More All-Of-A-Kind Family

Sydney Taylor’s beloved All-of-a-Kind Family series chronicles a Jewish immigrant family at the beginning of the twentieth century. The richly drawn characters, based on Taylor’s own life, include five sisters—Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, Gertie—and their mischievous little brother, Charlie.

The second book in the series offers “more” about everything. More about Jewish culture. More growing up for the children as Ella finds a boyfriend and Henny disagrees with Papa over her curfew. More love, as a single uncle finds romance. More about the world, as World War I approaches and the family heads to Rockaway Beach to avoid infection during an outbreak of infantile paralysis. Mainly, though, its more of your favorite All-of-A-Kind Family.

Born in 1904 on New York’s Lower East Side, Sydney Taylor was one of the first authors of children’s books centered on Jewish characters, and is especially known for the immensely popular All-of-a-Kind Family series. The Sydney Taylor Book Award is given each year by the Jewish Association of Libraries to a book for young people that authentically portrays the Jewish experience.