All Of A Kind Family :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

I loved it

2008-01-08
All-of-a-kind Family
This book was a good historical fiction book that I chose to read. Every chapter had a new theme and it portrayed the time period of 1912-1913.

One of my best childhood memories!

2008-01-05
This is one of my all-time childhood favorites. I simply loved this book and even after more than 30 years, I still have in my mind the imagery of these stories and the five sisters. Other than possibly Harriet The Spy, I can't think of a better book for elementary school readers.

My Favorite Children's Book

2007-12-09
All-of-a-Kind Family was absolutely my favorite children's book; and I was an avid reader. It was warm, culturally rich (teaching me about a culture other than my own), and absolutely delightful! I loved it and heartily recommend it to young girls. In fact, I'm going over to lend a copy to a nine-year-old right now!

Great

2007-11-02
This book starts out with a plot that seems to be only for the children. It is great to understand the Jewish ways of the times and then culminates to a suprise ending fit for adults and children alike. I loved this book

Still Remember the Warm Feeling

2007-09-29
I read these books during "library class" 40 years ago in elementary school - over and over. I couldn't remember the title but found it on the internet. I plan to get a set for my daughter, who will begin teaching elementary school next year and is building a collection of lovable books for her future students.
The wonderful description of family life and quaint traditions left an indelible impression and a wish to be part of this family's time and place.

Incredibly Boring

2008-07-17
I nearly fell asleep while reading this book. It only gets more than 1 star from me because of the somewhat predictable plot twist at the end.

Early Jewish Reading

2008-07-02
This book is the first chapter book to interest my six year old. The characters, five sisters, each have their own personalities which are drawn in detail and carried through all of their adventures. The stories are sweet, focusing on everyday life in a poor jewish family at the turn of the century in New York (on the lower east side). The traditions will be familiar to an educated jewish reader but the setting just diferent enough to make it interesting. My daughter demands it every night and now cant sleep without her nightly dose of "naughty Henny and her sisters."

All Of A Kind Family

2008-05-27
This book is just as entertaining as it was when I read it as a child! The book arrived quickly, in fantastic condition. Thanks!

A classic for children

2008-02-22
Sydney Taylor's classic book for middle readers is set in the Lower East Side of New York City and depicts the life of a traditional Jewish family in the early 20th century. All-of-A-Kind Family is the first in a series of novels about the lively family and is a sweet, charming read. The story takes the reader through most of year and involves not just the family but their friends and acquaintances, too. The book opens with a chapter about going to the library, and the children's librarian (or "library lady," as the girls like to call her) is a gentle, recurring presence. The children's adventures include a trip to the market, scarlet fever and an outing to Coney Island, where one of the girls gets temporarily, and happily, lost. Meanwhile the story meanders through a year of Jewish holidays and teaches the reader a little about each one. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Shabbat and how Taylor contrasts the hubbub of shopping and preparations with the simple serenity of the day itself. The family relationships struck me as very true and believable- for example, Papa's ambivalence regarding the present the girls get for his birthday and his quick turnaround struck me as realistic and human. I can imagine any parent reacting the way he did initially and then rallying in the end. I appreciate Taylor's honesty about her characters throughout the book, too. It's a great book for anyone and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and sharing in the further adventures of this fun, busy family.

The Author's Daughter

2008-01-24
All-of-a-Kind Family was a turning point in the history of Judaic children's literature - the first mainstream book with Jewish characters! In memory of author Sydney Taylor, the Association of Jewish Libraries gives out the Sydney Taylor Book Award each year to the best in Judaic children's literature. See lists of winners at www.sydneytaylorbookaward.org.

Also, you can hear an interview with Jo Taylor Marshall, the daughter of Sydney Taylor, on The Book of Life podcast's October 2007 episode "Catch Me a Classic!" Jo shares memories of the real people who became the characters in the series. Tune in at www.bookoflifepodcast.com!