Sara Pennypacker
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sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Sara Pennypacker
@sarapennypacker.bsky.social
64 followers 16 following 44 posts
New York Times bestselling author of PAX, PAX JOURNEY HOME, CLEMENTINE, HERE IN THE REAL WORLD, and LEEVA AT LAST.

Coming February 3, 2026 - THE LIONS' RUN!
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sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Sara Pennypacker @sarapennypacker.bsky.social · 7d
My new novel, THE LIONS' RUN, is out today.

It's a story of courage, resistance, and what I call the Theory of Termites: Tiny termites taking tiny bites can take down a cathedral.

I can't wait for you to meet Lucas!
us.macmillan.com/books/978125... @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
A graphic promotes the on sale date of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker. It features the cover of the book and a button with the phrase "On Sale Now!"
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Thank you to the Historical Novel Society for your thoughtful review, and for naming THE LIONS' RUN an Editors' Choice! I'm honored.

"[...] a book the reader won’t be able to put down."

historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-... @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #BookSky
The Lions' Run - Historical Novel Society
In German-occupied France in 1944, two young people from very different backgrounds bond over a common love of animals. When Lucas, an orphan from the local abbey, finds a horse stable in which to sta...
historicalnovelsociety.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:07 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Thank you to the Amazon Editors for naming THE LIONS' RUN a "Best Book of the Month"!

See the full list of February book picks here: www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #Booksky
February 10, 2026 at 2:18 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
I'm honored that THE LIONS' RUN has received a sixth starred review! ⭐ Thank you, @shelf-awareness.com.

You can read the full review here! www.shelf-awareness.com/sar3-issue.h...

@mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #Booksky
A graphic shares an excerpt of a starred review from Shelf Awareness for Sara Pennypacker's new novel for middle grade readers, THE LIONS' RUN. The excerpt reads, "Will likely leave readers with big thoughts about courage and the ways we respond to injustice and atrocities." The wraparound book cover is at the top of the graphic.
February 9, 2026 at 1:54 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
THE LIONS' RUN tour was magical!

Thank you to Once Upon a Time, Copperfield's Petaluma, and Hillsboro Barnes & Noble; special guest stars Jon Klassen, Stacey Lee, & Colin Meloy; & to every teacher, librarian, & student. @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social

📸 Once Upon a Time Bookstore
Author of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker and the illustrator of the book, Jon Klassen, sit in an independent bookstore and discuss the novel. Children sit on the floor in front of them, listening.
February 8, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Reposted by Sara Pennypacker
thehornbook.bsky.social
Preview March/April #HBMag featuring cover art (w/ a surprise!) by Jon Klassen [Balzer + Bray/ @mackidsbooks.bsky.social ] + articles on #picturebook biogs, author visits, #boardbooks, + more! www.hbook.com/story/previe... @sarapennypacker.bsky.social @marjorieingall.bsky.social @rpayne.bsky.social
Preview March/April 2026 Horn Book Magazine
Cover art (with a surprise!)© 2026by Jon Klassen from The Lions’ Run, written by Sara Pennypacker.
www.hbook.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:47 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Tonight at 6:30pm PT, I'll be at Barnes & Noble in Hillsboro, OR with New York Times bestselling author @colinmeloy.bsky.social to discuss THE LIONS' RUN!

I can't wait to see you there, readers. stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/978006...

@mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #Booksky
A graphic is titled: "Celebrate the Launch of THE LIONS' RUN." Beneath, it shares details of a tour stop: "Friday, February 6 at 6:30 PM with Colin Meloy at Barnes & Noble in Hillsboro, OR." Visit store website for more info.
February 6, 2026 at 1:48 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
"I wanted to let kids know that courage is not flashy bravery. It’s often just showing up."

Thank you to @publisherswkly.bsky.social for publishing this conversation about my new novel.

THE LIONS' RUN is on shelves now! www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/... @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky
Four Questions for Sara Pennypacker
After more than two dozen middle grade and picture books, Sara Pennypacker has written her first work of historical fiction for children, 'The Lions' Run.'
www.publishersweekly.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:34 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Thank you for this review, @imtanner.bsky.social, and to @cybilsawards.bsky.social for sharing it!
cybilsawards.bsky.social Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 7d
Team member @imtanner.bsky.social recently reviewed The Lions' Run, a historical middle grade novel of courage and resistance, by @sarapennypacker.bsky.social.

