Winner of the 2018 Norwegian Book Bloggers’ Prize

Nominated for the 2018 ARK Children’s Book Prize

Nominated for the 2018 “Bokslukerprisen” Prize
– 80,000 children will read and vote for the winner

Nominated for the 2019 Children’s Book Prize

A lovely children’s novel about being born in the wrong body. […] a valuable door opener to a complicated subject. If We Were Lions should also be read by adults.
Dagbladet, 5/6 stars

Line Baugstø’s voice is simple, straightforward and clear in this good and relevant story about a group of girls in 7th grade. The relationship between Malin and Leona […] is presented in a realistic and moving manner …
Fædrelandsvennen, 5/6 stars

Very well written story about a transgender in the class room. Baugstø has done a thorough job in portraying this relevant issue. If We Were Lions is a book filled with drama, distinct characters and an unusual story.
Morten Olsen Haugen, Aftenposten

Line Baugstø has written a good story. Through If We Were Lions she opens up for a conversation about a subject that is not so commonly discussed […] The story encourages children to be themselves, to be a good friend and to fight for what they believe in.
NRK

The Secret

Malin is exited that there’s a new girl in class. Maybe Leona can become her new best friend? Maybe Leona is a supergirl that can handle Sarah and her entourage of girls that run the school? Leona is very shy and Malin tries hard to get to know her. But it is obvious that Leona is carrying a secret. After a few days the secret is out, in the most brutal way. Malin gets another challenge: Is she ready to stand up for an outsider?