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, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult

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.*

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!!

[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.

[Gayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Feed the Lion was a surprise for me in more ways than one. When it showed up as one of my Libby loans, I couldn't recall why I had put it on hold. I often forget note where I've heard of a particular title. It sat for over 2 weeks while I finished other loans. So, when I finally started listening and realized that this was a juvenile or YA novel and I only had a few days to finish it, I upped the speed - which got me through it in a couple of days but gave the narrator a more hurried and insistent tone (my fault) and probably made the listening less enjoyable. I believe that given the target audience, this book would be better for most to read. However, it was compelling enough story to binge listen to, as well.
The story drew me in from the start and the characters are not only believable but likeable and charming - I loved the characterization of the grandfather, Ezra! While dealing with the difficult topic of antisemitism in a middle school setting, Don't Feed the Lion doesn't sugarcoat anything. It portrays a not uncommon scenario - a swastika drawn on a Jewish student's locker. The reactions of the student, his friends, family, teammates, coach and school principal are believable. They represent the range of responses we often see to such incidents - some appropriate and effective while others are less so. The difficulty the protagonist has coping with the antisemitic incident is realistic and in the course of the telling, his initial reaction is explained and normalized. The disappointing responses of some of the adults and the main character's realization that not all adults are the best role models is realistically portrayed. This story, while not a "how to" definitely provides a template for both preparing young people for dealing with instances of antisemitism or other expressions of bigotry in a school or community setting. The authors make it clear that minimizing or sweeping things under the rug - which sadly, is often the gut response are not the best course of action. I'd highly recommend this book for middle schoolers, their parents and teachers and all who interact with them.
I eventually did figure out how wound up reserving this book. One of the co-authors, Yonit Levi, is the host of a podcast I listen to regularly. She and her coauthor Bianna Golodryga are both accomplished journalists and this definitely comes across in the writing. Kudos!

[Chava · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this book as an adult, and as a book reviewer, so that definitely impacts my overall impression of the book. I would have loved to give it five stars because it is timely and there are no other current books for middle grade readers that address antisemitism, but there was a little too much going on with the alternating narration. The plot centers around Theo Kaplan, who plays soccer and follows professional soccer. When one of the big stars posts an antisemitic slur, it goes viral. Soon a swatiska is drawn on Theo's locker, and while he just wants to ignore it and move on, his sister Annie decides to fight the haters online. Theo finally decides to address the school principal, who is more worried about extra paperwork than antisemitism. But the soccer coach steps up. The book ends with Theo's bar mitzvah speech about crossing the Red Sea and doing difficult things.

As far as middle grade reading, it definitely has appeal. There is fashion, music, sports, friendships, fitting in and getting along, challenges as school, and a bat mitzvah and a bar mitzvah. The adults, except for the "cool" grandfather Ezra, stay in the background. The reader never gets the full story of the grandmother and the grandfather, nor why the cousins stopped going to Friday night dinner, which was a little frustrating. The book also ends without a real resolution to the antisemitism. While there was some kind of diversity training for the soccer team, the reader never finds out who drew the swastika, and no one is held accountable, especially the school administration, which, unfortunately, reflects reality.

[Bart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dad of high school girls, bought the book as a huge fan of both writers, and thought it would make a nice present (my own kids beyond the target age). I ended up reading it myself, mostly out of curiosity.

I wanted to love it and I wanted it to be great. I was disappointed. First, the writing was very simple, and I think more suited to early middle school. I think a 13-15 yo can “handle” both more sophisticated writing and a more challenging plot.

But more importantly, I think today’s early jewish teens, for whom this book seems written — although I hope many others read it — can handle more sophisticated plot lines. The most obvious example is no mention of October 7 (which according to the afterword inspired the book) and Israel itself. That last point surprised me most: given the prominence of Yonit Levi as an Israeli mainstream contemporary Israeli voice, I think there were zero mentions of Israel, either as a contemporary country on the planet or as a symbol of destiny that might have carried the characters through their generational angst as Jews surviving the holocaust.

