CHRISTMAS WITHOUT JOHNNY

by Gladys Hasty Carroll ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 24, 1950

Through the medium of a rather heartbreaking little story, Gladys Hasty Carroll has made a sound contribution to the cause of parent and teacher education. Perhaps such was not her intent, but no amount of theory could be more potent than this story of Johnny Lee, whose apparent indifference and apathy concealed a hurt and troubled heart. His father thought him something of a sissy, because he liked to play with a girl who lived near their farm, and because he didn't like games with the boys. His mother was too much absorbed in the baby to notice Johnny's loneliness. He hated to go to school because his teacher harped endlessly on his shortcomings, his tendency to lateness, his carelessness. He seemed always to lose touch just as he thought he'd found a friend, a refuge -- the new Methodist minister, the Sunday School teacher, the school superintendent. Finally, driven by fear and despair, he ran away. But he stopped first- in a dream emporium -- to buy all the people he'd hoped could like him Christmas presents. And there he was found by a man who felt he understood -- and was brought back to the people who were facing in terrified self appraisal the fear that they might be having ""Christmas without Johnny"".... Sentimental perhaps -- but sometimes more is accomplished that way. And Johnny seems very real.

Pub Date: Oct. 24, 1950

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1950

Categories: FICTION