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All-of-a-Kind Family describes the joys and trials of a Jewish family with five girls in New York City in 1912.
*All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor. Yearling, 1984. 192 pages.
- Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10
- Recommended For: Ages 8-12
Life in East Side New York is never dull for five Jewish sisters in 1912. For responsible Ella, carefree Henny, mild-mannered Sarah, resourceful Charlotte, and little Gertie, highlights of the week include going to the library, visiting Papa and the peddlers he buys junk from to resell (imagine the days before Goodwill!), and making purchases with their own pennies or helping Mama prepare for the Sabbath.
Being poor doesn’t keep them from being happy, especially when they have friends like pretty Miss Allen, the librarian, and Charlie, the handsome young peddler who bears a sorrow from his past that he doesn’t want to share. Traditions and holidays such as the Sabbath, Purim, Passover, and Succos are described so irresistibly that this reader grew up wishing she could experience them too.
The girls are delightful characters whose trials include a lost library book, the chore of dusting, hiding the thrill of eating candy and crackers in bed, not wanting to eat what is served, the disappointment of scarlet fever over a holiday, and getting lost in a crowd.
Bottom Line: A wonderful series that makes a great family read-aloud, especially alongside contemporary books such as The Vanderbeekers about the richness of family life in New York City.
*indicates a starred review (the best of the best in its field)
Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader
- Reviews: We also love The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson, another sweet historical fiction read.
- Review: The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo is another recommended family read aloud!
- Review: Rosa by Starglight by Hilary McKay is a sweet story of an orphan finding her way home, with the help of a host of sympathetic cats.
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