A MEDAL FOR LEROY PB

by Michael Morpurgo

Medal for Leroy

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, War, Historical, World War I

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Sir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.

Reviews

[Dem · Rating 4 out of 5]

" And I think it's true that many of us certainly me, are fascinated to discover more about the lives of our parents and grandparents and even out great-grandparents, because like it or not, they make us who we are"

Michael Morpurgo award winning British children's writer and author of War Horse and. Private Peaceful
tells a fitionized story inspired by the true stroy of Walter Tull, the first black officer in the British Army.

I read this book for pure nostalgia as this was one of my son's favourite writers as a child. I have so many fond memories of browsing bookshop shelves with my son for the latest Morpurgo novels to take home and read together. A writer that brings history and people to life and who ensures the past will not be forgotten by the younger generation. A writer that doesn't sugar coat the facts when it comes to war and its injustices for his young audiences and yet manages to reveal just enough information appropriate for the age group he is writing for.

I enjoyed this multilayered historical tale of identity, family secrets, courage and of course mans's best friend. Slim in volume but large on impact, a medal for Leroy is a beautiful story that both children and adults may find worth reading.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this book.

Inspired by Second Lieutenant Walter Tull, one of the first Black British Army officers, who died in the first world war, this book follows Michael as he uncovers secrets about his identity. Michael was young when his father, an orphan adopted by his two much older sisters, died in the second world war. But when his aunt dies, he learns his father was actually her son and she said she adopted him to protect him from people's judgements on the colour of his skin. His grandfather, Leroy, was killed in action and his mother urges him to go see when his grandfather died to bring him the medal his bravery deserved to be rewarded.

This book is short but incredibly poignant, it's definitely one of those books I urge people to read no matter their age as the content around systematic racism and how many soldiers were overlooked due to the colour of this skin is extremely real for many. 50,000 soldiers lie in unmarked graves across Belgium and France, and this book is definitely a great way to introduce older children to this topic. Keep in mind it is very sad though.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading 'A Medal for Leroy' I did not think that it would be as enjoyable as it was. This tale, that is based of the true story of the first black man to join the British army, was a sad and reflective account of how different it was in the war and how attitudes to race were back then. The story unravels secrets on the way, which gives the reader moments of suspense, leaving them wanting more. A real page turner! The short chapters of this book, and understandable language used, gives this book a good flow, making this an easy read. I would recommend this book for children ages 9 and up due to some upsetting themes. A powerful story told by a great author.

[Camille White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I cried.

[Pauline Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great children's book that tackles tricky themes in a careful way. It was inspired by the true story of Walter Tull (who I know a lot about), a black soldier in WWI who although was very brave was not awarded a medal for his outstanding courage due to the colour of his skin. I admire the way Michael Morpurgo tackles important issues and doesn't sugarcoat his books. My son bought me this book for Christmas as he knows I love this author. A great choice!

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a few years after the war has ended and young Michael (not the author) is growing up in London, living with his French mother Christine. All he knows about his father is that his name was Roy, he was in the RAF during the war, flying a Spitfire and he had been shot down over the English Channel.

His mother had one of his medals and let Michael keep it in his room. She told him that his Auntie Snowdrop (really Martha) had the other medals and would be happy to show them to him when they visited her and her sister, Auntie Pish (really Mary), on New Year's Day. And while Michael didn't really like to visit his Aunties much, he did enjoy seeing Jasper, a little Jack Russell terrier.

The visits were always the same, time after time, but one day, as Michael was coming out of school, he saw his mother waiting for him and knew something was wrong. She told him that his Auntie Snowdrop had passed away. At the funeral, his Auntie Pish told him there was a parcel from Auntie Snowdrop for him and she was post it to him right away.

When Michael was 13, five years after his Auntie's death, he was given Jasper to take care of when Auntie Pish couldn't do it anymore. Eventually she went into a nursing home and, about five years after the death of her sister, she gave Michael the parcel that was meant for him.

