The White Marble

by Charlotte Zolotow, Lilian Obligado (Illustrator)

"Its story is simple - it is about a boy and a girl and a summer night."
"Brought to life is the oppressive heat of a city summer, the wonder of the park at night, the joy of being alive, of giving a treasured possession, and sharing a wonderful experience.

pictures by Lilian Obligado

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Summer

42 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a hot night and a little boy goes to the park with his parents. He finds a friend from school and together they enjoy the experience of being out at night. I did like the atmosphere of the story, it certainly captured that feeling of being outdoors at night as a child, exciting and different to the familiar place you know by day. Some of the expressions between the girl and the boy spoilt the story slightly for me, without the romantic overtones this would have been a 4 star.

Read on openlibrary

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh goodness. I would have loved this when I was a child. Some experiences, like being outside very late during a heat wave, can be magical. Finding a tiny treasure can be magical. Letting yourself be feral and free without worrying about what your regular friends think can be magical.

Some readers may see first tentative explorations of romance, but that's purely optional.

Too bad that the parents are too tired to enjoy the night, but lovely that the children are able to. And too bad, almost, that air-conditioning is so ubiquitous that not many children now will ever discover this kind of innocent adventure.

I especially love that the child does feel 'alone' and has independence and yet is completely loved, not conveniently an orphan or even semi- or quasi-orphan.

*Reread. Just as magical the second read.

I am so glad my library has retained a lot of Zolotow's works.
Btw, I read this with the newer illustrations, but from what I can see the original look fine, too.

Compare to The Moon Jumpers.

[Donna]

THE WHITE MARBLE I wish I could remember which blog I was on that recommended this book. It feels like a "gift" and I would love to say "thank you." The White Marble was first published in 1963, and when I received it from the library, it had that same, familiar smell of books published at that time---as the books I read as a child. This particular book hadn't crossed my path 'til now. I wonder if I would've appreciated it as much then. Probably, but I'm sure in a different way.

I'm so glad I am now aware of Charlotte Zolotow, the author. Her style captures a charm you feel the moment you read the first sentence. Her poetic use of language, and her fresh, spot-on similes and metaphors make you feel like you're floating through this story of a boy and girl who meet in a park on a hot summer night when their parents headed outdoors to escape the unbearable heat indoors (yes, at a time before air-conditioning).

Lilian's beautifully-rendered paintings (I believe gouache, charcoal and pencil) complement the text, completing the feeling of childhood enchantment. This is a must-read and I wanted it enough to purchase---a used copy (a library edition)---since it's the only type available AND I wanted that old, original "smell." :D

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this when I was in 3rd grade and loved it then. I later found a copy on Amazon and was glad to find I still like it just as much! A boy and a girl on a hot summer evening in the park. The boy finds a beautiful white marble. Just as the parents are calling them to go home, the boy gives the marble to the girl, it is quite romantic.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not buying it. Too mushy in its proto-romantic notions of children.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

One hot summer night, John Henry and his parents went to the park. There he meets Pamela, a girl in his class. The play together and he gives her the white marble he found. It appears that they had developed "crushes" on each other.

The story seems a little unrealistic. I doubt if it would appeal much to children.

Pictures are descriptive even though they are all in black, white and blue.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story almost felt like it was describing first love like it was scripting for a Hallmark movie, which made me slightly uncomfortable since it was about children. It kept from crossing any lines, but that was definitely the vibe. Still, the writing was strong and atmospheric. It was so vivid that I could have enjoyed it nearly as much without illustrations.