
Cover illustration and design: CB Messer
“Funny, wise, and ridiculously romantic. It hit me right in the heart.”
—BECKY ALBERTALLI, author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Bloomington High School Lions’ star goalie Sebastian Hughes should be excited about his senior year: His teammates are amazing, and he’s got a coach who doesn’t ask anyone to hide their sexuality. But when his estranged childhood-best-friend Emir Shah shows up at summer training camp, Sebastian realizes the team’s success may end up in the hands of the one guy who hates him. Determined to reconnect with Emir for the sake of the Lions, he sets out to regain Emir’s trust. But to Sebastian’s surprise, sweaty days on the pitch, wandering the town’s streets, and bonding on the weekends spark more than just friendship between them.
Order now from:
Little Shop of Stories (local indie)
Charis Books & More (local indie)
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Bookshop
*** Also available as e-Book ***
Praise for Running With Lions
“A heartwarming freshman novel from an author poised to be a modern Matt Christopher for an older audience.”
—Kirkus Reviews (read full review here)
“A warm, funny, smart and poignant debut, full of heart and full of hope.”
—SIMON JAMES GREEN, author of Noah Can’t Even
IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Award for
Best Teen Fiction

Meet the Characters






Art by C.B. Messer