
The Boy and the Robbers by James Baldwin
This novel tells the story of a young boy who witnesses a robbery and must navigate the consequences of his actions. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships.
By James Baldwin · First published 1955 · Genre: Moral Tale, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 670 words
First lines
In Persia, when Cyrus the Great was king, boys were taught to tell the truth. This was one of their first lessons at home and at school.
"None but a coward will tell a falsehood," said the father of young Otanes. [Footnote: Otanes (_pro._ o ta'n ez).]
What this Textopian page supports
The Boy and the Robbers is listed on Textopian as a short story by James Baldwin, dated 1955 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: James Baldwin
- Date: 1955 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Moral Tale, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Children's Literature
- Length: 670 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Boy and the Robbers by James Baldwin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
Genres
- Moral Tale — The story emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and bravery, imparting a moral lesson to the reader.
- Historical Fiction — Set in ancient Persia during the reign of Cyrus the Great, it incorporates historical elements into the narrative.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey with potential dangers, including an encounter with robbers, adding an element of adventure.
- Children's Literature — The story is simple, with a young protagonist and a clear moral, making it suitable for a young audience.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Adventure · Crime · Friendship · Escape · Kidnapping · Rescue · Bravery · Courage · Loyalty · Trust · Deception
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