I didn't think I had read this before, but certain scenes sounded really familiar. I'm still rather amazed that the girls are allowed to wander around NYC with only thirteen-year-old Ella to watch them (and sometimes without her). Like the other books, I really enjoyed this one. The stories are just so simple and sweet. I think publishing all of the books together in a treasury would be a great idea! I hope someone does that.

I was a bit confused as to how this fit into the series, as I was seeing conflicting statements as to what number it was. What I finally found out was that, although this was the second-to-last book written, the events in it take place just after All-of-a-Kind Family—so it is the second book in the series.

My 7 year old loves these gentle, everyday stories of a large family. They give her a glimpse into a life very different from hers and introduce some serious concepts- poverty, hardship, losing a parent, as well as fun and playful situations.

Another fun set of stories about this little family.

Classic.

This was a re-read for me in anticipation of an All-of-a-Kind Family walking tour of the Lower East Side. Book was delightful to re-read!

2022 bk 344. More hijinks from Henny, learning experiences for the younger girls, and for Ella - not the part she wanted, but the part she shined at for the holiday play at the Jewish School. The family concerns themselves in the life of the Settlement House lady and the life of one young Italian boy who is a hard worker in this continuation of the series. An enchanting look at the hard lives, but ones filled with love and laughter, in the early 1900s.

I loved All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown. I loved this family--they were so kind, warm, compassionate, generous, and friendly. The narration by Suzanne Toren was great.

We loved this one!

I didn’t feel like this one was as well-written as the previous book in the series, and it didn’t keep the children’s attention as well. It didn’t help that the edition we read had some formatting quirks which made it a little confusing at times. But the story is still a fun look at life on NYC’s east side a century ago, and it’s also an interesting peek into Jewish customs and holidays.

3.5 stars

Structured like the first one, it didn't feel as lovely. The first book was full of slice of life stories, and though this one is similarly written, it lacked the charm of the first one.

4.5

This has been a super charming series to read, I don't know how I never heard of them as a kid because I probably would have liked them then too! Set in early 1900s' New York (would actually be overlapping time and place with the Molly Murphy Murphy's Law series that I've been reading) and the bond between the sisters is just adorable. Plus, there are 5 sisters here (and then a baby brother) and I have 5 sisters myself (6 girls total) so that's a fun parallel too.