Guardian

“Guardian” by Julius Lester is a poignant novel published by Amistad Books for Young Readers on October 28, 2008. This edition spans 129 pages and is written in English. The story follows fourteen-year-old Ansel, who grapples with the moral complexities of his environment, where choosing honesty can lead to dire consequences. As he navigates a world devoid of moral conscience, Ansel’s silence in the face of injustice leads to tragic outcomes, including the death of an innocent man and the loss of his loved ones.
Readers will find a deep exploration of themes such as violence and the struggle for humanity within the narrative. The book presents a reflective journey as Ansel confronts the repercussions of his choices and the societal pressures that shape them. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Lester captures the essence of a young boy’s internal conflict amidst a backdrop of suffering and moral ambiguity, making “Guardian” a significant addition to children’s fiction that addresses complex social issues.
Official synopsis Publisher
There are times when a tree can no longer withstand the pain inflicted on it, and the wind will take pity on that tree and topple it over in a mighty storm. All the other trees who witnessed the evil look down upon the fallen tree with envy. They pray for the day when a wind will end their suffering.
I pray for the day when God will end mine.
In a time and place without moral conscience, fourteen-year-old Ansel knows what is right and what is true.
But it is dangerous to choose honesty, and so he chooses silence.
Now an innocent man is dead, and Ansel feels the burden of his decision. He must also bear the pain of losing a friend, his family, and the love of a lifetime.
Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honoree Julius Lester delivers a haunting and poignant novel about what happens when one group of people takes away the humanity of another.
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