Mama's hospitalization, and the First World War bring changes for the family, but every crisis is conquered with love, laughter, and understanding. A fine comfort read for troubled times.

Somehow, I missed this one in the series, so my 10 year old and I listened together when driving to her dance class once a week. My kids love these stories and listen to them on repeat. Fun way to learn about Jewish culture and also to "live" for a while in NYC-- so different than my kids' rural lives!

Another nice story from this lovely family.

My kids love this series! This was our 3rd read through in the last year. The characters are endearing, realistic and the source of endless humor for my 5 & 7 year old!

Some of the older gender stuff made me cringe, and I did some on-the-fly editing as I read it to the kids.

Very pleasant. This book taught me that 1. There is a lake park in the Bronx called Crotona 2. A Jewish Holiday "Shavuos" centered around Ruth and Naomi 3. There was a temporary "Victory" or Dewey arch constructed in NY after WW1

Another really sweet book in this series. I love how close and supportive the family members are to each other. It’s a lot of fun to read about their everyday life and adventures. I also enjoy learning more about the Jewish faith, about which I know very little. Can’t wait to read more!

This is book four in the All-of-a-Kind family series. It is just as wonderful as the previous books! In Uptown... the family has moved to the Bronx and into a larger apartment. The girls are growing up. The oldest daughter, Ella, is now seventeen and her boyfriend, Jules, enlists in the army and goes off to fight in WWI. The look into wartime NYC and how those at home felt about it and supported the troops was interesting. As usual, the author interweaves the more serious chapters with funny ones. This was another charming book in the series where the family loves, supports, and encourages one another and those around them as the girls grow and mature.

My Rating: Charming. Just like the rest of the series.

Historical fiction; WWI ; Family stories

If the March sisters were Jewish and lived in Manhattan around the turn of the century...

This story follows the family through the first World War. Challenges arise, new friendships are formed, and the family offers support and encouragement to one another. Lovely.

I don't usually like series. Although I might love the characters, I find myself getting generally bored with the various plots, often mundane or regurgitated, that the author tries concocting to keep the books coming. Not so with this series! I love, love it!

The fourth book is just as wonderful, people!

Ages: 9 - 13

Cleanliness
Children's Bad Words
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 1 Incident: stupid
Name Calling - 2 Incidents: stupid, rascal
Religious Profanities - 18 Incidents: Gee, goodness, Good gracious, Gosh, Thank heavens, Heaven knows, For heaven’s sake, Gee willikers, For goodness sake

Religious & Supernatural - 1 Incident: A father tells his son about the good and bad Sabbath angels.

Attitudes/Disobedience - 2 Incidents: A girl takes her sister’s dress without permission and learns a lesson. A girl is tempted to be dishonest and keep a nickel but she does the right thing.

Romance Related - 7 Incidents: There is boy and girl “romantic” interaction throughout the book. They hang out in groups, go dancing, etc. A main character is going steady with a boy, but it is told more matter-of-fact than mushy. A boy and girl go on a date. They stroll hand in hand, he squeezes her arm, they link arms. At the end of the date, he kisses her on the cheek (illustration too). A boy and girl hug. People go on a double date: “The couples snuggled czily on the benches just big enough for two.” “She shivered. Jule’s arm tightened around her shoulder.” Ella leaned her head on Jule’s shoulder and another boy and girl entwine fingers. A father teases that he’ll have to give up smoking to save for a dowry. "Breast pocket."

Conversation Topics - 2 Incidents: Mentions wine. Santa Claus is mentioned in one chapter briefly.

Parent Takeaway
A sweet story about a loving family and how the father and mother purposefully run their home. They are devout Jews so the mention and explanation of their celebrations and feasts is part of the story. The narration includes comments in the style of, "Henny knew she was being naughty and felt bad afterwards." There is always conclusions to wrong behaviors. There is dating and dancing in the book. The boy/girl mentions are not fantasized or lengthy.

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