Find the full review over on her blog, The Book Search: imtanner.blogspot.com/2026/01/midd...
A book cover for The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker surrounded by copies of the same book cover. A book review from The Book Search that reads, "I love this book ... I think kids are going to love it too." It's surrounded by copies of The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker.
February 4, 2026 at 4:33 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Thank you. Can't wait!
February 3, 2026 at 3:16 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
My new novel, THE LIONS' RUN, is out today.

It's a story of courage, resistance, and what I call the Theory of Termites: Tiny termites taking tiny bites can take down a cathedral.

I can't wait for you to meet Lucas!
us.macmillan.com/books/978125... @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
A graphic promotes the on sale date of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker. It features the cover of the book and a button with the phrase "On Sale Now!"
February 3, 2026 at 2:28 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
My jaw dropped when I saw this window display at Copperfield's Books in Petaluma, CA!

I can't wait to celebrate the publication of THE LIONS' RUN here tomorrow at 6:00pm with NYT bestselling author @staceyleeauthor.bsky.social! www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/sara-p... @mackidssl.bsky.social
A display in the window of an indie bookstore. There is a white banner with the heading, "Books about RESIST-ance." The word "RESIST" is large and centered. Beneath the banner, there is a large poster featuring the book cover of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker, as well as a flier advertising an event with Sara and author Stacy Lee on Tuesday, February 3 at 6:00pm. Other books featured in the display include THE HUNGER GAMES, A WRINKLE IN TIME, and THE GIVER.
February 2, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Reposted by Sara Pennypacker
mackidssl.bsky.social
⭐ Stargaze with MacKids ⭐

THE LIONS' RUN by @sarapennypacker.bsky.social is a historical novel about an orphan during WWII who discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the Resistance. Out this Tuesday, 2/3! tinyurl.com/2kjzrzaa

#edusky #sarapennypacker
“ a genuinely satisfying read.” “A beautiful tribute to bravery in its many forms and the power that children and women can wield.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review —Booklist, starred review “Compassionate and complex.” —the horn book, starred review “A page-turning and ultimately triumphant tale of heroism.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review “Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal, starred review
January 30, 2026 at 4:17 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Tomorrow at 6:00pm, I can't wait to celebrate THE LIONS' RUN at Copperfield's Books in Petaluma, California with New York Times bestselling author @staceyleeauthor.bsky.social!

Readers, I'm so excited to meet you! www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/sara-p... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #Booksky
A graphic is titled: "Celebrate the Launch of THE LIONS' RUN." Beneath, it shares details of a tour stop: "Tuesday, February 3 at 6 PM with Stacey Lee at Copperfield's Books in Petaluma, CA." Visit store website for more info.
February 2, 2026 at 2:23 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
I'm honored by how THE LIONS' RUN is being received. Thank you to these trade publications for your starred reviews. ⭐

THE LIONS' RUN is on shelves this Tuesday. I can't wait for you to read it.

us.macmillan.com/books/978125... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #BookSky
A graphic reads, "Five starred reviews!" On the left is the cover of the book, THE LIONS' RUN, and on the right are excerpts from the starred reviews: "'Highly recommended.' -School Library Journal. 'Compassionate and complex.' - Kirkus Reviews. 'A beautiful tribute to bravery in its many forms.' - Booklist. 'A triumphant tale of heroism.' - The Horn Book. 'A genuinely satisfying read.' - Publishers Weekly"
February 1, 2026 at 2:41 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Set during World War II in occupied France, THE LIONS' RUN follows Lucas and a village of quiet heroes.

Get a glimpse of these heroes and of the beautiful map illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Preorder here! us.macmillan.com/books/978125... @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #Booksky
January 31, 2026 at 4:59 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Tomorrow! I'm so excited to launch my new novel, THE LIONS' RUN, at @shoponceuponatime.bsky.social in Montrose, California with Jon Klassen.

