Just David by Eleanor H. Porter

Summary:

David was a unique boy but he didn't know that until his beloved father left him alone in a world full of strangers. David used to live with his father in a cabin on a beautiful mountain top. He loved watching the sunset, squirrels playing, trees whispering in the wind, and the brook giggling through the forest. But most of all he loved playing these things on his violin. He loved beautiful things and it was all he knew. One day his father sensing he wasn't feeling well decided to leave the mountain top and go down to the village where he intended to get help. Unfortunately, they never made it and David was alone. Left with strangers, in a world that didn't seem very beautiful anymore, David was confused. How could boys kill animals for fun? How could farmers never stop to enjoy the beautiful world around them? How could people lie, cheat, and steal? Didn't they know that there's a better way? Didn't they know that it is evil and it ruins the world? David takes his only possession, his violin, and makes it his mission to show people how beautiful the world can be.

Word of Caution:

This book is so beautiful in itself that there is not one thing you wouldn't like.

Positive Notes:

This book is so sweet, enjoyable, and beautiful. It makes you see the world in a different way. All that David knew was beautiful things, things that God created. And when he was thrown into the midst of people he was shocked at how people made the world so ugly. You can't help but love David as he shows people how beautiful the world can be. It is a story that teaches in its own way and will stay with you forever.

Who:

Great for boys age 7-11.