All-of-a-Kind Family Series
By Carrie Kingsley,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Loving stories of a large Jewish family in 1915 New York.
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What's the Story?
The ALL-OF-A-KIND FAMILY series is a sweet, old-fashioned look at an Orthodox Jewish family's life in a poor, immigrant neighborhood in 1915 New York. Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, Gertie, and Charlie live with their parents, surrounded by extended family and friends whose affection for each other more than makes up for their community's modest means. The girls welcome a baby brother, enter the dating world, face serious illnesses, and celebrate milestones, while the family moves to other boroughs and the wider world enters World War I. There's always a lot going on for a family this large: Ella's boyfriend enlists in the Army, Henny runs for a spot in student government at a time when girls just didn't do that, and a dear friend is orphaned. The series follows the children in the family as they mature into young adults, each with their own personality and on their own path, but solidly together.
Is It Any Good?
These were among the first children's books that focused on Jewish characters, and author Sydney Taylor was careful to explain the significance of each holiday the family celebrates. Readers learn about the food and prayers of a Seder, the rules for observing the Sabbath, about the history of Passover, and more -- all surrounded by a family's love. The kids' everyday events have surprising depth, and are complex enough to keep readers' interest. Amid the everyday, the big events tackle politics: Workers' rights are a running theme, and the women's suffrage movement is in full force. There are layers to the story that readers will understand as they mature; the nuances of immigration, and Papa's acceptance that prayers will be heard whether they're said in English or Hebrew is a subtle acknowledgement that life is always changing. These sweet, enthralling books are full of kindness and family love, and they give a glimpse into a world that is both 100 years old and still relevant today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the richness each culture brings to America as people immigrate, like the families in All-of-a-Kind Family. What traditions does your family have, and have they changed over time?
The children are growing up in a different culture than their parents did. How can they help each other understand what they're going through when faced with new situations? What makes a family strong during hard times?
What other books have your read about families and immigrants?
Book Details
- Author: Sydney Taylor
- Illustrator: Helen John
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Yearling Books
- Publication date: December 1, 1984
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 192
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
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