can have on a community, even the youngest members, and how you don’t have to make grand, big gestures to be effective, but that even small steps can have a big impact.

Overall, I fell in love with this story and how well it was written. I found myself easily empathizing with many of the characters in the story and will definitely be sharing this with my own great-nieces, who are about old enough to read this and absorb a positive message. Hate feels overwhelmingly big, but each difficult conversation becomes an opportunity to learn and grow, until you’ve gradually made a bunch of little steps towards progress that add up to a big step. The book takes on a few other heavy topics to varying degrees, including grief, loss of a parent, a parent in the military, and divorce. If you have a MG reader or even an older reader and are looking for a way to educate them about antisemitism, this is an outstanding resource that I’d recommend to every parent, whether you are Jewish or not, since hate affects all of us.

[Miri M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to see if it would be appropriate for my grandchildren. And then I wondered if there are other books for Middle-school aged kids about current-day antisemitism. I believe the answer is no. Isn't that strange? And why is that?

I know the answer is found in my own reaction. In the story it is found in the reaction of the coach. If we can ignore it, it will make us less uncomfortable. Or maybe if we don't tell our children about it, we can pretend they will never be touched by it.

The kinds of antisemitism highlighted in the story made me squirm; a swastika on a locker, derogatory language, and ancient tropes (never trust a Jew), but why? Those 'small' instances of prejudice are still huge when directed at a young person. Do we talk about it, fight about it, or pretend it doesn't exist?

As a child, I experienced antisemitism - kids riding their bikes by the Catholic church across from my house, crossing themselves, and then yelling 'dirty Jew' as they rode away, older kids throwing pennies at me and my sister, or going to a school assembly where the speaker talked about the Jews killing Christ.

As antisemitism becomes more widespread, I applaud the authors for providing middle schoolers with a book that addresses an almost taboo subject for young people.

The characters are delightful, and the reader can't help rooting for all of them as they navigate through difficult and relatable situations.
No surprise that my favorite character was the school librarian!

[Ivy Kaprow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start this review by thanking the authors of this much needed book. Bianna Golodryga and Yonit Levi noticed children’s books about facing antisemitism were greatly lacking (as in there doesn’t appear to be any except for a picture book) so they took it upon themselves to write one.
Don’t Feed the Lion is the perfect book for anyone who has ever faced antisemitism, whether they were the victim or a bystander. This is written mostly from the viewpoint of 13 year old Theo who already feels ostracized by his being Jewish. When his favorite soccer player goes viral for using a Jewish slur, Theo defends him. When Theo’s soccer teammates start harassing Theo for being Jewish, he tries to ignore it. It takes Theo’s little sister to help him realize ignoring the hate just helps to fuel it.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so grateful that a book like this exists.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great middle grade novel about antisemitism, but also about the importance of family and true friends, and the power of being yourself. The book is told from the alternating perspectives of three middle school kids. Theo is co-captain of the soccer team and is shocked when not only does his professional soccer idol make antisemitic statements to the media, but then his teammates start doing so too - including someone drawing a swastika on his gym locker - but he still wants to keep his head down and hope it will pass. His feisty younger sister Annie, on the other hand, is drawn to speak out. And finally Gabe is new to town and not afraid to speak up either even though he is not Jewish - and also envies Theo’s closeness with his family since his mom recently passed away and his dad is deployed.

I had the opportunity to see one of the two authors of this book, CNN reporter Bianna Golodryga, speak about this book at a book event last month, which put this book on my radar. Something she said that really stuck with me was how when it comes to Jewish books for kids, basically there are books for little kids about Jewish holidays, and then books for much older kids about the holocaust, but not much in between. And with celebrities like Kyrie Irving and Kanye making antisemitic statements, not to mention the rising antisemitism since October 7th (a subject not dealt with in this book which is set in 2022), it’s so important for both Jewish and non-Jewish kids to learn more about antisemitism. This engaging book with appealing characters should be a great resource and one I hope libraries around the country will stock.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d recommend this book for kids (and their parents) roughly ages 9 to 14—with the big caveat that I’m not a children’s book critic, a social worker, or an expert in talking to kids about antisemitism. Still, if you’re looking for something to read and discuss with your children, this might be a good option to preview and see if it fits your family.

