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All-of-a-Kind Family Review

First, let's dispense with the idea that this book has too many stereotypes in it. In the early part of the twentieth century, most American Jewish people did live in New York and especially on the Lower East Side. The types of foods eaten in this book were, in fact, the types most often consumed in Jewish people's homes, and special ones were always part of certain holy days. Jewish and Irish people were not quite as assimilated in American culture as they are now, and parents would be silly to reject this great book just because Papa's peddler friends seem a little "Old World". (I don't believe in revisionism just to placate a bunch of over-sensitive mommies and dads.) This book has good lessons about family loyalty, taking responsibility for mistakes, looking after the things you are fortunate enough to have, and choosing chocolates instead of crackers so your midnight feasts won't be betrayed by crumbs. Modern-day kids will be able to relate to stuff like battles of will at the dinner table, chaotic outings, and the arrival of a new sibling. Celebrations of Shabbat, Purim, and Succot are made beautiful and lively by the author, and are a great way for kids to get a little insight into Jewish life. Yet these girls are American girls first and foremost, and they love the same things about American culture as any kid reading about them today. This is one of my favorite books from childhood. I will say that more girls than boys will be interested in reading it, because of many female characters, the themes of family and home life, and the wistful Charlie and his long-lost love. But this is a quality book.

All-of-a-Kind Family Feature

ISBN13: 9780440400592
Condition: New
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All-of-a-Kind Family Overview

A heartwarming story of five little girls living with their parents in New York City at the turn of the century. They have simple but happy times as they share adventures, holidays and surprises. When Mama tells them her big news, it's the most wonderful surprise of all!

All-of-a-Kind Family Specifications

There's something to be said for a book that makes you wish you'd been part of a poor immigrant family living in New York's upper east side on the eve of World War I. Sydney Taylor's time-honored classic does just that. Life is rich for the five mischievous girls in the family. They find adventure in visiting the library, going to market with Mama, even dusting the front room. Young readers who have never shared a bedroom with four siblings, with no television in sight, will vicariously experience the simple, old-fashioned pleasures of talk, make-believe, and pilfered penny candy. The family's Jewish faith strengthens their ties to each other, while providing still more excitement and opportunity for mischief. Readers unfamiliar with Judaism will learn with the girls during each beautifully depicted holiday. This lively family, subject of four more "all-of-a- kind" books, is full of unique characters, all deftly illustrated by Helen John. Taylor based the stories on her own childhood family, and the true-life quality of her writing gives this classic its page-turning appeal. (Ages 9 to 12)

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Customer Reviews

Sweet Family - Bethany Joy Caddow - Thousand Palms, CA
What a wonderful sweet story about a Jewish family. Wholesome and funny. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

disappointed in condition - Sam Smythe - USA
We paid over for this book and it smelled like mildew, had writing and stamped ink all over it, and was torn and worn. We expected some wear and tear, but it was very bad...especially for the price. I contacted the seller to let him know my disappointment and he had no concern over it.

Wonderful story! - Sara R. Rice - CA United States
I read All-of-a-Kind Family when I was a young girl and it was great to read it to my daughter. Loved the story about a close Jewish family and how everyone supports one another. My daughter is now looking forward to reading the other books by the same author.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 22, 2010 05:35:05

Children's Books

Sunday, August 22, 2010