The Boy On The Wooden Box

Leyson was born Leib Lejzon in Poland in 1929. Upon arriving in America, the spelling of his surname was changed to Leyson, and he adopted the first name “Leon.”

Throughout the book, Leon is a boy of strong moral conscience and deep loyalty. He loves his family and wants to stay near them. When given the chance to hide out in the deserted ghetto with some other boys, he chooses instead to stay with his mother and go to Płaszów. In the ghetto, Leon and another boy carry a sick elderly woman to the hospital at great risk to themselves. After his father’s arrest, Leon tracks him down and rescues him. While in Płaszów, he goes to find his parents at risk to his own life. Throughout, Leon shows a maturity beyond his years. In a sense, the war forces him to grow up very fast, and Leon adapts to circumstances with great bravery and fortitude.

Despite being small and seemingly insignificant, Leon stands up for himself and speaks out, showing bravery in front of the Nazi officials. This happens on two occasions: first, after his name has been crossed off Schindler’s list and he persuades an SS man to let him go; second, when he is about to be shipped back to Płaszów and cries out to Schindler to take him back.