Jose: Our Little Portuguese Cousin

"Jose: Our Little Portuguese Cousin" by Edith A. Sawyer is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The book is part of the "Little Cousin" series, which introduces young readers to different cultures through the eyes of children from those backgrounds. The story revolves around a young Portuguese boy named Jose and delves into themes of family, responsibility, and the everyday life in rural Portugal during a time of significant political change. The narrative follows Jose Almaida, a diligent boy who takes on considerable responsibilities after his father's illness. As he navigates daily tasks on the family farm, his anticipation grows for the return of his elder brother Antonio, who has gone to America. When Antonio unexpectedly returns, the family celebrates the reunion and begins to look forward to better times ahead. Jose learns about the importance of education, the value of family, and the excitement of new opportunities, reflecting the cultural richness and aspirations of the Portuguese people during the period of rapid change in their country. From joyful family gatherings to the hard work of farming, the book captures the essence of Jose's life and dreams in a beautifully descriptive manner.