Leon’s Story
Leon’s Story by Leon Walter Tillage, published by Square Fish in September 2000, is a poignant account of the author’s experiences growing up as the son of a sharecropper in North Carolina. This reprint edition spans 112 pages and is presented in English. Through a series of vignettes, Tillage reflects on the challenges he faced, including the harsh realities of segregation and the impact of systemic racism on his childhood.
Readers will find a narrative that not only recounts the struggles of his youth, such as walking miles to a segregated school and enduring the fear of violence, but also highlights the strength of his family and community. The book delves into themes of cultural heritage and personal resilience, culminating in Tillage’s involvement in the civil rights movement. Edited from recorded interviews conducted by Susan L. Roth, Leon’s Story offers an intimate look at a significant period in American history, making it a valuable addition to the genres of juvenile nonfiction and biography.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Leon’s Story is a powerful, wonderful thing!” — Nikki Giovanni
I remember that as a young boy I used to look in the mirror and I would curse my color, my blackness. But in those days they didn’t call you “black.” They didnt say “minority.” They called us “colored” or “nigger.”
Leon Tillage grew up the son of a sharecropper in a small town in North Carolina. Told in vignettes, this is his story about walking four miles to the school for black children, and watching a school bus full of white children go past. It’s about his being forced to sit in the balcony at the movie theater, hiding all night when the Klansmen came riding, and worse. Much worse.
But it is also the story of a strong family and the love that bound them together. And, finally, it’s about working to change an oppressive existence by joining the civil rights movement. Edited from recorded interviews conducted by Susan L. Roth, Leon’s story will stay with readers long after they have finished his powerful account.
Leon’s Story is the winner of the 1998 Boston Globe – Horn Book Award for Nonfiction.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Leon’s Story” about?
Who is the author of “Leon’s Story”?
When was “Leon’s Story” published?
What is the ISBN for “Leon’s Story”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