In the parcel was a framed photograph of Michael's father, which he set on his desk. But when Jasper jumped up on the desk, he knocked the photograph over and the glass broke. Annoyed, Michael picked it all up and discovered a pad of paper behind the picture. On it his Auntie had written "Who I Am, What I've Done and Who You Are" and it was dated 1950.

As Michael read her words, he discovered who his grandfather, his father, and his Auntie really were and how they were connected to each other. And what this all means to him. It was all a family secret that was never even shared with his mother. His grandfather had served in World War I, and had died saving the lives of other men on the battlefield, but even though he should have gotten a posthumous medal for his bravery, he was never awarded one.

Why did this happen? Well, Leroy Hamilton was a London orphan, intelligent, a great soccer player and a very congenial person. He was also black and when he volunteered for military service in World War I, black men did not get awarded medals...until his great great granddaughter decided to fix that wrong.

But where do Auntie Snowdrop and Michael's father Roy fit into all of this?

Using his familiar device of telling a story with a story, Michael Morpurgo has found another unusual story and turned it into a wonderful tale for kids. A Medal for Leroy is based on the true story of Lieutenant Walter Tull, the only black officer to serve in the British army in WWI, though it only contains aspect of Tull's life, it is not a recounting.

I was a little skeptical about this book before I started reading it because I didn't really care for the last Morpurgo book I read. But I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading. A Medal for Leroy is a gentle, poignant story that has some really interesting elements in it. It is about family, love and being true to yourself, and the emotional harm and unhappiness that family secrets can inflict on everyone involved. But is it also about triumph and hope and acceptance and I expect you may shed a tear or two before you finish.

This book will be available in the US on January 14, 2014

This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was an E-ARC received from Net Galley

[Amelie Charlesworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. I love the way the story is told. Sad on a few bits and brought tears to my eyes. Would definitely recommend to people who are into World War I and who are just starting to read Michael Morpurgo’s book series.

[BooksNCrannies · Rating 3 out of 5]

"'But always remember. Michael, it's not the face that matters, not the skin, not the hair, it's what lies beneath. You have to look deeper, Michael, behind. Look through the glass, through the photo, and you'll find out who your papa really was....'"

✏️ Review ✏️

A Medal for Leroy is an illuminating narrative about racial prejudices, family secrets, and the oppressive nature of lies. While it might not seem interesting at first, this story's slow-paced chronicle is effective in it's delivery and provides a history that is revealed one secret at a time.

Not a whole lot else to say about this book, I suppose.... A few elements may be a bit on the mature side for a MG book (see Content section below). But overall A Medal for Leroy provides a well written, historically pertinent story.

📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚

📊 A Quick Overview 📊

👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The slower-paced narrative — effective in delivering this story.
• The illumination of mostly unknown racism during WWI.

👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• A few of the mature topics being in a MG book.

📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚

❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓

— Would I recommend this book? Yes.*

— To whom? To those who enjoy shorter middle grade historical fiction reads that highlight often unknown historical aspects.

*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)

📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚

📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3/5
— 📝 Writing: 3.5/5
— 👥 Characters: 3/5

~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)

— 🤬 Language: 0/5

— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5

• A few brief mentions of war violence including death.

— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5

• A male and female character are described as spending the night alone together "holding each other, loving each other"; a pregnancy results from this incident and is an overarching element in the last half of the story.

📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚

📣 Random Comments 📣

• (None)

📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚

💬 Favorite Quotes 💬

• "Truth will out in the end. Secrets, like the seasons, they never last, you know." (p. 42)

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a darling little book from Micheal Morpurgo. I'd be lying if I said it didnt bring a lump into my throat and tears to spring to my eyes reading the last few pages of the story and the afterword.

Secrets in families are often but they're so much better to hear face to face. Auntie Pish and Auntie Snowdrop really were hard as nails and so it seems was Maman, I loved that Leroy made Martha so happy and that in such a grey world they managed to find a little bit of happiness that went on for Martha for almost 20 years.

