A Medal for Leroy - by Michael Morpurgo (Paperback)

About the Book

In World War II-era England, Michael learns about his black British Army soldier grandfather, a World War I officer who risked his life three times to save wounded men, but was excluded from receiving special commendations due to his race.

Book Synopsis

When Michael's aunt passes away, she leaves behind a letter that will change everything.

It starts with Michael's grandfather Leroy, a black officer in World War I who charged into a battle zone not once but three times to save wounded men. His fellow soldiers insisted he deserved special commendations for his bravery but because of the racial barriers, he would go unacknowledged. Now it's up to Michael to change that.

Inspired by the true story of Walter Tull, the first black officer in the British army, award-winning author Michael Morpurgo delivers a richly layered and memorable story of identity, history, and family.

Review Quotes

"The novel's elegant structure and quiet, retrospective narration--both Michael's and Martha's--bolster this story about the importance of knowing the truth about one's heritage." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Michael Morpurgo, a Member of the Order of the British Empire, is the author of over one hundred children's books, including An Elephant in the Garden and Shadow. He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller War Horse, which debuted on Broadway in 2011 and is now a film by Steven Spielberg.