Jose: Our Little Portuguese Cousin

"Jose: Our Little Portuguese Cousin" by Edith A. Sawyer is a children's story that explores the life of Jose Almaida, a young boy in Portugal, and touches on the themes of family, duty, and the routines of daily life in a changing country. When Jose's father falls ill, he shoulders many responsibilities on their farm, eagerly awaiting his brother Antonio's return from America. The story highlights Jose's eagerness for knowledge, the warmth of family ties, and the prospect of fresh starts as Antonio eventually comes home and the family anticipates a brighter future. The story captures both the difficulties and joys of Jose's experiences and desires using detailed descriptions that show the spirit of the Portuguese people during a time of quick transformation in their nation.