The afterword really had me going, to hear about the injustice of so many valuable men that were willing to fight for their countries yet were denied due to their skin colour. I didn't expect anything less from the narrowmindness which I know can be from both sides, I am so pleased to discover that some of the young men and their families were fortunate enough to have VC's rightfully awarded to them. This book is so touching in so many ways.

Also we mustn't forget the roles that the many Jaspers took but also how strong the original Jasper was to go down with Master. I bet they all skip over those fields today, Leroy, Jasper, Martha and Roy. Together at last, reunited as family. Such a beautiful story and insight into those who gave us the freedoms we have today. ♡

[Jenny Mitcham · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter wanted me to read this one because we had come across something about Walter Tull, a man who had bravely fought in the first world war but hadn't received a medal because of the colour of his skin. This book is inspired by this story. It was very engaging and beautifully illustrated. I think it is fabulous that stories like this one are made understandable and accessible to primary school children.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting my emotions to be up and down when I picked up this book today. This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for ages and I don't know why I never picked up and read it before but I'm glad that I did. Also wasn't expecting to learn about the fact some soldiers never got the medals that they rightly deserved due to the colour of their skin.

[Phil Hodgkiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good quick read story from michael morpurgo.

[Tanique · Rating 4 out of 5]

A medal for Leroy

This book tells the story of a young boy ‘Michael’ growing up in the 1940’s. Michael lives in London with his French mother. His father was killed in action during World War 2, just 6 months into his marriage to Michael’s mother. Michael’s father grew up with his two aunties, auntie Snowdrop (Martha) and auntie Pish (Mary). Once his father was killed his mother made an arrangement to bring Michael to visit his aunts. Although, Michael and his mother was not entirely trilled with these arrangement, Michael was more than happy to spend time with his aunties dog Kasper. Kasper was a Jack Russell with big brown eyes, he featured in this story through generations, although different dogs but always similar looks and name. It was during one of these visits that Michael discovered that his father received many medals for his bravery, which auntie Snowdrop kept, shined and polished on her mantelpiece. After the death of auntie Snowdrop, Michael was told that he should expect a package in the post from his late auntie. Years went by without sight and Michael forgot all about this promised package, then one day it arrived. The contents of this box would change Michael’s life forever. The contents reveal who he really is!!
I intentionally did not reveal the ending, as I believe to fully enjoy this book it is best read from the start. I highly recommend.
This book was inspired by the story of Walter Tull an African American solider, who was recommended for many medals for bravery, but never received one. Walter Tull was the only black officer to serve in the British army during World War 1 as a lieutenant.
Michael Morpurgo is an award-winning author for War Horse, I however read another title and was quite disappointed. I did not have high expectation for this book. Michael proved me wrong with this inspirational title. The unexpected twist at the end captured all my attention and eliminated any doubts. This touching story can be read and enjoyed by upper key stage two. This book could be used for independent read. As some reference to both World Wars was mentioned in this book, perhaps this could also be looked at during studies on the Great World War.
Michael Foreman illustrated this book, the black and white illustration used in the book are simple and effective in line with the story. When looking at the cover you get the impression that Leroy is the dog. This is a must read.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those readers expecting an animal story involving the courage and faithfulness of an animal in a war setting will be disappointed, as Jasper, the black and white terrier depicted on the book jacket, is peripheral to Morpurgo's latest tale. Instead, the novel focuses on
the story of a black officer serving the British forces during World War I, a rarity in that era, so those stories went largely untold. It is also a story of stigmatism resulting from racism and illegitimacy. Illegitimate offspring, the result of a short-lived love affair between lonely (but adventurous) young people, particularly an officer and a nurse, is a familiar plot. Morpurgo lends the story a twist by making the officer a bi-racial RAF pilot, who is killed shortly after a single night of passion, leaving behind his white, pregnant, lover.

