Don't Feed the Lion
Wes Mitchell hates Jews.
Turns out, he’s not the only one.
And everyone has an opinion about exactly what Theo Kaplan should do about that.
Turns out, he’s not the only one.
And everyone has an opinion about exactly what Theo Kaplan should do about that.
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What the Book is About
Jewish Content and Values
Content Advisory
What the Book is About
Thirteen-year-old Theo loves soccer and idolizes professional player Wes Mitchell. But when Mitchell posts an antisemitic message online, it spreads quickly—and suddenly Theo is facing antisemitism at school and on his own soccer team.
At the same time, Theo and his outspoken eleven-year-old sister Annie react in very different ways. While Theo tries to keep his head down, Annie secretly pushes back online. Meanwhile, Theo is paired with a new student named Gabe for a school project, and the two begin learning about each other’s families and histories.
As tensions grow at school (including a swastika painted on Theo’s locker), Theo must decide whether to stay silent or speak up. With help from Gabe, Annie, and his family, Theo begins to find the courage to stand up for himself and for what he believes in.
Jewish Content and Values
- Theo’s family gathers every Friday night for Shabbat dinner with candles, blessings, and family traditions.
- The story includes both a bat mitzvah and Theo’s own bar mitzvah, where he reflects on Jewish history and pride in his d’var Torah.
- Jewish values such as standing up for others and speaking out against injustice are discussed, including a quote from Hillel.
- The book also addresses contemporary antisemitism, including hateful social media messages, vandalism at a synagogue, and harassment at school.
Content Advisory
The book includes antisemitic language and symbols, including the phrase “Never trust a Jew” and swastikas written on a locker. There are references to vandalism at a synagogue and a bomb threat at another synagogue nearby. One character is grieving the death of his mother from COVID-19, and there is a brief reference to Holocaust history.
What the Book is About
What the Book is About
Thirteen-year-old Theo loves soccer and idolizes professional player Wes Mitchell. But when Mitchell posts an antisemitic message online, it spreads quickly—and suddenly Theo is facing antisemitism at school and on his own soccer team.
At the same time, Theo and his outspoken eleven-year-old sister Annie react in very different ways. While Theo tries to keep his head down, Annie secretly pushes back online. Meanwhile, Theo is paired with a new student named Gabe for a school project, and the two begin learning about each other’s families and histories.
As tensions grow at school (including a swastika painted on Theo’s locker), Theo must decide whether to stay silent or speak up. With help from Gabe, Annie, and his family, Theo begins to find the courage to stand up for himself and for what he believes in.
Jewish Content and Values
Jewish Content and Values
- Theo’s family gathers every Friday night for Shabbat dinner with candles, blessings, and family traditions.
- The story includes both a bat mitzvah and Theo’s own bar mitzvah, where he reflects on Jewish history and pride in his d’var Torah.
- Jewish values such as standing up for others and speaking out against injustice are discussed, including a quote from Hillel.
- The book also addresses contemporary antisemitism, including hateful social media messages, vandalism at a synagogue, and harassment at school.
Content Advisory
Content Advisory
The book includes antisemitic language and symbols, including the phrase “Never trust a Jew” and swastikas written on a locker. There are references to vandalism at a synagogue and a bomb threat at another synagogue nearby. One character is grieving the death of his mother from COVID-19, and there is a brief reference to Holocaust history.
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