Just David facts for kids
1916 Cover
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| Author | Eleanor H. Porter |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin Co |
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Publication date
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March 1916 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 324 |
| ISBN | 1-888692-05-7 |
Just David is a children's book written by Eleanor H. Porter in 1916. It quickly became very popular. In fact, it was one of the top six bestselling books in American cities that year. By July 1916, it was the second most popular novel!
The book was first published by Houghton Mifflin. It tells the story of a young boy named David. He grew up alone with his father in the mountains. After his father passes away, David has to learn how to live with other people. But as he learns, the people around him also change because of him. Even though some critics called the book "too perfectly lovely," it was very popular in schools for many years. Today, you can still find new copies of the book. It was even put into Braille in 1922. It has also been translated into Chinese (1959), Russian (2005), and Italian (2019).
What is Just David About?
David is a ten-year-old boy who loves to play the violin. He lives a simple, happy life in the mountains with his father. He doesn't even know his own last name. One day, his father becomes very sick. They have to go down into the valley to find help.
His father's health gets worse, and they spend the night in a barn. Just before he passes away, David's father gives him many gold coins. He tells David to hide them until they are needed. David plays his violin to comfort his "sleeping father." That is how Simeon Holly and his wife find him.
David Meets New People
The Hollys realize David's father has passed away. They try to find out who David is. But all he can tell them is that he is "just David." He doesn't know his last name, his father's name, or if he has any other family. They find some letters on his father, but the name on them is hard to read.
The Hollys decide to let David stay with them. He reminds them of their own son, John, whom they haven't spoken to in a long time. David slowly gets used to village life. He always carries one of his two violins with him. He "plays" the world around him, like "the sunset" or "the flowers." He uses his music to show how he feels.
David Changes Lives
David's innocence and amazing musical talent charm everyone in the village. He even helps two childhood sweethearts, who had drifted apart, get married. He also changes the Hollys. David's presence helps Simeon heal his heart. This leads Simeon to reconnect with his son, John. John comes to visit with his new wife and child.
During their visit, everyone learns that David's violins are very valuable. David's own violin is an Amati. His father's violin, which he had loaned to a blind friend, is a Stradivarius. John reads the old letter from David's father again. He recognizes the signature! He realizes David's father was a world-famous violinist. This musician had disappeared with his son after his wife passed away.
David is sent to live with his relatives and to study the violin. He becomes famous and wealthy. But he never forgets the Hollys. He visits them every year to play his music for them.