Rejected by her parents, the pregnant woman and her fraternal twin set up housekeeping on their own, struggling to make ends meet and claiming the baby is adopted. It is a fiction the sisters are able to maintain their entire lives. Their grandson discovers the truth accidentally, in a hand-written account that is cleverly hidden behind a photograph of his father, the "adopted" son. Now all the family secrets are in the open, and the youngster must deal with the fall-out.

Although the themes of racism, bi-racialism, illegitimacy, and prejudice are handled sensitively, it is difficult to place who the intended audience for this novel is. It is marketed for "ages 10 and up" but although the text flows well, descriptions of teas with aged aunties and bedside visits in nursing homes, may not stir the interests of young readers. Young readers may further lack interest in the other prevailing themes of racism and prejudice, especially if they pick up the familiar author's book in expectation of an extraordinary animal story, such as "War Horse," or "Shadow."

Inspired by the true story of Lieutenant Walter Tull, the sole black officer to serve in the British Army in World War I, Marpurgo was inspired to write "A Medal for Leroy," after researching Tull's extraordinary leadership and bravery, which never received recognition from the British government in the form of a medal.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grey cover with black soldier and a small black boy holding a dog did not interest me. The novel A Medal for Leroy begins in Belgium in March 2012. I was introduced, sort of, to Christine, Maman, pa, Auntie Snowdrop, Auntie Pish, and Grandfather Leroy and a dog named Jasper. I am not sure who the first-person narrator is. After reading this, I wondered, "What is happening here?"
Next, the story flashes back to London in the 1940's where the narrator, Poodle (AKA Michael, a young French/English boy who grew up with his mother and no father. His French mother is not black. All Poodle knows of his father is that he was a RAF Spitfire pilot who was shot down in the English Channel in the summer of 1940. It hurts his mother too much to talk about his father, yet, Poodle wants to know.
His best bet to find out are his two Aunts, Auntie Pish and Auntie Snowdrop (nicknames). But when Auntie Snowdrop dies leaving Michael a note about her life behind a framed picture of his dad, Michael finds out secrets that change both his and his mother's lives forever.
"If you're reading this at all, Michael, then it means you've found my little writing pad behind the photo of your papa, just as I intended you to... Read it again from time to time as you get older...I am sure that as we grow up, we do become more able to understand ourselves and other people as little better...I am sure you will become more understanding and forgiving as the years pass. I hope so, because I'm sure that it's only in forgiving that it's only in forgiving that we find real peace of mind"(61). He was not who he thought he was nor were his Aunts who he thought they were.
Family secrets exist in every family, but those of Michael's family are HUGE, and Michael is not sure what to do with them once he unearths them.
The cover does not do this book justice. This is a story of loves, wars, secrets, regrets, happinesses and sadnesses. Sometimes, only years later can all the pieces of a family finally fall into the right places...

[Jayne Bauling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proof that less is more. Short, straightforward and succinctly told.

Morpurgo writes about war as it affects good, ordinary people, in this case both the First and Second World Wars; war as the cruel thief, robbing said people - of so much, and most especially of each other.

This children's novel is also about prejudice, racial and social. We're taken back to a time (is it truly over in the western context?) when black heroism in war went largely unacknowledged, and when for so many classes and cultures there was stigma attached to 'illegitimacy' and people practised various subterfuges to hide the fact of it.

A moving story, and sad - I was on the edge of tears at points - but flowing from loss and injustice come gain, something of worth, understanding, and an affirmation of our humanity.

A beautiful story, partly inspired by Walter Tull who in 1917 became the first black combat soldier in the British Army.

Oh yes, and the dog on the book's cover? He is one of a number of 'Jaspers' down the years covered in this novel.

