My Name is Leon is a poignant and compelling novel written by Kit de Waal. Set in the 1980s in the United Kingdom, the story revolves around the life of Leon, a young boy navigating the challenging world of foster care and the complexities of his own family. At the heart of the novel is Leon’s quest to find a sense of belonging and love, all while trying to understand the world of adults and the social services system that governs his life. Kit de Waal is a British, born in Birmingham, England, she has a background in social work, which significantly influences her writing. My Name is Leon is a heartfelt and emotionally charged novel that explores themes of family, love, and resilience through the eyes of a young boy named Leon.
My Name is Leon | Summary
Chapter 1
In the opening chapter Leon, a young boy, is in a hospital, awaiting the arrival of his new baby brother. He’s filled with excitement and anticipation. A kind nurse places the baby in Leon’s arms, and he feels an instant connection with his new sibling. Leon talks to the baby, sharing details about himself, his family, and his life. He describes his mother as beautiful and expresses his hope that the baby will be like him. Eventually, Leon’s mother, Carol, returns to the room, and the nurse provides some guidance on caring for the baby. Leon is fascinated by his baby brother and looks forward to their future together.
Chapter 2
In this chapter, Leon continues to adjust to life with his new baby brother, who is now named Jake. He watches over Jake and helps his mom with tasks like changing diapers and giving baths. Leon goes to school but often stays with his Auntie Tina and her baby, Bobby, as his mother seems to need some time alone. Leon develops a strong bond with Jake and takes on a protective role. He tells his classmates about his new brother and even shares a story in class about a boy who saved his village from a wolf. Leon expresses concern about his mother’s well-being and her crying spells, which seem to be related to Jake.
Chapter 3
In this chapter, Carol, Leon’s mother, shares with Tina that she has found Jake’s father, Tony. She explains that she met Tony, who didn’t realize she was pregnant, and that he plans to move out of his current relationship to be with her and the children. Carol is optimistic about their future together as a family. Meanwhile, Leon watches over Jake, who is becoming more active and expressive. He overhears his mother’s conversation about Tony and is curious but also unsure about the changes ahead. The chapter reflects the evolving dynamics within the family and Leon’s growing awareness of the complexities of adult relationships.
Chapter 4
The chapter begins with Leon having breakfast and observing his surroundings. There’s tension with the neighbors next door due to their dog, Samson, and a past argument involving Leon’s dad. He receives a new Action Man toy for his birthday, and he plans to collect more to form an Action Man army A stranger arrives at the door, and Leon becomes wary, thinking the man might have bad intentions.
The man speaks with Leon’s mom, Carol, about their relationship and their child, Jake. Leon overhears the conversation and realizes that Jake’s father, Tony, wants nothing to do with them. Carol scolds Leon for eavesdropping and sends him to his room, where he contemplates his family’s situation.
Chapter 5
The situation at home worsens during the summer holidays. Carol’s depression deepens, and Leon takes on more responsibilities in caring for Jake. He reflects on his mother’s erratic behavior and tries to manage the household as best he can. Social services eventually become involved, and Tina, a neighbor, helps take care of Jake and Leon. The chapter highlights the growing instability of their family life and the strain it places on Leon, who is forced to take on adult responsibilities.
Chapter 6
In this chapter, Leon wakes up in Maureen’s foster home. He initially worries about Jake crying, but then he recalls the events of the previous night. Maureen, the foster lady, welcomed them into her home. Leon had some Jammie Dodger biscuits and hot chocolate before bedtime and didn’t have any bad dreams. In the morning, he wakes up to the pleasant smell of breakfast but tries not to make noise to avoid waking Jake. Leon notices that his new bedroom is comfortable and filled with things he likes, such as soccer balls and wooden airplanes. He can hear Maureen singing to Jake and decides to join them for breakfast. Maureen serves him a bacon sandwich and orange juice while they discuss Jake’s routine and preferences. Leon shares everything he knows about taking care of Jake with Maureen.
