THE FAMLY UNDER THE BRIDGE by Natalie Savage Carlson

READING TIME: 80 minutes

WORDS: 17,375       PUBLISHED: 1958    READING LEVEL: 4.7

BOOK JACKET DESCRIPTION: This is a delightfully warm and enjoyable story of an old Parisian named Armand, who relished his solitary life. Children, he said, were like starlings, and one was better off without them. But the children who lived under the bridge recognized a true friend when they met one, even if the friend seemed a trifle unwilling at the start. And it did not take Armand very long to realize that he had gotten himself a ready-made family; one that he loved with all his heart, and one for whom he would have to find a better home than the bridge.

FAVORITE LINE OF DIVERSITY UNDERSTANDING: Redheads they were, all of them, and their clothes had the mismatched, ill-fitting look of poverty.

MY THOUGHTS: The triad of characters – the hobo, three homeless children, and their mother – all look at each other in different ways. Perhaps it’s fitting that the children don’t have any preconceived notions about reacting any different to those not like them. A charming story with several marvelous full page illustrations that bring the tale to life. This would make a great read-aloud that gives a snapshot of Paris and a chance for rich discussion of those less fortunate and the choices they make.

NEXT UP: THE MAN WITH THE RED BAG by Eve Bunting

MY MOTIVATION FACTOR: I’m on my third bottle of water and second energy bar. Reapplied sunscreen and I’m good to go. Will try and get this next one done before the football camp ends at 2:30.