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Michael doesn't remember his father, an RAF pilot lost in the war. And his French mother, heartbroken and passionate, doesn't like to talk about her husband. But then Auntie Snowdrop gives Michael a medal, followed by a photograph, which begin to reveal a hidden history. A story of love and loss. A story that will change everything - and reveal to Michael who Auntie Snowdrop really is. ...
Another story from the author of War Horse, A Medal for Leroy was inspired by the true story of Walter Tull, who was the first black officer in the British army. Walter Tull performed many acts of bravery but was never awarded a medal.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great historical novel from Michael Morpurgo, this one inspired by the life of Walter Tull the first black officer to serve in the British Army in the First World War.

[The Dusty Jacket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael has no father, brothers, or sisters. Just his mother, Maman, and two aunts: Auntie Pish and Auntie Snowdrop. It is 1940s London and right after the war. Michael’s friends call him “Poodle” because of his frizzy hair and French ancestry. But Michael doesn’t mind much. In fact, he likes being different, being special. Regarding his father, Michael knows only what his mother has told him: his father’s name was Roy, he was a Spitfire pilot, and he was killed in the war. But when Michael’s aunt passes away, she leaves behind a clue that will not only shed light on his past, but also finally reveal who he is.

A Medal for Leroy was inspired by the true story of Walter Tull, the first black person to serve as an officer in the British Army. Like his fictional counterpart in this story (Michael’s grandfather, Leroy), Tull grew up in an orphanage, played soccer, served heroically in battle, and has no known grave. Both Tull and Leroy deserved a medal for bravery, but were denied because of the color of their skin. Morpurgo is a master storyteller (author of the spectacular novel War Horse) and provides his characters with a surprising amount of depth given that his book is only 130 pages. He delicately tackles the ugliness of racial intolerance and inequality while showing young readers the value of having dignity in the face of disgrace and showing love without reservations or conditions.

In a world that still seems divided by so many factors, it is worth looking at the words that Michael’s aunt, who served as a nurse during the First World War, wrote to Michael: “It was while I was with those poor wounded soldiers that I first understood, Michael, that when all’s said and done, it’s what we all want and need most: to love and to be loved.” Words lovingly passed along to a beloved nephew that would serve us all to remember today and always.

[Godly Gadfly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Morally disappointing (2 stars)

This book was inspired by the true story of the first black officer in the British army. It addresses a wide range of social issues, including prejudices against blacks, and pregnancy out of wedlock. The plot device used to tell the story is clever, because the main character comes to learn his family history via the diary of an old "aunt" who has died.

But despite many good literary qualities, there are real moral concerns I had: a child is born out of wedlock, and the night of love that led to his conception is presented without any negative moral judgment. If anything, it's the minister father of the unwed mother who is presented coldly and frowned on, for not speaking to his pregnant daughter ever again. There are also numerous references to God, but only to suggest that He hadn't heard prayers for keeping soldiers safe in war, and couldn't help deal with grief either. God's name is also used as an expletive - sadly something I've noticed more often in Morpurgo's books. All in all, not something suitable for families who take Christianity seriously.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Medal For Leroy by Michael Morpurgo is a powerful, historical children’s novel that will educate you as you read. It is grounded in facts and based loosely on the life of Walter Tull. We hear about his actual life in the back of the book. He was a black soldier in World War I who never received the medal he deserved, for countless acts of bravery.
The story is a dual timeline – after World War II and during World War I in the form of a letter. We ‘hear’ about the lives of elderly aunties who were young women during World War I.
We see the racial prejudice that existed in the first part of the twentieth century. Some saw the heart that beats beneath, others could not get past the colour of one’s skin. It is heartbreaking to read.
There was also a stigma attached to unmarried mothers. This is distressing to witness.
Secrets and lies in order to protect the innocent were the order of the day. When the time is right, the truth will come out.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Medal For Leroy. I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“It’s only in forgiving that we find real peace of mind.”