Chapter 7
This chapter explores Leon’s difficulty sleeping in Maureen’s home. He and Jake share a bedroom, and Leon sometimes struggles to fall asleep. Maureen offers him comfort when he can’t sleep, allowing him to join her in her bed for a short while. Leon asks her for a story, but Maureen prefers real stories over fictional ones. Leon then proceeds to tell her about the night his dad left when he found out about Jake. In his story, Leon describes how he had a vivid dream of being a soldier in the jungle but kept hearing his parents arguing downstairs. Eventually, he decided to get out of bed and found his dad gone while his mom, Carol, was singing with a troubled demeanor. The chapter ends with Leon settling back into his bed, reassured by Maureen.
Chapter 8
In Chapter 8, Leon describes his experiences living with Maureen, his foster mother. He finds it difficult to pick a favorite dinner at Maureen’s house because she serves meals with funny names.
Maureen often brings Leon snacks, and during Christmastime, these snacks become excessive. Leon doesn’t believe in Santa Claus and knows he won’t receive presents from his absent parents. He refuses to eat his dinner on Christmas Eve, upsetting Maureen, who believes he still believes in Santa. Leon opens up and admits he doesn’t care about presents anymore. On Christmas morning, Maureen surprises Leon with a gift for his brother, Jake, and reassures him that they’ll see what’s in store for them.
Chapter 9
In Chapter 9, Leon reflects on his life with Maureen and the changes happening around him. He mentions a small dent in his neck-back, where Maureen often pushes him gently to instruct him. Leon’s dad used to use peculiar words, and he misses his dad even though he hasn’t seen him in a long time. He remembers how his mom used to get annoyed with his dad’s promises. The chapter revolves around a visit from Salma, a social worker, who discusses the possibility of Jake being adopted by another family. Salma assures Leon that a family will eventually want him as well. After Salma’s visit, Maureen offers Leon a treat, and they share coffee and biscuits. Despite the sad news, she comforts him and encourages him to stay with her.
Chapter 10
Leon continues living with Maureen, but there’s a sense of tension and uncertainty as Jake is still with them despite earlier indications that he might be adopted. Leon notices Jake’s growing teeth and the rash on his chin, which he helps care for. One day, Maureen picks Leon up from school alone and pretends that Jake is with a nice couple for a short time, which Leon suspects is untrue. The next day, Leon plays quietly with Jake, and Maureen’s mood seems off. She eventually informs Leon that the same couple who spent time with Jake is coming to adopt him. Leon’s world shatters, and he asks Maureen if he’s going with Jake, to which she tearfully says no. The couple arrives to take Jake, and Leon struggles with his emotions but manages to say goodbye.
Chapter 11
The next chapter starts with Leon having a vivid nightmare and grinding his teeth, leading Maureen to wake him up in the early hours of the morning. She talks to him about her experience as a foster parent, emphasizing her love and care for him. Maureen tries to reassure Leon that he’ll be alright and that he’ll see Jake again someday, though it might take time. She encourages him to believe her promise. After their conversation, Maureen comforts Leon and gets him a biscuit. Leon realizes that she has a secret hiding place for biscuits. Maureen’s warmth and reassurance comforts Leon, and he gradually falls back asleep.
Chapter 12
In Chapter 12, Leon eavesdrops on a conversation between Maureen and Salma, the social worker assigned to him. During this conversation, Maureen expresses her concerns about Leon’s recent behavior. Salma tries to reassure Maureen that their decision to have the brothers adopted separately was the right choice. Maureen disagrees, feeling that it’s a mistake to separate them. Leon sneaks into the sitting room and manages to steal fifty pence from Salma’s purse and hides it under his mattress. The files contain information about his mother, Carol, including her mental health issues, emotional instability, and substance abuse problems. It also mentions that she has been unable to care for her children, Leon and Jake.
Chapter 13
In Chapter 13, Leon wakes up to a quiet and somber morning. He notices that Maureen is still in bed, which is unusual. After a lonely breakfast, Maureen decides to take Leon on a bus ride to visit her sister, Sylvia. Leon observes that Maureen has been staying in bed longer recently due to her grief over Jake’s departure At Sylvia’s house, Maureen and Sylvia spend the day reminiscing about their past. Later, Maureen and Sylvia begin discussing Leon and his situation with the social workers. Sylvia insists that Maureen needs to see a doctor due to her persistent chest problems. The chapter ends with Leon taking on the responsibility of caring for Maureen and urging her to keep her promise to see a doctor for her health.
