AQA A Level English Literature - A Guide to Studying "My Name is Leon"

This novel, new to the A-Level Specification, has few resources written about it and so this Guide will act as a great starting point for students and teachers of the book,

This is a summary of the Handout:

Here’s a summary of the document:

“My Name is Leon” by Kit de Waal is a poignant novel set in the 1980s, focusing on themes of identity, family, and the foster care system through the eyes of a young boy.

• Identity and Belonging: Leon, a mixed-race boy, struggles with his identity and seeks a place where he feels accepted and loved, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s identity despite societal challenges.
• Family and Separation: Leon and his baby brother Jake are separated due to their mother’s inability to care for them, with Leon’s bond and determination to reunite with Jake driving much of the plot.
• The Foster Care System: The novel critiques the UK foster care system through Leon’s experiences, emphasizing the need for compassion, understanding, and stability for children in care.
• Resilience and Hope: Leon’s journey is marked by resilience and hope, as he strives to find his brother and create a sense of family, conveying a message of positive change.

Look out for other resources on the novel.