| All-of-a-kind Family | 
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Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 92 reviews)
Sales Rank: 6642
Category: Book
Authors: Sydney Taylor, Helen John
Publisher: Yearling
Studio: Yearling
Manufacturer: Yearling
Label: Yearling
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 189
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.6
ISBN: 0440400597
EAN: 9780440400592
ASIN: 0440400597
Publication Date: June 1, 1980
Release Date: December 1, 1984
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
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!
Amazon.com Review
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: Read 87 more reviews...
 a great insightful book for kids June 28, 2009
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.
My most treasured book from childhood December 17, 2008
I read this book as a third grader in the seventies. I was so profoundly moved by it that I wrote a letter to the author. I got a personally handwritten letter back from her husband telling me she had passed away some years ago. His letter was so kind and appreciative, it only deepened my love for this book (and series) and helped me become an avid reader. I recommend this book to people of any faith. It is about families and growng up and being true to yourself.
 Incredibly Boring July 17, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I nearly fell asleep while reading this book. It only gets more than 1 star from me because of the somewhat predictable plot twist at the end.
Early Jewish Reading July 2, 2008
This book is the first chapter book to interest my six year old. The characters, five sisters, each have their own personalities which are drawn in detail and carried through all of their adventures. The stories are sweet, focusing on everyday life in a poor jewish family at the turn of the century in New York (on the lower east side). The traditions will be familiar to an educated jewish reader but the setting just diferent enough to make it interesting. My daughter demands it every night and now cant sleep without her nightly dose of "naughty Henny and her sisters."
All Of A Kind Family May 27, 2008
This book is just as entertaining as it was when I read it as a child! The book arrived quickly, in fantastic condition. Thanks!
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