Chapter 14
Leon has been dealing with Maureen’s no-nonsense attitude all day as she talks on the phone about his biological mother, Carol. Maureen informs Leon that Carol is coming to visit him, and he is both anxious and curious about seeing his mother again. Carol arrives with a man named Alan to visit Leon at Maureen’s house. She struggles with her emotions, smoking heavily and occasionally breaking down into tears. Leon remains mostly silent, unsure how to express his own feelings. Maureen, meanwhile, is critical of Carol’s past actions and current situation. As the visit continues, Carol suggests going to the seaside with Alan and Leon, which makes Leon feel like he’s losing his mother’s attention to this new man. The chapter ends with Carol leaving, taking a photo of Jake with her, leaving Leon with a sense of longing and anger.
Chapter 15
In this chapter, Leon is awakened in the middle of the night by Maureen calling for an ambulance. Maureen’s health has deteriorated, and she’s in a critical condition. Leon calls 999 and the ambulance arrives. He feels scared and helpless as Maureen’s condition worsens. At the hospital, a police officer asks Leon questions about his family, and he tries not to cry. The social worker and medical staff assure him that Maureen won’t die, but her condition is serious. They discuss temporary care arrangements for Leon while Maureen is hospitalized.
Chapter 16
Leon reflects on the things he doesn’t like, including his new temporary guardian, Sylvia, and her house. He wishes to go back to Maureen’s home but is told he has to stay with Sylvia. He dislikes the pink sheets on his new bed, his new school, and Sylvia’s attitude. Leon longs to talk about his brother Jake but feels nobody remembers him.
Chapter 17
After school, Leon goes out with his new BMX bike and ends up at an allotment. He meets Mr. Burrows, known as Tufty, who tends to the allotment. Tufty is kind and offers Leon cream soda while sharing his wisdom about gardening and the healing power of the sun. Leon observes other people working on their plots and appreciates the sense of community. He later encounters Mr. Devlin, another allotment holder, who carries a sharp knife. Leon is curious about the knife and asks questions but is met with caution from Mr. Devlin. The chapter emphasizes the sense of belonging Leon finds among the gardeners in the allotment.
Chapter 18
In this chapter, Leon spends a Saturday morning with Sylvia, his temporary caregiver. They watch television together, but Sylvia often distracts him by talking or doing her nails, which emit a strong smell. Sylvia has a penchant for purple things to match her hair. After their TV time, they visit the shop where Sylvia works part-time to collect her pay. There, Sylvia interacts with a man who gives her a mysterious brown packet, and they exchange tense pleasantries. After shopping, they return home, and Sylvia enjoys her purchases while Leon waits for his doughnut. Leon confides in Sylvia about his parents’ garden and the responsibilities he used to have. Despite his longing for his family and garden, Sylvia comforts him before bedtime.
Chapter 19
Leon visits Maureen in the hospital. She’s recovering from an illness but is still unwell. Leon expresses his desire for Maureen to come home so they can live together again. They discuss various topics, including Leon’s bike rides and his concerns about his absent mother. Maureen reassures him and tells him that she’ll be home soon. The chapter explores the bond between Leon and Maureen and reveals Leon’s worries about his family’s well-being.
Chapter 20
In this chapter, Leon visits the allotments, where Tufty and his friends are engaged in a heated discussion about activism and community issues. Castro, one of Tufty’s friends, passionately advocates for a more confrontational approach to addressing the challenges faced by the black community, criticizing Mr. Johnson’s more passive ideas of lobbying and integration. Tufty attempts to mediate but ultimately shares a humorous poem about relationships. Castro’s frustration leads him to storm off. The chapter highlights generational and cultural tensions within the black community. Leon assists Tufty with gardening tasks and observes this intense interaction.
Chapter 21
In this chapter, Leon expresses his dissatisfaction with his new school. He finds the lessons boring and resents the need to catch up on missed classes. His new teacher doesn’t captivate his interest, and he dislikes topics like the Victorians and drawing pictures of planets and stars. He also mentions two boys in his class who constantly discuss seeing the Jackson Five in concert. During lunch, Leon alternates between playing soccer and sitting with Martin, a younger boy who lives with a foster carer. Sylvia, his foster parent, visits the school to meet with the headmistress and Leon’s teacher, and discussing his progress and behavior.