I found the story engaging and full of topics that could spark meaningful conversation around the dinner table.

[thewanderingjew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t feed the lion, Bianna Golodryga, Yonit Levi
I believe that this book should be required reading for elementary, middle, and high school students. If it doesn’t provide the tools, at least it provides insight into an age-old problem, antisemitism and the lack of an appropriate response or even definition. Although the main characters are a sixth-grade girl, Annie, and her 8th grade brother, Theo, this book would be an appropriate object lesson for all ages. All of the characters have to learn to deal with antisemitism, loss and grief, frustration and anger, often without many appropriate tools.
Books like this should be studied more intensely in places of higher learning as well. It is needed in universities where the hate bubbles up to the surface even more readily. There is an urgent need to study the ideology behind the hate, and also the feelings felt and experienced by the haters. It can no longer be hidden, rather it should be dissected and studied and brought into the light in the hope that it can finally be recognized for the disease that it is so it can be cured and eliminated. I don’t have much hope, however, because of recent events.
Coincidentally, while reading this book, with the intent of reviewing it, hoping it would advance the cause of unity instead of the identity politics and alternate theologies which inspire division and hate, I realized this time of year, and the very night I finished the book, is the very first night of Chanukah in the United States. This is a time that is very meaningful in this book, as it is takes place during this holiday season. On the first night of Chanukah, some major problems seem to be resolved for the Walker family. However, another dreadful antisemitic event took place last night, on the first night of Chanukah, at Bondi Beach, Australia. It dwarfed previous events in Melbourne and Sydney that are briefly mentioned in the book. Then, as I finished the book, I remembered that when I first noticed it, it was the title that interested me. I always thought that the lion was a positive symbol in Judaism and Christianity and wondered why it shouldn’t be fed. After reading the book, I think I have come to understand its meaning. I believe the authors feel that by not feeding the lion, you are actually preventing a problem from escalating. Instead of responding with anger, or by disobeying rules, it is better to find a more civilized way to solve the problem that will strengthen the lion and not weaken it. I question the validity of such a premise in today’s world. In a more perfect world, perhaps it is a viable reason, but for certain, I believe that silence is never the answer. Perhaps confronting the issue, rather than hiding from it, is a better way to counteract the hate that exists. I think that the authors believe that by educating the haters, they will reform and see the light. I wish I could agree, but after the terrible attacks on October 7th, 2021, in Israel, and the others that have followed all over the world with the Jews being maligned and the barbarians cheered on, I cannot. I seriously doubt that turning the other cheek and trying to explain that hate is not the answer, but that we are all part of “one team”, or offering gentle, compassionate explanations, DEI training or other excuses, coupled with often useless counseling that exacerbates the hate, will solve the problem. The monstrous attacks and events have continued and have grown worse. Surely, we must be allowed greater latitude to fight back with some kind of aggression to right the wrongs, to end the injustice. It is time to stop condemning the reactions of the Jewish people to the hate they experience and to begin to condemn those that attack them.
For me, although this book, did not offer enough concrete solutions to the problem, it did offer insight, and it did illustrate more widely the deeper problem that exists for the Jewish people. It can no longer be hidden from the children, the wider public or be denied or overlooked by those not directly involved. It must be confronted when it occurs, and for me, if breaking the rules is the only way to get real recognition of antisemitism, so be it. It is justified. Sometimes, the means does justify the ends.
