Our Little Japanese Cousin (ePub)

Mary Hazelton Blanchard Wade (1860-1936) was an American writer of literary works and instructional texts, particularly recognized for her contributions to children's literature at the turn of the 20th century. Wade's writing career began as an educator, aiding her in crafting narratives that were both engaging and pedagogical. Her contributions include over 75 books. A notable work in her extensive catalogue is 'Our Little Japanese Cousin,' a title within 'The Little Cousin Series' which focused on providing American children with a gentle and personalized introduction to the culture and daily lives of their peers in countries around the world. Wade's style is characterized by its accessible prose, rich description, and commitment to cultural education, striving for accuracy and respect for cultural differences in a time when such traits were not universally upheld in literature. Her work stands as both a product of her era, reflecting the values and educational impetus of early 20th-century America, and as an early precursor to diverse children's literature today. Despite the historical context in which she wrote, her efforts laid an important foundation for the genre of multicultural children's literature, and her books continue to serve as a resource for understanding the early advancement of cross-cultural awareness and respect in the literary domain.