marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sweet children's book about a family of sisters. I liked jumping back into the mindset of a small girl while I read and appreciated that each sister seemed equally represented across the chapters.
zenithharpink's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the most charming books I've read in a while! The story is superficial and intended for children, but in a way that reminded me of Anne of Green Gables-I was thoroughly entertained.
I also really enjoyed the glimpse of Jewish life at the turn of the century-it's a rare feature in my career of children's literature, and I greatly appreciated this.
This story is truly more a collection of short stories/vignettes of a family, rather than a continuous narrative with a consistent plot, but that doesn't detract from the entertainment value of the book, in my opinion.
I would recommend this book to all children, particularly those who are not, and especially those that have no exposure, to Jewish tradition-even without the Jewish slant, this is a great book for young readers just getting into chapter books. I would also recommend to adult readers, as a joyful children's lit read that will make you feel young at heart :)
I also really enjoyed the glimpse of Jewish life at the turn of the century-it's a rare feature in my career of children's literature, and I greatly appreciated this.
This story is truly more a collection of short stories/vignettes of a family, rather than a continuous narrative with a consistent plot, but that doesn't detract from the entertainment value of the book, in my opinion.
I would recommend this book to all children, particularly those who are not, and especially those that have no exposure, to Jewish tradition-even without the Jewish slant, this is a great book for young readers just getting into chapter books. I would also recommend to adult readers, as a joyful children's lit read that will make you feel young at heart :)
thatchickengirl23's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pagesofpins's review against another edition
4.0
Fans of Betsy-Tacy or Little Women or Children of Noisy Village (or whatever your slice of life little girls having adventures at home series) will appreciate these five Jewish sisters in 1912. Not much happens in the way of hijinks, but the descriptions of daily life were charming and would be interesting to describe to a child.
Also #librarianromance
Also #librarianromance
asaugustine's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
For a children’s book written in the 50s about a Jewish family living in the Lower East Side in 1912, All of a Kind Family actually… holds up. The book is written with a vivid description that embeds the reader into the story, making it easy to imagine the street vendors at the market or the crowds at Coney Island. The everyday conflicts are small but relatable, creating empathy for these girls as they navigate losing a library book or trying to sneak candy into their beds at night. The books also touch on the different facets of Jewish life over the course of a year. Some of the chapters are less compelling (there’s an entire chapter about dusting), but most are better than expected.
This book is ideal for a nighttime read-alound. There is not much continuity between one chapter to the next, so I would recommend that you read each chapter as a thematic short story instead of trying to force a cohesive narrative out of this chapter book.
This book is ideal for a nighttime read-alound. There is not much continuity between one chapter to the next, so I would recommend that you read each chapter as a thematic short story instead of trying to force a cohesive narrative out of this chapter book.
nlfrey's review against another edition
4.0
It's been so long since I first read this book that I had actually forgotten most of it, and it was so much fun to "rediscover" the story. Like getting back part of my childhood that had been just a very dim memory for several years.
Not only a great children's book, this is also an interesting snapshot of early 1900s life in a Jewish community in the lower east side of NYC. I don't know just how accurate it is, but even with whatever flaws there may be I think it's still a good introduction to the Jewish community and to that time period and lifestyle for children.
Also, lots of drool worthy food descriptions. It made me hungry.
Not only a great children's book, this is also an interesting snapshot of early 1900s life in a Jewish community in the lower east side of NYC. I don't know just how accurate it is, but even with whatever flaws there may be I think it's still a good introduction to the Jewish community and to that time period and lifestyle for children.
Also, lots of drool worthy food descriptions. It made me hungry.
mcsangel2's review against another edition
4.0
This is wonderful! The first in a series, a YA book about a Jewish immigrant family that lives in the lower East side of NYC, circa 1912. It's essentially based on the author's experiences growing up - kind of Betsy-Tacy in the Jewish tenements. Liked it enough that I'm going to get the next two in the series. Recommended for YA readers!
sc104906's review against another edition
5.0
Super cute book about a Jewish family living in New York during the early 1900's. These five girls are lovable and go on interesting adventures. I super love the contrary Henny, who I would have strangled in real life. This book doesn't gloss over the sad things in life, but quaintly presents them and works through them in a real way. Also, this novel is a great way to expose children to the Jewish religion, especially if they know nothing about it.
allonsyechoes's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75