The Friendship facts for kids
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First edition
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| Author | Mildred D. Taylor |
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| Illustrator | Max Ginsburg |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | African-American Literature |
| Publisher | hardback, Dial, paperback, Puffin |
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Publication date
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1987-09-30 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 56 pp |
| ISBN | 0-8037-0417-8 |
| OCLC | 14965647 |
| LC Class | PZ7.T21723 Fr 1987 |
The Friendship is a children's novella, which is a short novel, written by Mildred D. Taylor. It was published in 1987. The story takes place in 1933 in Mississippi, a state in the southern United States. The book explores the serious issue of racism and the unfair ways African Americans were treated during that time.
Story Summary
The story introduces us to Mr. Tom Bee, an older Black man. When he was a young boy, he bravely saved the life of a white store owner named John Wallace not just once, but twice. Because of this, John Wallace was very thankful. He even told Mr. Bee that he could always call him by his first name, "John." This was a big deal at a time when Black people were often not allowed to use first names when speaking to white people.
However, as years passed, things changed. John Wallace grew up and became a powerful store owner. He no longer allowed Mr. Tom Bee to call him "John." Instead, John Wallace and even his own son would call Mr. Bee "Tom." This showed the unfair power difference between them, and Mr. Bee could not do anything about it.
One day, their long-standing friendship is truly tested. Four Black children witness this difficult moment. Later, Mr. Tom Bee is badly hurt by John Wallace. Despite his injury, Mr. Tom Bee crawls away, still bravely insisting on calling John Wallace by his first name, "John." This shows his strong spirit and refusal to give up his dignity.
Awards and Recognition
The Friendship received important awards for its powerful story:
- 1988 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award winner
- 1988 Coretta Scott King Award winner
