Leo belongs to one of only a few Asian families in Whot. When their class starts studying the Second World War (WW2), Leo and his friend Sangeeta wonder why there aren’t any faces that look like theirs in the history books. Then, on a school trip, Leo finds his exact name on a plaque dedicated to WW2 heroes. Together with Sangeeta and Olivia, the most popular girl in the school, Leo is determined to uncover and tell the other Leo’s story, and help Sangeeta draw attention to the role of women in the war. The Lion Above the Door really highlights how whitewashed our history is. It’s a British book but its message is no less relevant in Australia, where First Nations people delayed fighting for their own rights in order to fight for a country that refused to recognise them as people. I loved this book and highly recommend it for all kids ages 9+.

Dani Solomon is the manager of Readings Kids.