A Lion to Guard Us

The inspiring classic that The New Yorker called "an exciting tale [with] top-notch writing, " about one girl facing harsh conditions and huge responsibility as she brings her family to the American colonies. Featuring a heroine with faith, courage, and a great deal of grit, this acclaimed historical fiction novel portrays the realities faced by three children hoping to find a new home in an unknown land.
Amanda Freebold doesn't know what to do. Her father left three years ago for the new colony of Jamestown in America, thousands of miles away. But now that her mother has died, Amanda is left to take care of her younger brother and sister all alone back in England. As the new head of the family, Amanda finally decides to take her brother and sister to America to find Father. The ocean crossing is long and hard, and the children don't know whom to trust.
But with her father's little brass lion's head to guard them, Amanda knows that somehow everything will work out. Can three children survive a treacherous voyage and a harsh new world all on their own? A Classic Survival Story: Young Amanda must become the head of her family, guiding her brother and sister through hardship and danger in 17th-century London and beyond. Epic Ocean Voyage: A treacherous journey across the Atlantic tests their courage as they face storms, uncertainty, and a dramatic shipwreck.
Based on Historical Events: An unforgettable adventure that brings the perilous world of the Jamestown colony and the famous wreck of the Sea Adventure to life for young readers. Unbreakable Sibling Bonds: With only each other to rely on and a small brass lion for courage, the three children discover a strength they never knew they possessed.