Chapter 22
During his school half-term break, Leon visits the allotment but finds Tufty absent. He rides his bike and imagines flying over the city like a superhero. When he returns home, he discovers that Maureen is not back from the hospital as expected. Sylvia is hosting a meeting with other women in the living room, planning for an event. They discuss logistics, such as the possibility of rain, getting a license, and traffic concerns. Leon secretly takes Sylvia’s written list of tasks and hides it.
Chapter 23
Leon wears his new Batman T-shirt and shorts made from cut-up jeans to the allotment. He first encounters Mr. Devlin, who is planting seeds while swaying and talking about his past in São Paulo. Leon helps him with the planting. Then, he visits Tufty’s plot and discovers that Tufty has a massive tape recorder, a Panasonic 180 Ghetto Blaster. Tufty plays reggae music that resonates deeply with Leon, and they enjoy the music together. Leon experiences the music’s powerful effect on him, feeling transported by the rhythm. When he leaves, he reflects on his brother Jake and how the music might connect them.
Chapter 24
Leon is on his way to visit his mom at the Family Center. During the car ride, he listens to the news on the radio and learns about various events, including the Royal Wedding. When they arrive, he eagerly awaits his mom’s return. The Zebra, a social worker, discusses Leon’s future and mentions the possibility of long-term fostering. Finally, Leon is reunited with his mom, Carol, who has been away for a while. They share a touching moment and reminisce about his friend Jake.
Chapter 25
Leon wakes up from a vivid and unsettling dream. He’s not feeling well and is running a fever. Sylvia, his foster parent, takes care of him, giving him medicine and fanning him to cool him down. She tells him a humorous story involving an Easter bunny to cheer him up. Leon eventually falls asleep and wakes up the next morning feeling better, but he decides to skip school for another day. Sylvia allows him to go outside on his bike for a limited time but insists he returns for lunch. Leon is eager to spend some time outdoors.
Chapter 26
Leon goes to the allotments, but he finds them almost empty. He notices that Mr. Devlin and Tufty are not there. Instead, there are a few old men working in distant plots, and Mr. and Mrs. Atwal sitting by their shed. Leon waves at them as he cycles past. He reaches a neglected area of the allotment, overgrown with wild plants and bushes, and an old shed that no one seems to want. Leon decides to explore the shed and enters it. Inside, he finds the shed full of neglected items, cobwebs, and dead moths. It smells of soil and dry wood, unlike Tufty’s shed. Leon realizes that this shed is perfect for him. He contemplates its potential while looking out of the dirty window. As he tries to open the door to let in some fresh air, he suddenly feels unwell, as if he has a fever. Mr. Devlin discovers him in the shed, provides him with water, and insists that he should go home as he appears to have a fever.
Chapter 27
Leon is sick with swollen glands and is forced to miss a week of school. During this time, Sylvia assigns him various chores to keep him occupied, including tidying his room, weeding the front garden, and helping with preparations for a street party. Leon is eager to go to the allotments, especially to work on his new shed, but he’s unable to. He eventually manages to convince Sylvia to let him go to the park, but he secretly heads to the allotments instead. There, he encounters a group of men who initially appear to be policemen but are not in uniform. They question Tufty and Castro about the whereabouts of someone named Rainbow (Darius White). Leon watches as tensions rise between the men, and it becomes clear that these individuals are not real police officers. Tufty defends himself and his allotment passionately. When Leon returns home, he seeks comfort from Sylvia and asks her to tell him a story, resulting in a humorous rabbit tale.
Chapter 28
In this chapter, Leon wakes up early one morning to find Sylvia, his foster mother, looking tired and disheveled. She mentions a meeting with a social worker scheduled for later that day. Leon tries to cheer her up with humor, but Sylvia seems preoccupied. They both get ready, and Leon helps tidy up the kitchen. Sylvia reveals some details about her past, including failed marriages and relationships. The social worker, Mike Dent, arrives for a meeting with Leon. Mike explains his role as an Independent Reviewing Officer and asks Leon various questions about his well-being, his feelings about living with Sylvia, school, and his recent visit with his birth mother. Leon also expresses his concerns about his younger brother, Jake, who was adopted and hasn’t contacted him as promised. The chapter ends with Leon feeling upset about the separation from Jake.