In summary a fun quick read that touches on facets of suburban contemporary life for a Jewish family and its young protagonists.

[Charles Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Arcadia Publishing for providing an Advanced Reader’s Copy.

Childhood is rarely simple. Most of us remember the awkwardness of those preteen and teenage years, with many of us wanting to forget the uncertainty, the longing to belong, the sting of every slight, real or imagined. Go back in time to your high school days where everyday seemed like a new adventure and filled with challenges. Now imagine having to confront hatred directed solely towards you because of your race, ethnicity, religious or political beliefs, lifestyle choice, or any countless reasons why you would be hated. What would you do facing hate straight on? How would you react?

In Don’t Feed The Lion, journalists Bianna Golodryga and Yonit Levi take that moment and widen it into a timely, deeply human story about antisemitism, courage, grief, and the fragile ways young people build meaning when the world shows them its ugliest side.


Theo, a Jewish teenager and gifted soccer player, is thrust into this very world of hate, one he never asked for. His response is not heroic in the cinematic sense—it is confused, painful, halting, and honest. Which is precisely why it works. Theo’s journey feels real, and through him the authors give young readers a vocabulary for experiences that too many kids are already navigating.

Standing beside him is Annie, his 11-year-old sister, some times the bane of his existence, who is sharp, outspoken, and determined to confront bigotry wherever she finds it. She doesn’t yet realize how close to home this particular act of hate hits, and her righteous crusade becomes one of the book’s most compelling threads. Annie is the kind of character who makes us all quietly wonder: would I be as brave?

Enter Gabe, of mixed-race, newly arrived from North Carolina and grieving the recent death of his mother. Between an estranged father and an older brother doing his best to hold the family together, Gabe becomes the emotional counterweight of the novel—lost but resilient, looking for friends, grounding, and any trace of normal. His connection with Theo adds depth and texture to the narrative instead of cliché.


Together, this ensemble—kids, parents, grandparents, siblings—creates a story that feels lived in, tender, and painfully relevant. As actress Gal Gadot observes, this is a book we need right now. And CNN Anchor and New York Times best selling author Jake Tapper is right: it gives young people tools to recognize and confront hate rather than absorb it.


As mentioned, I received an advance copy through NetGalley and, after only a few chapters in, immediately recommended it to my local library. This is a book that belongs on every youth-section shelf. Not because it is simply “important,” but because it is honest. It respects its young readership enough to give them a hard story told with care—and the reassurance that they are not powerless
.

Don’t Feed The Lion reminds us that hatred thrives on silence. And that, sooner or later, each of us is asked to choose: to look away or to stand against bigotry, racism, antisemitism, and injustice.

Golodryga and Levi offer not just a narrative but a call to conscience—told through the eyes of kids who show us, again, what moral clarity looks like.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable, and much better — funnier and livelier and more charming — than I expected based on its marketing.

Its marketing stressed how this was a book that kids and parents “should” read, and made it seem like its value was more as a pedagogical tool than an actually entertaining novel. All the quotes on the covers drove this home. What reasonably normal young teen is going to want to read an “important” book about antisemitism that is “valuable” to them and their parents alike? Who wants to be given a “toolkit”? This is a novel with a dramatic and entertaining story, and fun characters!

That said it actually does give a kind of a toolkit or an analysis of different ways people can respond to antisemitism, and it is pretty crisp in how it sets it up (one Jewish character goes silent and tries to ignore; another goes to argue online; and a couple of non-Jewish friends and teachers respond in different ways of varying utility.). But just because the book actually makes for good teaching doesn’t mean you sell that on the cover when you actually have a fun book that works as entertainment! I’m almost angered on behalf of the authors.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. I love the characters and how the book flows. The book exists to share a story of young adolescents dealing antisemitism, but it also is about the universal struggle of dealing with conflict and working through it to resolution. Because of so many of the characters working through their own struggles that are not always related to antisemitism, this book is an appealing work of fiction as opposed to a bitter educational pill to swallow. This book is real and poignant. I recommend it. I read it in two sittings. It is important to note that in the end there are positive resolutions, but things get really muddy and difficult before that. The book deserves its ending because of how brutal things became.