In the book, although I thought that the characters were really authentic, I believe that the treatment of Annie and/or Theo, by the school and their parents, because of their illicit behavior, lacked appropriate discussion and punishment. I think that I would have forgiven them because they had already suffered humiliation and shame, unjustly heaped upon them by either ignorance or actual antisemites, and they had little choice but to fight back with the only weapons they had to use. They were pushed beyond the breaking point, and they were children. Those who pushed them did not face any real consequences or penalties. I thought that although Annie and Theo’s behavior was not exemplary, and surely was against the rules, and though it was certainly somewhat overly aggressive, because the adults did not set an appropriate example, it was their only way to respond to the hateful behavior occurring.
In my lifetime, I have only experienced antisemitism as an adult and a parent. I have seen it ignored and excused; oh, Jews see antisemites behind every bush. I have heard that the hate directed toward them is justified because of the way they behave, but I have seen too little condemnation directed toward the haters and their behavior. Therefore, I believe in responses that are not necessarily equivalent, but instead are so forceful as to prevent the very perpetrators of the hate from doing it again. Those who actively hate have told the world and the Jews that they want to destroy them and their country. Isn’t it about time to take them at their word and to solve the problem, not dismiss it? Israel and the Jews are not the problem, their haters are the problem because they do not want them to exist. Jewish children are not taught to hate or kill their enemies. There are children in other cultures who are brought up with nothing but that kind of teaching. So, turning the other cheek, engaging in conversation or education does not help. If the haters are intent on only one thing, and that is the destruction of the Jewish community, the Jewish community cannot reverse that hate.
I am well aware of the many themes in the book. Changing the name of a person, in my memory, was for a different reason. It was to prevent those who hate Jews from recognizing their name as Jewish, consequently shutting doors to them. When I was told by a carpenter that he was happy I didn’t “Jew him down”, I asked him to explain, announced I was Jewish and showed him the door. I did not feed the lion, but I did not ignore it. Still, I could not do anything when my daughter was refused admittance to a university, and I was told that it was because the Jewish quota was filled, or when a teacher in Minnesota told my son’s class that Jews got to the desert when someone threw a quarter in, because the principal of the school, like the one at Oakdale, minimized its horrible intent. I did not remain silent, however. I sent letters to appropriate places when I witnessed antisemitism at a State Fair, and sent videos of antisemitic presentations by the local television stations to the Governor. I did not always get a reply or one that I appreciated, but I tried to thwart it and change the atmosphere of hate.
The words of the book speak to me with an authenticity that will reach young kids, pre-teens, and even parents who must confront antisemitism in the real world, and although it may not offer a tool to defeat the ignorance of antisemitism and all the other hate that is concomitant with it, it does offer the truth about it. I believe that the book should be promoted to a broad audience in the hope that it will inspire the development of tools that children and adults may use to appropriately and successfully combat and defeat antisemitism.
In the acknowledgements, the author mentions certain politicians and important figures, all on the left, and yet, the one on the right that has done the most for Israel and the Jews, which is acknowledged by Israelis, but because of politics, is not acknowledged by many Democrats in America, the authors seem to have omitted any mention of President Trump. I find that an egregious omission. If a real solution is being sought, then all avenues have to be acknowledged, not just those that appeal to the personal politics of the author. Indeed, the disunity it inspires is one of the reasons that we have hate, at all. Perhaps the well-intentioned authors are unintentionally guilty of feeding the lion.
The person who is afraid to risk anything to stand up against injustice is a coward, the person who confronts injustice is my hero. It is important and necessary for Jews to get control of the message to defeat the people marching against them, even though they are greater in number. We must remember that David slew Goliath. I believe that we must be the Lions of Judah, strong and courageous, and we must rise up against our enemies. Their lies and hate must be silenced.

[Heidi Haddad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could not be more timely or more necessary. It’s a powerful, unflinching look at how antisemitism - and hatred of any kind - takes root, and how terrifyingly fast it can grow when it’s ignored or dismissed.

