The Child in the Midst A Comparative Study of Child Welfare in Christian and Non-Christian Lands

"The Child in the Midst" by Mary Schauffler Platt is a book from the early 1900s that compares how kids are taken care of in Christian versus non-Christian countries. It looks at problems children face around the world and stresses how important it is to make their lives better, no matter where they live. The author uses her experience as a missionary to share stories about kids' lives in different places, focusing on what they require for a happy childhood, their rights, and the terrible situations many of them go through. The book starts by explaining what children need in any culture and points out that basics like good care, schooling, and safe places to live are frequently missing in areas that aren't Christian. Stories from missionaries in countries like India and Persia vividly show problems such as babies dying young, mothers not getting proper care, and dangerous old beliefs about having babies. This introduction gets the readers ready to think about how actions to help kids can close those gaps and promise a brighter future for all children.