Why read My Name Is Leon?

Book cover of My Name Is Leon

Book description

“Taut, emotionally intense, and wholly believable, this beautiful and uplifting debut” (Kirkus Reviews) about a young black boy’s quest to reunite with his beloved white half-brother after they are separated in foster care is a sparkling novel perfect for fans of The Language of Flowers.

Leon loves chocolate bars, Saturday…

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Why read it?

1 author picked My Name Is Leon as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Jo Johnson

Author

The book is set in the early eighties against the backdrop of the Handsworth riots and the royal wedding.

Nine-year-old Leon narrates his own story which makes it more heart-wrenching as he doesn’t really know what’s going on. When it’s obvious his mum can’t parent her boys, Leon and Jake are taken into care.

They go to a foster carer called Maureen who is desperate to keep the brothers together. But, baby Jake is a more attractive adoption prospect. He’s small but more importantly he’s white, whereas Leon’s father is black. So, Jake is taken by a ‘nice’ family to…

From Jo's list on The best book club novels with depth and all the feels.