Leon Walter Tillage

A heartbreaking read that is more than tempered by Mr. Tillage's lack of bitterness even after all he witnessed and experienced as a black boy growing up in small-town North Carolina. Searing incidents are all the more so with the simplicity of his voice ("that's the way it was then" is a phrase he often uses to explain egregious behavior and sad facts of life). An unforgettable book about the hopeful resilience of an ordinary boy under extraordinary circumstances. An absolute must-read for any young person's understanding of the civil rights movement.… (mere)

Leon was the son of a sharecropper, and because of his color, he had to go through many difficult situations. Leon lived his life in fear, and despite the problems that he had, he always looked at the positive aspect of life. He was a very respectful person, and he loved smiling. Leon’s father was killed when Leon was a child, and his family stayed very close. The book emphasizes the cruelty of the Caucasian people from the south of the United States, and how African Americans had no rights to basic services. The book also shows the strength, courage, and endurance that African Americans had during that time period. Leon’s story also reflects a little of the next African American generation. Leon’s daughter became a nurse, and she improves her life.… (mere)

A great book to read to elementary school students! This one is another favorite of mine. It's a biography about a boy and his father who were slaves. He explains the rough times he went through and how other children treated him because of his skin color. Since this story is about Leon when he was younger, it can give students an idea of how he felt and that the way he was treated wasn't right since they would be about the same age. I highly recommend this biography to read to students when they are learning about slavery. It's a great read and I hope to read this to my students one day.… (mere)