- Michael Morpurgo

A Medal for Leroy

By Michael Morpurgo
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The moving and inspiring story of a family’s struggle with racism and war, and about the importance of finding out who you are

‘A simple story, beautifully told’ Sunday Express

Michael never knew 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 he really is . . .

Author: Michael Morpurgo
Format: Paperback
Ageband: from 9
Release Date: 16 Jan 2025
Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-0-00-863871-9
Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE FRSL FKC DL is a writer, playwright, performer and librettist. The author of more than 150 children’s books, he has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and in almost 40 languages. A former teacher and vocal spokesperson for the benefits of reading for pleasure, he is currently the President of Book Trust. Between 2003–2005 he was Children’s Laureate and in 2018 he was knighted for services to literature and charity. Many of Michael’s books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the phenomenal National Theatre adaptation of War Horse, which has been seen by over 10 million people in over 100 cities around the world, broke the West End record for weekly ticket sales, and won 5 Tony Awards and 2 Olivier Awards. Michael is also the co-founder, with his wife Clare, of the charity Farms for City Children.

“A simple story, beautifully told” Sunday Express -

“A moving story about love, loss and discovering your identity, which demonstrates a masterful understanding of a child's perspective on life. Illustrated by Michael Foreman, this is an immensely engaging and touching story” BookTrust -

“The deeply moving story about how a young boy discovers the truth about his family” LoveReading4Kids -

“Offers readers of all ages a beautiful multilayered story of compassion, loyalty, and courage” School Library Journal -

“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 -

“A moving and at times heart-rending story of secrets, suffering and courage. It is beautifully written, with illustrations by Michael Foreman which are both charming and informative, and it should be in the library of every school” The Bookbag -

PRAISE FOR MICHAEL MORPURGO -

“As ever, Morpurgo's warmth and humanity suffuse a story of courage, love and hope” Amanda Craig, The Times -

“Morpurgo is a virtuoso at conjuring vibrant stories that draw on historical events' The Observer Review -

“Champagne quality over a wide range of subjects” The Telegraph -