Chapter 29
Leon visits Mr. Devlin’s allotment after school and finds that the plants they planted together are growing well. Mr. Devlin shares some gardening wisdom with Leon and gives him a pair of iron weights to help him build muscle. Mr. Devlin mentions that he shouldn’t overdo it as he’s still a growing boy. Tufty, a fellow allotment holder, confronts Mr. Devlin about an issue related to the allotment rules but also accuses him of racism. Leon overhears the argument, and Tufty warns him to stay away from Mr. Devlin. Leon leaves the allotment, carrying the weights and an old gun he found in Mr. Devlin’s shed. When he returns to his halfway house, the weights break a table leg, and he examines the gun, feeling its weight and contemplating its significance.
Chapter 30
It’s Leon’s tenth birthday. Sylvia, his foster mother, gives him presents including an AT-AT Walker and a photograph of his baby brother Jake. Leon also receives tools for gardening from Mr. Devlin, who offers to help him start a small garden plot. Tufty, a neighbor, teaches Leon some self-defense moves. Later, Sylvia has a small birthday celebration with her friends, but Leon feels uncomfortable as they discuss political issues and his birth mother. Sylvia tells him a bedtime story about a rabbit and a pig. Leon is troubled by thoughts of finding his baby brother and decides to buy a map and a compass. Despite the birthday festivities, he feels a sense of longing for his real family.
Chapter 32
The chapter opens with Leon and Sylvia in their home on a rainy day. They have toast for breakfast and lunch because they can’t go grocery shopping due to the bad weather. Leon watches raindrops race down the window, a simple game he plays to pass the time Sylvia questions Leon about his whereabouts the previous evening when he came home late. She expresses concern for his safety. Leon mentions his upcoming birthday in August, which prompts Sylvia to talk about her own past, mentioning that she got married at a young age. Leon asks permission to attend a kung fu class on Carpenter Road, where he learns self-defense. Sylvia agrees to look into it. They decide to go grocery shopping despite the rain.
Chapter 33
Leon arrives at the allotment and meets Tufty, who is working on his plot. Tufty is described as having a strong physique and a casual style. Leon checks his own plot and discovers that his Scarlet Emperor beans are sprouting. Tufty praises his progress. Tufty offers Leon more seeds from his collection. They discuss different vegetables and plants. Leon learns that Tufty works in a bike shop and has two daughters who live far away from him. Tufty recites a poem called Ode to Castro
that he wrote, and Leon listens intently. After Tufty leaves, Leon plants the new seeds and waters his plot, feeling inspired by his time with Tufty.
Chapter 34
Sylvia is on the phone with Maureen, who is recovering and planning to return home soon. Leon observes Sylvia’s multitasking as she paints her toenails, talks on the phone, and wears glasses. Sylvia recalls her past and discusses her relationship with Maureen Leon helps Sylvia with various household chores, including cleaning, and is praised for his efforts. Sylvia shares her thoughts on her appearance and her dress. She expresses her desire to move to the seaside with Maureen. Crazy Rose babysits Leon while Sylvia goes out. Leon takes some money and a nail file from Rose’s purse. When Sylvia returns home, her plans with an unidentified person have fallen through. She begins to cry, and Leon comforts her.
Chapter 35
Leon starts his day by examining the contents of his backpack. He plans to use these items for his secret mission. Sylvia, who had been drinking the previous night, wakes up late and apologizes to Leon for her behavior. Later in the chapter, Maureen arrives, and they discuss the possibility of her moving in. The conversation shifts towards the idea of selling their current property and moving to Hastings by the sea, a place they both dream of. Leon listens to their discussion and overhears them wanting to adopt a dog instead of him. Towards the end of the chapter, a news flash on TV reports riots and clashes in a deprived area, sparked by the death of a local man in police custody.
Chapter 36
Chapter 36 begins with Leon sneaking out of his home, determined to find his brother, Jake. He’s carrying a heavy backpack, and he’s trying to avoid being noticed by Sylvia and Maureen, who are watching the news on TV. Leon reflects on the brave act he’s about to undertake, comparing himself to James Bond. As he rides through the streets, Leon thinks about how Maureen will react when she discovers he’s gone. He’s determined to bring Jake back and prove that he can take care of him. He even considers using a nail file he got from Crazy Rose as a backup plan. Leon reflects on his determination to find his brother and his belief that his mother wants to see Jake again, despite her past struggles. He’s determined to change things and take care of Jake.
