White Mother

by Jessie Bennett Sams

Into the lives of two ragged little Negro girls came an angel—a white angel. So it seemed to Veanie and Mingie Bennett, seven-year-old twins in a Florida town, half-savage, motherless, caring for their paralyzed and dying father. Alone they fought for their lives, stole food, and struggled against a hostile world. Then chance led them to the white side of town and the door of Mrs. Rossie Lee. It proved to be the door to a new life.

“It was not at first intended to be an autobiography, but I found that I could do it no other way and still reveal and convey my full purpose—to write the story of a most gracious lady—a Southern white lady—to whom my sister and I attribute all that is sweet in our lives. I discovered that my sister and I were so intricately woven into the background, setting, and the story itself that we had to fulfill our inherent parts in this beautiful memory. Thus I ventured to tell the story as we lived it then and remember it now.”—Jessie Bennett Sams (“Veanie”)

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2016

Reviews

[Rhoda Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first impacted by this book in 5th grade when it was my teacher’s choice for a read-aloud for story time every day after lunch. I re-read it when I was in my 20’s and my rating is based on what I remember from those two readings & how the book inspired me then. The author writes about growing up in poverty in FL in the 30’s and how she & her sister were given a chance for a new life when they happened to meet the most gracious lady on the white side of town. A touching story that shows how racial prejudice was overcome by the power of love.

[Susan Turski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago. It made a major impression on me. This is probably the book that made me a reader. It opened my eyes to the world since I lived a very sheltered life. I lived in an all white community and had very little interaction with people of color. Where it was important such as at church, and in school, I was taught how to behave with people unlike myself. I rarely had the opportunity to put it into practice. Living through books of compassion like this allowed me to practice what I was learning. Years later when entering college, I was still innocent but had no difficulty living among women of other faiths, culture, and nationality. In fact it was a very exciting time. Sadly there was someone that had issues with who she roomed with. She never gave it a chance to make friends because of the girl's faith and roots. How sad because I got to know her, and she was fun to be with.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book

I was gripped from the start and very nearly finished in a day I couldn't put it down. This follows the story of twin sisters living in poverty during the 20's/30's. It tells the story of how a white woman took them under her wing and nurtured them into successful women. Providing them with work, teaching them good morals and supporting them through their early life and education. In a time of severe racism and segregation this woman saw beyond the colour of their skin and treated them with kindness and fairness, despite what her white neighbours thought. A very heartwarming book and I highly recommend.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. We should all aspire to kindness, level-headedness, and generosity. Loved how the language grew in sophistication as time progressed. Was the lynching historical? Lee County Florida has not reckoned with its past yet. Progress may have been made, but more work needs to be done. This story warms my heart and inspires me to be more.

[Connie Antonosanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "White Mother" when I was 8-10 years old...reread it today at age 71. Bennett's book was so eye opening for me as child, and is still awe inspiring today. If only every child had a Miss Rossie
in their lives. Unconditional love is what everyone needs and deserves.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with my grandpa who said "Everyone should read this book."

[Nancy Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful story

Good story and oh how I wish there were more like this. Sad in parts but still a happy story

[WILLIAM LANKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindness

Wow. What a book Remarkable examples of kindness. A lesson for all. Could not put this book down start to finish

[Breanne Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that took place in my hometown

[Emily Philbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was emotional and taught a lesson about kindness. However, it seemed mildly unrealistic although it stated it was non-fictional. The story about two black orphan girls seeking refuge in a white woman's care in the 30s offers many viewpoints on the prejudice in the society. The stories were powerful and interesting but lacked enough detail in some spots which can leave the reader feeling incomplete.