For my fifth outside reading book, I chose to read Leon’s Story, written by Leon Walter Tillage. The genre is African-American Literature. The copyright date is 1997.

I would definitely recommend Leon’s Story for middle school students. Leon’s Story shows how African-Americans didn’t have the rights that whites did in 1936. It is a great lesson showing how you should treat everyone equally because imagine how you would feel if people treated you different because of your color. Leon’s Story is a quick read yet great book. I feel very understanding now that I read that book because I can actually know how the African-Americans felt. No matter what color you are, you’re just like everyone else. Everyone is different in their own way and shouldn’t have to feel bad about it. African-Americans worked for what they got and earned every little penny.

There are many reasons why I would recommend this book. One reason is, Leon, the main character, he was very appreciate for everything he got even if it was little. On Christmas Day, Leon would get a little toy. Every Christmas he would get a harmonica no matter how cheap it was it was still a precious gift to him because he didn’t have any toys (17). The African-Americans didn’t put themselves first. When bigger white kids were being mean to little kids the African-Americans would protect the younger children because you wanted to make sure they wouldn’t get hurt even if you did (36). Also, I thought that it was great that Leon worked for most everything. Leon worked some odd jobs so he could make some extra money. I respect that Leon really cared about his family especially after his dad died. His mom did a lot and all that she could but all of his family had to pitch in a little (75). Leon’s Story has many lessons that are helpful in life. The lessons were helpful because they taught how to treat someone and appreciate them.