Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

By Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton, Herman Viola, Joseph Lemasolai-Lekuton

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0792272978
• ISBN13: 9780792272977
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: National Geographic Kids
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

This is a student of Mr. Lekuton's

This book is the most powerful book ever. It should have a Newberry Award to go along with the other fifteen. He is the best teacher ever. "Any person can teach social studies out of a textbook, but it takes a heart, soul, mind to really have the student learn something." I have learned more in two mnths from Mr. Lekuton than anyone in twelve years. HAVE FUN READING! Read it to your kid or else i will get mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joseph Lekuton is our hero.

Until 3 years ago, Joseph Lekuton was the only person from my village to ever go to college. Today a small number of us whom he helped all through high school both financially and as a sole role model in the villages have something to smile on. Facing the Lion is a constant inspiration to me , it gives me the strength to take on every challenge. When College life becomes a lion to me, I reach for Facing The Lion ! Lekuton's journey is every nomadic child's journey the difference is that he had no one to look to but my agemates and I have a big picture in Joseph Lekuton and Facing the Lion is a living testimony that whatever you do today seeds the future .

A Thousand Points of Light

As Trustee of a private foundation that supports projects in countries like Kenya in the developing world, I was particularly moved by Joseph's story. I have been to his part of the world. He truly represents that "Point of Light" we always hope will emerge. Joseph's message is a universal one. Success is measured by the quality of the person you become not how much you acquire in a material sense. You must look for opportunities, develop strong values, work hard and believe in yourself. With great humor and a flair for story telling, Joseph captures your imagination as you follow him through his adventurous rites of passage. It's a real page turner! I feel this book is destined to become a classic for all ages.

Also a Harvard Warrior

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 truebeacon of the good things that can come from Africa. My hat is off to this Maasai and Harvard warrior.Andy HansonAspen, Colo.

A Fascinating True Story

"Facing the Lion" is a truly amazing story about a boy growing up with his Maasai people in Kenya, and later - through incredible twists and turns in his life - comes to the United States for college, and even an MBA. Joseph Lekuton writes in such a way that one is drawn into his life, and it reflects his loving relationship with his people and the land. He is living a most unusual life, and as far as he has come, he never forgets where he has come from. I can't wait to read volume two!! While it is written for young people, I find it absolutely alluring as an adult, and couldn't stop reading until I was finished. An exciting and uplifting story of what amazing things can happen in the life of one man, and to each of us.