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Joseph Lekuton
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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 out of 5 stars 404 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.
Previous slide of product details
  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
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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 out of 5 stars 404 ratings

About the author

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Joseph Lekuton

Joseph Lekuton

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
404 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book an interesting and inspiring read that provides a deep view of growing up Maasai and helps readers understand this tribe. Moreover, the book is written for young people, with one customer noting it's perfect for middle school reading lists. Additionally, customers appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the author's strength, and the book is interspersed with humor throughout.

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55 customers mention "Readability"55 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very interesting and inspiring to read, with one customer describing it as a fast and entertaining read.

"...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!..." Read more

"Very very interesting read! I was born in Kenya but only now learning a lot of new things about the Maasai from this book!..." Read more

"...Once I got used to his writing style, the book was a quick, interesting read...." Read more

"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...." Read more

27 customers mention "Ages"27 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is suitable for people of all ages, particularly noting it is written for young people, with one customer mentioning it's perfect for a middle school reading list.

"...I love the message that education is important. How hard some students have to fight to reach their goal...." Read more

"...about the lives of the Maasai that I did not know plus insights into the missionary schooling. Lekuton is one determined, extraordinary young man!..." Read more

"...Especially about the Hyena!!! Well written for children aged eight and up. Perhaps a bit young for anyone over the age of twelve...." Read more

"It was inspiring to read how he was able to get a top education and also stay Maasai. It was a very short book." Read more

23 customers mention "Insight"23 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's deep view of growing up Maasai and how it helps readers understand this tribe.

"...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...." Read more

"...It also provided insight into how life is experienced based on our perspective- Captivating Inspiring Funny...." Read more

"...and provides the reader with an intimate, intricate, and deep view of growing up Maasai...." Read more

"Really enjoyed it as it gave me insite into the life of the Maasai and the difficulties faced byJoseph caught between two worlds...." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, describing it as an excellent biography that brings the characters to life.

"...Lekuton is one determined, extraordinary young man! We should all have such strength." Read more

"...was captivating to learn about the traditions and customs of these amazing people...." Read more

"...An interesting man and lovely story." Read more

"...Speaks to the strength of character of the author in preserving his culture while integrating into another...." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, which is interspersed throughout the narrative.

"...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...." Read more

"...author's story quite exceptional, he has a way of telling it, interspersed with humor. Some lines just left me rolling down with laughter...." Read more

"...Through adventure, suspense and humor, this book offers the perfect introduction for anyone wishing to gain first had insight~~ into life in this..." Read more

"...AND IT WAS A FUNNY STORY TOO!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • ETui
    5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK to accompany African Studies
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    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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  • 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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  • TLC
    4.0 out of 5 stars Who Knew? Many Interesting Insights.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book in preparation for an upcoming trip to Kenya. Once I got used to his writing style, the book was a quick, interesting read. I learned much about the lives of the Maasai that I did not know plus insights into the missionary schooling. Lekuton is one determined, extraordinary young man! We should all have such strength.
    Helpful
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  • 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.
    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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  • Georgia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Also a Harvard Warrior
    Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2003
    Verified Purchase
    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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  • Carlin Twilley
    3.0 out of 5 stars Maasai life
    Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It was inspiring to read how he was able to get a top education and also stay Maasai. It was a very short book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jaime R
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book, a must read for people traveling to kenya.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Awesome book, everyone traveling to kenya must read this book, as he says the best way to bridge cultures is to mix them, so read this as an introduction to your mixing process.

    You will be captivated by the way he narrates hilarious histories, you will be learning a lot of their cultures, do's and dont's, what to expect when being there, and it will help you understand people needs in the maa culture. Once you start this book you will not want to put it down until finishes, it is a story of adventure, and motivation for anyone.

    Language is very simple, It is supposed to be for boys in order to motivate them, buy you as an adult will be very motivated to, no matter where you come from, or where you live..
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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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.
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  • Janet Marshall
    5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    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!
    Report
  • 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.
    Report
  • 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.
    Report
  • AK
    4.0 out of 5 stars Story of perseverance - a good example to today's spoiled generation
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    The book chronicles the growing up of the author, divided between the Kenyan savannah and his education, which was mostly at least somewhat removed. In some ways the stories follow on to eachother, but not necessarily all in chronological order.

    While the main message - that all hardships can be overcome if one perseveres - is present throughout, the rest provides a somewhat colourful background. Especially interesting were the episodes, where the author interacts with the then Kenyan president Arap Moi, presenting him in a rather better light than is usual (not a lot of his dictatorial characteristics comming through).

    While the book is endearing overall and I can definitely see how it is something I would give my children to read, it falls a bit short in my opinion to make it into a real 5 star read - the language, descriptions, story, none of them have the quite vividness and energy for that.
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