Theo is the only Jewish kid on his middle-grade soccer team. His faith has never seemed to matter much - even when he leaves practice early on Fridays for Shabbat - and his friends, especially Connor, have always had his back. But when a swastika suddenly appears on his locker, Theo’s world shifts. Unsure who did it and afraid of making things worse, he tries to stay quiet and keep his head down, hoping it will all just go away.

Instead, it escalates. When a famous soccer star makes an antisemitic remark in the public eye, the fallout reaches into Theo’s life in painful ways - from his family’s anger and fear, to teammates joking it off, to the crushing loneliness of being the one who’s suddenly “different.” The book captures, with honesty and heart, how isolating it is to feel targeted and unseen at the same time.

This should be required reading in every school. Right now. Books like this don’t just tell a story - they build empathy, spark conversations, and open young eyes to what hate really looks like.

And yes - it’s also a fantastic Hanukkah gift. One that teaches courage, compassion, and the power of standing up for yourself and others.

[Rotem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important book for children. It Clearly and accessibly presents a complex and hard-to-explain topic. The authors did a great job!!

[michael stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit that I am a bit older than the teenage audience that this book is directed at. Specifically, I'm 77.

Unfortunately, discrimination does not have age limits. The Birmingham bombings, hate crimes and bullying can target the very old and very young.

The concentration camps did not require a birth certificate for admission. And addressing the issue of ."
"others" can be problematic for many.

I was moved by the sympathetic characters and stories in this book. It is not simplistic or preaching. No one is flawless.

I grew up in the civil rights movement, taking a bus from Chicago to Montgomery Alabama for the conclusion of the civil rights march from Selma at age 16. I took 3 years of college Spanish because I knew Hispanics suffered the dual difficulties of discrimination and language and I wanted to help.

But I am also Jewish, although not religious. And I was born in the same year as the state of Israel.

Antisemitism has always been present. Being Jewish has forced many uncomfortable moments where parents comfort children who find themselves the target of hate that they did not expect and cannot understand. But recent events following October 7 have sanctioned a growth of individuals justifying demonizing Jews under the guise of protesting Israel. It's complicated, but the visceral reaction of seeing hatred brings too many haunting memories to fore, and turns synagogues into armed fortresses.

This book will not end prejudice. But it provides a powerful way to encourage a dialogue for all families that deal with the scourge of prejudice.

I intend to give copies of this book to my friends and family with teenage children. But I recommend it to all. Even old codgers like me.

[Molly Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in two nights. Important read for parents and tweens/teens about standing up for what’s right.

[yael torbati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I have a 12 year old boy and broaching the topic of modern-day antisemitism is not easy. As he's getting more exposed to news and pop culture, I feel the urgency more each day and this book will definitely be an easy conversation starter. I think it's an important read for both parents and kids. I know my son will get into it and love it! I have to say the Kaplans are lovable... especially the grandparents! Great characters, great unfolding of the story, and a much needed message in today's world.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Feed the Lion by Bianna Golodryga & Yonit Levi follows three middle school students in Chicago who confront bullying and bigotry after a swastika appears on a school locker and a favorite professional athlete makes an antisemitic post on social media. Both authors are veteran TV journalists - Golodryga on CNN and Levi on Channel 12 in Israel - and the book feel very timely and relevant right now. To be published on November 11 (I received an advance review copy), I'm considering it for my Family Book Club this year. I loved that it was narrated by both the brother and the sister and that it takes place in Chicago. And, that both the kids and the adults in the book make mistakes.

[EM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read
I read this wondering if it would be a good read for my high school kids
Definitely more appropriate for middle schoolers
Addresses some good points for kids that age on how to talk about antisemitism

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

A very timely and very important book about kids experiencing anti-semitism and trying to figure out how to react, advocate, and speak out.

[Paul Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important Book for Young Adults

Wonderful story with multiple themes: anti-Semitism, family lore, sibling relationships, teen bullying, lying, school sports, & competition. It’s an easy read for adults too.