'My name is Leon' is a wonderful story about a nine year old mixed-race child in the foster care system. It should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of fostering or supporting families who foster. We enter Leon's world as he's struggling to come to terms with his identity and almost unbearable loss.
I think the novel was marketed at adults, but it's definitely suitable for YA as it's written from the viewpoint of the child, so it's an easy read. That's from a language viewpoint, it's not an emotionally easy read. Okay, I admit, I became so caught up in the story because I have a child just a little younger than Leon, and I kept thinking of him, but Kit de Waal is really skilled. I read the book in one sitting, which in my house is a tough ask. I had to retire to the bath half-way through to avoid the kids.
I wanted to adopt Leon myself. In fact I actually went as far as googling whether I have the required attributes for a foster carer! (I decided no, at this point in my life, my preschooler is too demanding, but when my kid's are older, and I have more emotional availability, maybe).
I loved that this novel was set in the 80's. It reminded me of the Britain I grew up in. I was 10 during the second Handsworth riots and I was raised in the West Midlands. I still remember the sense of shock and disgust in my house-hold. My parents had both been members of the police-force and they were horrified that race riots were happening in Britain, and distressed by what is meant about our society (and also I suspect, thanking their lucky stars that they were no longer serving officers). I'd wondered about how to talk about riots in Britain to my children and I think this book would be a lovely way to open up a conversation about them. So on many levels, I'd have no hesitation recommending this story to older children - not least because it nicely dovetails with my mission to encourage them to reflect on historical events, as well as developing their compassion by allowing them to walk alongside a child who is bewildered by the process of foster care.
You can find out more here:
It's only in the last few years that I've determinedly sought out stories that aren't utterly middle class and/or eurocentric. I hadn't reflected on just how culturally biased the literary canon was. I made a determined effort to read the literature of every culture I visited and remain fascinated by my exposure to amazing stories that I'd no idea even existed. Kit de Waal grew up in working class Birmingham. I hope she has a long and varied career. We need more story-tellers that speak for every section of our culture.
Her new book has just hit the stores. ('The Trick to Time') I've not read it yet, but I'd love it if someone who has could comment and let me know if it's just as touching. But don't tell me the whole story. I hate spoilers.
