- Michael Morpurgo

A Medal for Leroy

By Michael Morpurgo

Inspired by the true story of Walter Tull, the first black officer in the British army.

A novel about families, identity and loss by bestselling award-winning author of WAR HORSE.

Michael doesn’t remember 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: 29 Aug 2013
Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-0-00-733968-6
Michael Morpurgo OBE is one of Britain's best-loved writers for children, and has sold more than 35 million books around the world. He has written more than 150 novels and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, the Whitbread Award and the Blue Peter Book Award, while several of his books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the global theatrical phenomenon War Horse. Michael was Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005, and founded the charity Farms for City Children with his wife, Clare. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity.

”'A simple story, beautifully told.” - Sunday Express

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

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Michael Morpurgo marks the start of Black History Month

To mark the start of Black History Month, Michael talks about Walter Tull, the first black officer in the British Army and one of the first black footballers in the Football League. Walter was the inspiration behind Michael’s book A Medal for Leroy and, in this clip, he talks more… Read More

Morpurgo Month ereader offer: A Medal for Leroy

For a special treat, we have chosen three Morpurgo Month picks in ereader format for you to download and indulge in this month. In the theme of War, A Medal for Leroy is inspired by the true story of Walter Tull the first black officer in the… Read More

A Medal for Leroy is out in paperback!

Inspired by the true story of Walter Tull – the first black officer in the British army – A Medal for Leroy is out in paperback today! Michael doesn’t remember his father, an RAF pilot lost in the war. And his French mother, heartbroken and passionate, doesn’t like… Read More

Exclusive promotion: Buy A Medal for Leroy and get Little Manfred Free!

In an exclusive promotion available only on the Collector’s Club, you can now enjoy two moving novels at the price of one. Buy A Medal for Leroy and get Little Manfred free! Why don’t you mark Armistice Day on the 11th November with these amazing war stories?… Read More

Watch the launch event of ‘A Medal for Leroy’

At the National Army Museum, Michael Morpurgo talks about the inspiration behind ‘A Medal for Leroy’, in conversation with illustrator Michael Foreman and Johnson Beharry, the first living soldier since 1969 to receive the Victoria Cross. Watch the video here… Read More