In this heart-stopping adventure, Benjamin Zephaniah shows us what it was like to be a child of the Windrush generation.

“The superb Voices series takes unsung heroes of the past and imagines them recounting the story of their remarkable lives' ” - The Times

Leonard is shocked when he arrives with his mother in the port of Southampton. His father is a stranger to him, it’s cold and even the Jamaican food doesn’t taste the same as it did back home in Maroon Town. But his parents have brought him here to try to make a better life, so Leonard does his best not to complain, to make new friends, to do well at school – even when people hurt him with their words and with their fists.

How can a boy so far from home learn to enjoy his new life when so many things count against him?

‘Zephaniah pulls no punches in his depictions of the racism that Leonard suffers both at school and in the streets in a powerful, moving account of family and fitting in’

– iNews

‘An invaluable story for any young readers who enjoy adventure and want to learn more about the Windrush generation’s experience. Essential reading’

– Alex Wheatle

ABOUT THE SERIES: VOICES

• A thrilling series showcasing some of the UK’s finest writers for young people.


• Voices reflects the authentic, unsung stories of our past.


• Each shows that, even in times of great upheaval, a myriad of people have arrived on this island and made a home for themselves – from Roman times to the present day.


• Perfect for teaching children about inclusivity and diversity.