Another great addition to the All-of-a-Kind Family saga. And this one takes the reader into the Great War. Sure it wasn't the dark, gritty Great War, but the sacrifices required of those at home were discussed at an age appropriate level. In this book the girls are older and their experiences match that. I did wonder at the Healys, how common would it have been for the Christians and the Jews to share religious celebrations together at the beginning of the 1900s? I don't know, but I do hope it was a true story from Taylor's childhood. A sweet series -- perfect for parents to read to their children as a part of their bedtime routine. Looking forward to finally reading the entire series! Book number five here I come.
************************* 1.All-of-a-Kind Family 2.All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown 3.More All-of-a-Kind Family 4.All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown 5.Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family
Really sweet look back at immigrant life in New York City. I'd read that the author's publisher put off publishing this particular story because they felt it was too dark for children but I think it would be fine for late elementary age and above. Certainly if it was being read along with an adult. Published later in the series but set earlier in the series.
The All-of-a-Kind Family books were some of my mother's favorites growing up so of course I read them as a child. I recently re-read them and still enjoyed them as an adult. There are some parts of them that are rather problematic from a religious tolerance perspective but in general they stand the test of time and are sweet well written books.
More classic stories! I laughed out loud when Charlie thought Santa Claus was the boogeyman. I had so much empathy for Sarah when she didn’t receive the award she worked so hard for -much personal experience there!
4.5 stars. This book definitely had a different feel from the previous three. I still enjoyed it a lot, but I'm glad I read it by myself instead of with my kids. The main focus is Ella's beau leaving to fight in WWI. There were still some fun stories of the family sprinkled in, though. I think that the change in writing is appropriate since Ella is 17 in this book. It reminds me of the Anne of Green Gables books growing up with Anne. However, I like the earlier three better.
Casually misty-eyed on the train while Ella eats a cream cheese sandwich, Charlie rides a dumb waiter, and Henny bosses everyone around. These books are a quiet reminder that we live in a world filled with good people, and 110 years after their setting that New York has so much to offer, starting with its neighbors.
Also, this:
"Who wants to take care of a husband?" Henny put in scoffingly. "When I get married, my husband will take care of me!"
2022 bk 333. The family adventure continues. settled into their new home and learning how gentiles live is an underlying theme of the continued growth of this early 20th century family. We, the reader, continue to learn about Jewish holidays and practices (I'm still chuckling over the Pigeon money) and see a family filled with love for each other and those around them. WWI rears its ugly head in this book as Ella and her new friend Grace, both have beaus who enlist and fight in France. Gentle - yes, the word for this series is Gentle and there are times when we all need a read that is gentle.
My 9 yr old daughter has loved this series, too. She told me Henny is a favorite character because she is mischievous. That Henny is a hoot and keeps everyone on their toes. The book begins with Mama having a health scare. The girls all pitch in to help. There is a nice mixture of drama and humor in these books. Just like real life. I have loved learning more about Jewish customs and traditions as this family has faithfully lived them.