White and black lies : $b Or, truth better than falsehood

In a comfortably furnished Boston home of the 1860s, a lively household gathers around its youngest member, six‑year‑old Joseph Saunders. Orphaned early, Joseph lives with his prosperous mason father and his devoted aunt Clarissa, who runs the kitchen, the laundry, and the moral education of the children. Their daily routines—glimmering silver at dinner, freshly baked waffles, and careful instruction about honesty—set the stage for a gentle yet pointed exploration of why truth matters more than clever falsehoods.

The narrative unfolds through simple yet vivid scenes, such as Joseph’s cheeky claim about a pair of glasses and Aunt Clarissa’s calm reminder of conscience. As the characters navigate small temptations and family expectations, the story weaves biblical teachings on sincerity into relatable childhood moments. Readers are offered a clear, 19th‑century portrait of a family striving to keep truth at the heart of their lives, making the book a thoughtful lesson in virtue that still resonates today.