Kasper was a Jack Russell with big brown eyes, he featured in this story through generations, although different dogs but always similar looks and name.

The inspiration behind A Medal for Leroy - Michael Morpurgo The inspiration behind A Medal for Leroy - Michael Morpurgo

Not only is this activity pack fun and engaging for children to complete, but it’s also a great way to develop their grammar and reading skills. Walter Tull was the only black officer to serve in the British army during World War 1 as a lieutenant.Morpurgo lends the story a twist by making the officer a bi-racial RAF pilot, who is killed shortly after a single night of passion, leaving behind his white, pregnant, lover. He is also the author of War Horse, which has been made into a Tony Award-winning Broadway play and a Golden Globe-nominated film. His fellow soldiers insisted he deserved special commendations for his bravery but because of the racial barriers, he would go unacknowledged.

A Medal for Leroy | BookTrust

Young readers may further lack interest in the other prevailing themes of racism and prejudice, especially if they pick up the familiar author's book in expectation of an extraordinary animal story, such as "War Horse," or "Shadow. He delicately tackles the ugliness of racial intolerance and inequality while showing young readers the value of having dignity in the face of disgrace and showing love without reservations or conditions. BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.The story unravels secrets on the way, which gives the reader moments of suspense, leaving them wanting more. Michael’s father was brought up by Aunty Snowdrop and Aunty Pish until he left to join the air force and was killed in World War II. Although the themes of racism, bi-racialism, illegitimacy, and prejudice are handled sensitively, it is difficult to place who the intended audience for this novel is. I feel this is an important book to read in a South African classroom because of the history behind South Africa. You can also check out our Michael Morpurgo Book Discussion Guide as a way to encourage children to chat to their peers about Morpurgo’s wonderful writing.