I look forward to seeing you there, readers! www.shoponceuponatime.com/event/lions-...

@mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #Booksky
A graphic is titled: "Celebrate the Launch of THE LIONS' RUN." Beneath, it shares details of a tour stop: "Sunday, February 1 at 2 PM with Jon Klassen at Once Upon A Time Bookstore in Montrose, CA." Visit store website for more info.
January 31, 2026 at 2:27 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Next Friday, February 6, I'l be at Barnes & Noble in Hillsboro, OR with New York Times bestselling author @colinmeloy.bsky.social to discuss THE LIONS' RUN!

Looking forward to seeing you, readers!
stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/978006... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social #Booksky
A graphic is titled: "Celebrate the Launch of THE LIONS' RUN." Beneath, it shares details of a tour stop: "Friday, February 6 at 6:30 PM with Colin Meloy at Barnes & Noble in Hillsboro, OR." Visit store website for more info.
January 29, 2026 at 5:41 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
My new novel, THE LIONS' RUN, is on shelves next Tuesday, February 3!

This is a video about how the seeds of this book sprouted. It was a long time coming. vimeo.com/1137480705?f...

Preorder THE LIONS' RUN: us.macmillan.com/books/978125... #Booksky @mackidsbooks.bsky.social @mackidssl.bsky.social
thelionsrun
This is "thelionsrun" by Sara Pennypacker on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
vimeo.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:23 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Next Sunday, I'm looking forward to launching my new #mglit novel, THE LIONS' RUN, at @shoponceuponatime.bsky.social in Montrose, California with Jon Klassen, who created the art for the book!

I'd love to see you there! www.shoponceuponatime.com/event/lions-... #Booksky @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
A graphic is titled: "Celebrate the Launch of THE LIONS' RUN." Beneath, it shares details of a tour stop: "Sunday, February 1 at 2 PM with Jon Klassen at Once Upon A Time Bookstore in Montrose, CA." Visit store website for more info.
January 25, 2026 at 2:56 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
"This is a story about finding courage when you feel you have none, and discovering heroes in the most unlikely places."

Here is a video about my new novel for middle grade readers, THE LIONS' RUN. I can't wait for you to meet Lucas!

vimeo.com/1137485941?f... #Booksky @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
thelionsrunpromo
This is "thelionsrunpromo" by Sara Pennypacker on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
vimeo.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:45 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
Thank you to so much every bookseller, trade publication, and reader who has shared such kind words for THE LIONS' RUN!

I can't wait to share it with you all on February 3. Available for preorder now: us.macmillan.com/books/978125... @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #Booksky #mglit
A tan and peach graphic shares early praise for Sara Pennypacker's new middle grade novel, THE LIONS' RUN. It is titled "Early praise for the new novel by the award-winning, bestselling author of PAX..." The book cover is beneath the title, beside an orange button that reads, "Stock up now!" To the right of the book cover are six pull quotes from reviews from trade publications and booksellers. A tan and peach graphic shares early praise for Sara Pennypacker's new middle grade novel, THE LIONS' RUN. It is titled "Early praise for the new novel by the award-winning, bestselling author of PAX..." The book cover is beneath the title, beside an orange button that reads, "Stock up now!" To the right of the book cover are five pull quotes from reviews from booksellers.
January 18, 2026 at 4:29 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
ICYMI: My new #mglit novel, THE LIONS’ RUN, comes out on February 3, and I’m going on tour to celebrate! 🐎

I can't wait to visit these wonderful bookstores and speak with special guest stars.

I hope to see you soon! Details here: linktr.ee/thelionsrunt... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social #Booksky
A graphic titled, "CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE LIONS' RUN, Featuring Sara Pennypacker and guest stars." Beneath the heading, the details for three tour stops are listed. On the right, is the book cover of Sara Pennypacker's new novel, THE LIONS' RUN. At the bottom, text reads, "Visit store website for more info."
January 17, 2026 at 3:19 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
When I was doing school visits for PAX, I learned that kids want to know what they can do about injustice.

So in THE LIONS' RUN, my characters explore ways they can take a stand against unfair situations.

