Androcles and the Lion (play) run from his Roman persecutors. While hiding in the forest he comes upon a wild lion who approaches him with a wounded paw. His wife runs off. Androcles sees that the cause of the animal's distress is a large thorn embedded in its paw, which he draws out while soothing the lion in baby language. Androcles is captured and is sent to the Colosseum to be executed with other Christians in gladiatorial combat. They are joined by a new Christian convert called Ferrovius, who struggles to reconcile his Christian principles with his violent inclinations. The Roman captain guarding them is
To Be a Slave To Be a Slave To Be A Slave is a 1968 nonfiction children's book by Julius Lester, illustrated by Tom Feelings. It explores what it was like to be a slave. The book includes many personal accounts of former slaves, accompanied by Lester's historical commentary and Feelings' powerful and muted paintings. "To Be a Slave" has been a touchstone in children literature for more than 30 years. "To Be a Slave" has won numerous awards, including the 1968 Newbery Honor medal. It was an ALA Notable Book, won the "School Library Journal"<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Best Book of the Year, and "Smithsonian Magazine"'s