This 1950s story from Langston Hughes has messages for both young and old. A teenage thief (Roger) learns that in addition to it being wrong to try to get things “the easy way”, sometimes the person you target is a kindly soul who can ill afford it. Mrs Jones knows what it is like to grow up poor. Instead of handing Roger over to the police, she tries to help him. Sadly, one suspects that her actions (taking the lad home for a meal and friendly chat) would not be safe in today’s world. Themes: crime, forgiveness, understanding, trust, kindness.
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