Sidewalk Kids [Paperback] Gertrude Jenness Rinden

Description

1954 edition. Former library book has some markings, stickers, and labels from the library. Hardcover has some minor wear along the sides, scuffs and marks. No dust jacket. Spine has some wear on the top and bottom. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.

This well-loved copy of “Sidewalk Kids” by Gertrude Jenness Rinden offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of urban youth in mid-20th century America. Published in 1954, this sociological study explores the subculture of children who spent their days playing and socializing on the sidewalks of city neighborhoods. Rinden, a social worker and educator, draws upon her firsthand observations and interviews to paint a vivid portrait of the games, hierarchies, and unwritten rules that governed these informal communities of young people.

Beyond its historical significance, “Sidewalk Kids” remains relevant today as a reminder of the importance of unstructured play and the resilience of children in adapting to their environments. Rinden’s empathetic and insightful writing humanizes her young subjects, revealing the depth of their inner worlds and the complexities of their social dynamics. This former library copy, with its well-worn exterior and library markings, serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of this sociological classic, which has undoubtedly shaped generations of readers’ understanding of urban childhood.