[Yousif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael, the main character doesn't like visiting his Aunts Pish and Snowdrop. Auntie Pish is a bit too severe and Auntie Snowdrop follows Pish in every way. After Aunt Snowdrop dies, Michael gets a parcel which reveals a story. It turned out that his family wasn't how it seemed (I don't want to give away too much). This new knowledge changes Michael's life forever. The best part is that this is based on a true story about a WW1 soldier, Walter Tull. The idea that a soldier would not be awarded a medal of honor in combat because of his color is an interesting topic. The book is in no way exciting, but it is very touching. Its goal is to teach us a lesson about how all people deserve respect no matter what.

I loved this book. I enjoyed the second story inside the story and I thought the themes were well delivered. I enjoyed seeing Auntie Snowdrop and Auntie Pish change as the story went on. Overall, it is a great, emotional novel that is really well-written and packed with twists and shocks. Being a true story, any fans of history will also enjoy it.

[Helen O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love Michael Morpurgo's books! This beautifully honest book is inspired by the real life story of British World War One black officer, Walter Tull.
He was commissioned as an officer, the only black one, and he died a hero's death, charging ahead of his men with great bravery. His fellow officers & men wanted to have his heroism honored by a posthumous medal but the cold hearted and racist officials would not award the medal. Similar injustices were meted out to Australian indigenous men in WW2. The novel does not have Walter Tull as the centre of the story but it uses the history of the first and second World Wars to weave a very poignant story of love, loss, secrets and revelations. As ever the art work of Michael Foreman adds immensely to the text. The image on Page 170 is particularly touching. If you enjoyed War Horse, you will also love A Medal For Leroy.

[Courtney 🤍 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with one of my students that I tutor over about 3 hours.

My student and I both enjoyed the book and had so much fun reading it. We ended up analysing the text and uncovering all the different details that the story has. I feel this is an important book to read in a South African classroom because of the history behind South Africa. My student and I enjoyed predicting what would happen after each chapter and shared many experiences about this book together! My student developed a newfound appreciation and curiosity for learning because his grandparents and great grandparents never got that opportunity!

Definitely recommend this good read!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable quick read with wonderful illustrations.

I know this is a book aimed at younger readers but sometimes you just want a relaxing and easy read.

For all that, it has some challenging topics including racism in the forces during the war and the persistent refusal to award bravery medals to non white british serving personnel, unmarried mothers and powerful family secrets.

I know I will continue to read Michael Morpurgo books in future even if I am not strictly his target reader profile.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was brilliantly written, it identifies topics like racism, family, heritage and the war. All these topics are important for children to learn about, we wouldn't be us if we did not know where we came from. Nor would we be where we are today if it were not for the brave soldiers who fought in the war to save our country.
I found the pace a little slow in some parts so it took me longer than I would have liked to read it. But once I got into it, I thought it was brilliant.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one made me cry. It’s based on a true story, so I read it as a memoir, but even if I hadn’t, I still would have cried. Nicely written. I love how the themes of war, death, racism, biracial families and illegitimacy are handled. The hardest part to read was the unforgiving minister father. “Auntie Snowdrop” definitely went through a lot of rough stuff, but was sweet and loving. I would have liked to know her.

[Tara Ethridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digging into some of the Michael Morpungo books we have in our historical fiction section, and this one has some elements kids will like: father killed in the war, family secrets, soccer playing and a faithful dog. While the novel is a short one, the content is interesting for older kids. I'd be interested to see how kids view it as it felt more mature for such a slim novel. I did love that it is based on a true story of a black soldier in the war.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great YA read for my revamped war unit. This is a framed story in which young Michael learns the truth about his grandfather. He fought in WW1 and saved 3 people during a battle, yet was never given a medal because he was Black. This story is loosely based on the true story of Walter Tull, the first Black officer in the British Army. I like this book because it has authentic voices and tell a unique perspective of racism that 8th graders will likely not even consider. Well written.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

yet another beautiful historical book from Michael Morpurgo which was inspired by the life of the first black officer Walter Tull during the first world war. i cried reading it and a wonderful book for children to be inspired by, to learn about how black soldiers fought for freedom and sacrificed their lives so others could live. there should be more about these amazing soldiers in the forefront of history in schools