Read an excerpt: us.macmillan.com/books/978125... @mackidsbooks.bsky.social 📸 Jon Klassen
An angled photo of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker, a new middle grade novel that publishes on February 3, 2026. The book cover is by Jon Klassen and features a young man in a hat astride a running horse.
January 14, 2026 at 2:02 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
THE LIONS' RUN is on sale February 3, 2026, and I can't wait to share it with you.

Preorder now! us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
A graphic containing the opening of the first chapter of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker. It reads, "A little freedom. Lucas had only a few deliveries this afternoon, and if he was quick with them, he'd finally have a couple of hours to himself before he'd have to show up back at the abbey. Lately, his life felt like a coat that was too small, so tight he could barely move. The same damp stone walls confined him while he slept, ate, and went to classes; nuns and teachers monitored his every step, and the other abbey boys crowded him for trouble or position. And the occupation, of course, nearly four years of it. The Germans with their restrictions and checkpoints, the sharp "Halt!" and "Nein!" of their orders. A couple of hours wasn't much freedom, but he knew [...]" The chapter continues in the next graphic. A graphic containing the continuation of the first chapter of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker. It reads, "just where he wanted to spend them. His prized fishing lure was already in his pocket. First, though, to the greengrocers' to pack up the orders. He hurried to his bike and even that felt like an escape. Just as he dialed open the padlock, though, he heard a commotion of curses and cat yowls coming from the rear of the abbey grounds. Lucas paused. He hadn't been fishing since the fall. But those sounds. Sighing, he snapped the lock back on and followed them. Two pairs of thrashing legs extended from the toolshed. Sister Marie-Agnes was standing beside the legs, waving an empty sack and shouting, "Get them all! Every one!" Lucas easily identified the boys under the shed by their pants abbey orphans had only two sets of clothes, "One for wear and one for wash," Mother Antoinette always said as she pulled them from the ragman's cart— and he took a step back to stay hidden. At fifteen, Marcel and Claude were the oldest boys at the abbey, both mean as cornered rats, and Lucas was their favored target. His heart fell as he realized who the cat must be. He'd been wondering for weeks where the church's friendly tabby was hiding, hoping she'd find a better place to have her kittens this [...]" The chapter continues in the next graphic. A graphic containing the continuation of the first chapter of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker. It reads, "year. The spring before, she'd chosen a pile of altar cloths in the sacristy. When the organ began playing one Sunday morn-ing, they'd started mewling. Sister Marie-Agnes had stormed down the aisle, bagged them up, drowned them, and was back before the final hymn, the hem of her habit dripping canal water. Now, she called, "Too many mouths to feed as it is. But spare the mother, she's a good mouser." Claude and Marcel wriggled out, fists full of struggling fur, the mother cat tearing fiercely at their legs. Even from the distance he was keeping, Lucas sensed how scared those kittens were. Anger flared hot in his chest. The little tabby kept fighting as they stuffed her kittens into the sack. Lucas cheered silently when she leaped to Marcel's shoulder and slashed at his face, drawing bright red lines from brow to chin. But then Marcel flung her off and she hit the corner of the stone shed with a thud Lucas felt in the pit of his gut. The cat staggered back to cower under the shed, as if she understood there was nothing she could do. When Marcel cinched the sack, Lucas squeezed his eyes shut. There was nothing he could do, either. Two against one; the two known to relish brawls, Lucas famous for running from them." The chapter continues in the next graphic. A graphic containing the end of the first chapter of THE LIONS' RUN by Sara Pennypacker. It reads, "Still, when the boys left, the sack bumping off Claude's shoulder, he made himself get on his bike and follow them at a safe distance. He had no illusions he'd suddenly grow brave enough or stupid enough to challenge those boys. Petit Eclair, that was him, after all. And he knew it would make him miserable for days to see the drownings. But he also knew he would feel ashamed if those kittens died alone without even a witness. And he was sick of feeling ashamed."
January 12, 2026 at 5:47 PM
sarapennypacker.bsky.social
I'm excited to share a sneak peek at the first chapter of my new #mglit novel, THE LIONS' RUN!

us.macmillan.com/books/978125... #Booksky @mackidssl.bsky.social @mackidsbooks.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 5:47 PM