I read about this book in The Week Magazine and purchased it from my local bookstore. I am so glad I did and I recommend it strongly to middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults!

[Lance Lumley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golodryga is known as the CNN senior global affairs analyst, and Levi ,also in the news media as an anchor, bring a coming of age, yet insightful look at hate speech and the Jewish culture in their book.
Theo loves soccer but when his favorite player sparks controversy with comments, it creates online discussions and family anger about antisemitic talk . When his younger sister gets involved via a chat on social media when a swastika is drawn on Theo's locker who is Jewish.
This isn't just for young adults and teen readers, but a book adults should read as well. Multi-layered issues are here, from hate speech, school administration rules concerning athletes and speech, to family culture pride. I rarely give 5 stars reviews, but this one is deserving.
For an in-depth review, visit my page at https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...

[Lisa Rhonemus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a middle school teacher and one of the protagonists immediately reminded me of a student and I really think that that student would get a lot from this book personally and academically. That quality alone gives it a 5 star rating. I think this book does a great job addressing how teens and preteens interact with the world today and the breadth of social media's reach means that yes...your words really do matter, especially if you are a celebrity. It also does a great job of showing how the actions words also matter closer to home.

Antisemitism is the big issue faced in this book but it really does a great job of pulling in the little day to day struggles of your average teen and preteen.

[Bryn Timmermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn’t the topic that bothered me. It’s a very sensitive subject, and I’m glad I know more about it. The problem was the execution.

The book just wasn’t very interesting, and a lot of it felt like an adult trying too hard to sound like a kid. The slang especially made it feel forced.

There also wasn’t much of a strong story, and the main character—who’s supposed to be 13, didn’t feel 13 at all. His thoughts and the way he talked didn’t feel realistic.

Honestly, I don’t even know what age group I’d recommend this to. It feels too young and too old at the same time, which made it hard to connect with.

If you want a book on antiseptic views and how that affect others you found your book. Definitely a book for a younger grade in middle school.

[Lisa Bernstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great tween book! While it's set around 2022, the plot is clearly influenced by the increase in antisemitism both before and after October 7, 2023. The story is told from multiple perspectives. Theo hopes that if he ignores the antisemitism, it will go away. Annie wants to fight it through social media. What does it mean to stand up and do something and what are the right ways and wrong ways to go about doing those things? The characters face these questions, along with other middle school challenges--social life, family, sports team, loss, moving, and preparing for Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

[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.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple read… yet so important for middle schoolers. I fear that only Jewish middle schoolers will read it. On the one hand, it’s good for them to read it so they know the importance of standing up to bigotry. On the other hand. I hope that other non-Jewish students will read it too… to learn about Jewish culture and how easy it is to say something ignorant and its impact… please share this book with others!

[AMANDA PROSIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebook

So timely: Antisemitism in school. Middle grades read. Very good. Liked the chapters from the different perspectives. Big questions and lots of discussion possibilities. Should be used in class. I’m going to recommend to the middle school teachers at my school. Loss of a parent, friendship, music, vaccines, standing up for others, standing up against hate, Racism as a joke, brushing things under the rug, crushes, starting over . . .

[Avital · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book to see if it would be appropriate for my middle schooler - I don’t know of any other book that approaches anti-semitism for this age group. This was a strong concept with things that are unfortunately true to real world experiences for many Jewish people right now. There are a few places where I wish it had dived a little deeper but I believe it will be helpful to have my daughter read it and talk together after.

[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

[Joey Goetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up to 4. This middle school book discussing antisemitism is good. Not certain the characters were all believable but this is a very relevant and huge issue today. Glad to see a book for this age discussing antisemitism.