My Name is Leon masthead

Companion guide

Spark something powerful

Inspirational new texts and poetry for GCSE English Literature.

My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal

My Name is Leon is a novel about the world of a loving and loyal 9-year old boy who is on a mission to reunite his family and on the way finds a new home and family in unexpected places.

This coming-of-age story follows Leon and his baby brother who are separated from their mother to live under the foster care of Maureen.

This novel has some heavy and sensitive subjects, but it’s far from a tale of tragedy and misery. My Name is Leon is an inspirational, empowering and uplifting story that positively explores the experience of growing up in foster care in the 1980s.

Find out more about Kit de Waal.

Author question and answer video

Kit de Waal answers your questions about My Name is Leon in our new short video.

My name is Leon excerpt

The sun,’ he says, closing his eyes and turning his face to the sky, ‘is a healer. When the sun comes out everybody smiles. World looks different. You can manage in the sun what you can’t manage in the rain.'

Tufty, page 94

“It’s important the curriculum reflects the modern day so we can be provided with the skills and knowledge to prepare us for real life. A relevant curriculum enables us to develop into responsible citizens who are aware of the world around us and are able to contribute to society.”

Elijah, student

GCSE English Literature

Inspirational new texts and poetry

Text from My Name Is Leon by Kit de Waal published by Penguin. Text copyright © Kit de Waal, 2016. Reproduced by permission of Penguin Books Limited.

Cover from My Name Is Leon by Kit de Waal published by Penguin. Reproduced by permission of Penguin Books Limited.

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