“‘That slowpoke Sarah!’ Henny cried.”

From Sydney Taylor’s All-of-a-Kind Family.

Life in 1912 New York City is an amazing, non-stop experience especially for one large Jewish family. Ranging in age from twelve to four, the five sisters–Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie–are all vastly different in their personalities and desires, but yet strongly dedicated to their family. Despite their differences, the sisters are very close with each other, sacrificing and covering for each other as needed. When not helping Mama around the house with various chores spending time at Papa’s shop visiting with customers like the peddler Charlie, the girls love to visit the library getting book recommendations from the librarian, Kathy. Each day seems to bring a new small adventure for the sisters, and each girl is always excited to embrace the new experiences. As a family of first generation immigrants, the sisters embrace both their Jewish roots and the freedoms of their current home, which allows the simple day-to-day life to become special. When Ella stumbles into the mystery of Charlie’s hidden past, the sisters begin a captivating adventure, but nothing could prepare the five sisters for an unexpected announcement.

This simple, sweet semi-biographical story is engaging for modern readers, despite the vast time difference between author and reader. Fans of Birdsall’s Penderwicks series will find this series opener to have a similar vibe, but the historical fiction aspects are also very intriguing. While ignored by many readers, anyone that reads All-of-a-Kind Family to be a surprisingly wonderful reading experience from start to finish.