Everyday Children: David and Susi Black and White
- North Cambridge, Massachusetts: Central Committee of the United Study of Foreign Missions, 1928
North Cambridge, Massachusetts: Central Committee of the United Study of Foreign Missions, 1928. Very good. Spine split, visible in gutter between pp. 12-13.. A scarce children's book from 1928, promoting international friendship, tolerance, and racial equality among early learners through the story of a black child and a white child who grow to become friends: "When David and Susi met they found they were just alike except in their color. They were friends and I want you to know them". The book shows pictures of African families going about their daily lives, to show white children reading the book that they lead similar lives. Note the book's emphasis on Christianity throughout (the author was a Christian missionary). Also gently invites the child reader to notice his or her preconceptions about race and visual identity by looking at a silhouette image of children playing: "You notice the pictures are all black. Can you pick out the white children? How can you tell the difference?". A valuable book which allows us to see how education about race has (and has not) changed over the years. Single vol. (6.5" by 4"), pp. 57, [1], illus., in original illus. black and teal wrps. with silhouette of children playing. Early ink ownership inscription of Miss Eva Mae Hague dated March 19, 1928 to upper wrapper. Only 5 copies on WorldCat (Jan. 2024). Part of the "Everyland Children" series of children's books promoting friendship and tolerance.
Details
Title
Everyday Children: David and Susi Black and White
Author
Lucy W. Peabody and Marjorie Woodbury Smith (illus.)
Condition
Very Good
Publisher
Central Committee of the United Study of Foreign Missions: North Cambridge, Massachusetts
Date
1928