Taylor, Sydney. All-of-a-Kind Family. 1951. New York: Taylor Productions, Ltd., 1979.

In the first of a series of 5, Sydney Taylor introduces the All-of-a-kind family and shares the lives of five sisters and their parents as they go about their daily lives in New York’s lower east side. Although money is short, these girls never fail to have a good time and engage in all life has to offer. Throughout the story readers will feel apart of the family as they live their everyday lives, celebrate holidays and traditions related to their Jewish culture and watch an immigrant family assimilate to the American. With the strong friendships they have with the other immigrants and the openness to meeting Americans, this family proves to be an overall caring and loving family that will leave you wanting to read more. The introduction to a new member at the end of the book encourages the readers to read the books that extend and expand the story and the lives of the all-of-a-kind family.

Based and written about the authors own experience growing up as a child in the lower east side of New York, All-of-a-Kind Family was one of the first and still well known books about Jewish American children. Written for Sydney Taylor’s daughter and other Jewish children due to the lack of books representing them, Taylor describes in details Jewish holidays and traditions that occur throughout the year in order. One implication is that she does not give the reader a sense of how far apart any of these holidays take place which could be problematic for people who know little about Judaism. But for both readers that are Jews and non-Jews, this books share the story of a family that many children can relate too. It also teaches in detail what many of the holidays are and how they are celebrated. Throughout the text there are also several Hebrew and Yiddish words that are all described in parenthesis to prevent confusion.I believe that this piece of literature is very relatable to Jewish American Children although it may be repetitive for them. Since every Jewish holiday and the words that associate with the Jewish culture are explained, this could get boring for its insider readers. Although it shares the family’s traditions as well, I think there is a little to much in this book that teaches about the Jewish religion. Depending on the reader, I think if the purpose of the reading is to inform about the Jewish religion and culture than this book does an excellent job but if it is to be put on a bookshelf for Jewish American children to be able to relate to and enjoy a story with Jewish characters and backgrounds than it may not be the story they are looking for. Overall, I believe that this is a quality piece of literature that should be available to every one of all ages as it is one of the first and well-known books that represent Jewish Americans.