Continuing on my reading of old children's series books that had belonged to my late sister, More All of a Kind Family continues the story of this large Jewish family in the pre World War I era. In this book, I was struck by the similar stories among this series, the Moffitt series by Eleanor Estes, and the Melendy Family series by Elizabeth Enright. In each of them, the oldest daughter eventually becomes a singing and/or acting sensation. Also I thought more about the themes each of these series has - in the All of a Kind series, their traditions and practices as Jews are highlighted. In the Moffitt series, their father is dead and there's a constant recognition of having little money or security. In the Melendy series, it's the mother who has passed away, and the father is sometimes gone a lot in order to provide for his family, so the theme is more how the children really have to pull together just to keep the household going. Reminds me also of the theme running through another well-known family series, the Little House books, in which the whole theme is of this life on the frontier-edge of civilization. I'm not familiar with childrens' books of today, whether there are any series that feature large families - although it's probably true there are fewer children today IN large families who would relate to them. I grew up in a family with six siblings, so the relationships in these books seemed familiar to me. I also grew up Catholic, so the idea of religious ceremonies and holidays was also very familiar. Just kind of rambling here, sorry, but these were my thoughts, reading this book.

I just love these books! I’m thoroughly enjoying returning to them via audiobook. I had completely forgotten about the Uncle Hyman and Lena storyline and it was wonderful. This was a delight from start to finish and I can’t wait to start the next one!

In this second installment in the series the family has new adventures, including their beloved single uncle's betrothal, Ella's first sweetheart (they meet at the library!), and the mischief that two-year-old Charlie adds to the household. The introduction shares that this is one of the first popular novels for children written about a Jewish family -- and that Taylor received feedback to make the family seem "more normal" (as in celebrate American and secular holidays, not just Jewish ones). That this family feels normal highlights how important it is to have portrayals of as many sorts of families in children's' literature as possible@

Infant paralysis was running rampant through the city. This really reminded me of our covid times. It was a very scary time.
As the children get older, there are new adventures.

Oh, now this one stands up to the re-read. Lovely, lovely book. Evocative of the Lower East Side, poised before the First World War. The family is doing better financially, and there's The Wedding to look forward to and be part of.

My favorite bit in this book is when Charlie goes downstairs to solemnly tell the shopkeeper, "My mama don't smile on me."

This one gets tucked back on the shelf for certain.

Back in the 1950s, American children got to read the first books ever about the day-to-day lives of a Jewish family living on the east side of New York, and their celebration of Jewish holidays. Surely, it was an eye-opener to many. Author Sydney Taylor brought us a loving family - Mama, Papa, sisters Ella, Sarah, Henny, Charlotte, Gertie, Charlie, & Uncle Hyman. A lot happens in this second book in the series…Ella gets a boyfriend, Henny speaks up about her curfew, a nearby wedding sparks the girls’ interest, an infection outbreak worries everyone, and there are more descriptions about Jewish holidays. We even meet an immigrant - Lena Cohen. It’s still a worthwhile book to read.

I loved this series growing up!

Wonderful and delightful follow up to All of a Kind Family! (Published second, but third in chronological order.) This time, Lena and Uncle Hyman's romance is our throughline. I remember adoring Lena as a child, and I still do. She's such a lovely person, and I remain grateful to Mama for standing up for her to the girls and Papa. I like getting some Gertie chapters, and the Charlie chapter was adorable personified. Henny remains such a modern girl with an attitude that was 100 years before her time--I see so many Hennys in our library, ha. Jules isn't my favorite character, but he and Ella are sweet.

These dips into early twentieth century Jewish culture are great exposure for those unfamiliar. The curfew story is quite entertaining. Certainly worth the time to read to a young daughter.

Another great book in this series. I want to read this series once every year. How I love this family! Here is an example why.
Finally Charlotte inquired, Papa, are we rich now?"
Papa paused. His face and voice grew sober. "If you mean, my child, do we have more money, the answer is yes. When Mama and I first came to America, things were very hard for us. But this is truly a wonderful country. Here everyone has a chance to better himself. And God has helped also. He. blessed our home with six wonderful children, and all the time He provided--more than provided--for all of us. So for a long, long time, we have saved for this day. But one thing you must always remember. We have never been poor. We have always been very, very rich. And do you know why? Because we have always had each other."
I love the sentiments shared and the sweet, honest perspective.
I find this series to be so timely, especially this story. It is before WW1. Infantile paralysis is a huge worry and families are leaving NYC in droves. Mama has the children wearing linen pouches of camphor around their necks to keep the germs away. They are finally able to leave and go to the beach for the summer and Papa joins the on the weekends.
Especially loved this one and I love them all.

Another fun book in the series. I especially enjoyed the sections about the wedding and the May day party. I will admit to not being able to remember which girl is Charlotte and which is Sarah, but all the kids are fun, and I'm glad there are still a few books of their adventures left.

Just a note-the internet does not seem to agree about what order these books should be read in. I'm going chronological by when they were written. I think.

Beautiful stories with this lovable family. Great reminders that we’re never poor when we have love. I think I liked this one just as much as the first one, and it made me really hungry for a good latke!