Chapter 37
Leon finds himself in a tense situation with Tufty and Mr. Devlin. They confront him about taking Mr. Devlin’s wooden baby’s head. Leon uses a knife he finds to assert his authority and independence. He tells them that he’s going to Dovedale Road to find his brother, Jake, and take care of him. Tufty and Mr. Devlin are left baffled and frightened as Leon makes his escape, determined to reunite with Jake. The chapter ends with Leon hiding and waiting for the right moment to retrieve his bike and continue on his journey to find his brother.
Chapter 38
In this chapter, Leon finds himself in the midst of a chaotic and dangerous situation during the 1981 Brixton riots in London. He contemplates finding his way back to Dovedale Road, where he hopes Jake’s family might want another boy. The pervasive smell of smoke reminds him of home, and he longs for the comfort of Sylvia’s care. As he tries to locate his way on a map, it rips due to a spilled bottle of soda. Leon is frightened by an explosion and takes cover in a shop’s doorway, fearing something will fall from the sky. Leon decides to run toward Dovedale Road but encounters various obstacles and dangers along the way. The chapter ends with Leon holding a gun and facing a tense standoff between the police and the protesters.
Chapter 39
In this chapter, the tension escalates as Leon faces a life-threatening situation during the Brixton riots. Mr. Devlin gets injured, and Tufty struggles to protect him. Amid the violence and chaos, Leon encounters a policeman who threatens him with a baton but eventually backs off. Leon then helps Tufty and Mr. Devlin escape to a safer location, guiding them through dark alleys and out of the immediate danger. Despite Tufty’s injuries and Mr. Devlin’s worsening condition, Leon remains determined to get them to safety. The chapter ends with the trio finding refuge on a quiet street, with Leon realizing that they are on College Road, near his home.
Chapter 40
In this chapter, Leon returns to Maureen’s home along with Tufty Burrows and Mr. Devlin. Sylvia and Maureen are surprised and concerned about their condition. Sylvia tends to Mr. Devlin’s injuries, while Maureen checks Leon for any harm. Leon is unsure if Maureen will be angry with him for leaving, so he stands next to Tufty, who urges him to apologize. Maureen is initially overwhelmed and angry but eventually calms down. She instructs Leon to wash up and eat a sandwich, and she provides Tufty with medical care. Leon asks if he can use the toilet and is sent to ask Sylvia. Maureen is still shaken by the events and seems to be dealing with her own issues. She’s relieved that Leon is back but doesn’t express her feelings openly.
Chapter 41
In this chapter, Leon and Maureen travel to Bristol, where they meet Leon’s biological mother, Carol. They spend some time together near a river, talking about Leon’s life and his birthday. Leon is hopeful about the possibility of living with his mother again, but she admits that she can’t take care of him properly. She assures Leon that he can visit her, but she can’t be his full-time guardian. Leon seems disheartened but accepts the situation. Afterward, they visit a battleship, enjoy ice creams, and take a train back home. Maureen, aware of Leon’s emotional turmoil, reassures him that they’re not going away and emphasizes the importance of staying together. She makes Leon promise not to run away and encourages open communication between them. The chapter ends with a bittersweet moment as they agree on their new arrangement.
Chapter 42
It’s the day of the Royal Wedding, and Mr. Devlin arrives at Leon’s house early in the morning to help with preparations for a party related to the wedding. Leon’s day becomes busy as he helps with various tasks related to the party preparation. He’s given many chores, from carrying things to setting up tables, and it keeps him occupied throughout the morning. Later, when everyone else goes inside to watch the wedding on TV, Leon, Mr. Devlin, and Tufty (another character) decide to stay outside. Leon also takes a moment to water his bean plants, which are growing nicely. While tending to his plants, Leon reflects on the cycle of life and how tiny seeds will grow into plants, producing more seeds—a metaphor for life and growth, especially poignant in light of recent events in his life, including the departure of Jake, his younger brother.
