Bookverdict.com

Gr 4–7—A luminous free-verse novel, based on Rosenthal's mother's Depression-era childhood in Baltimore. The fourth of 12 children, Edith Paul wrestles with figuring out her place in the family. The author's apt Russian-nesting-dolls' metaphor—"and there's always/one more inside,/sort of like/my family"—gives readers a vivid picture of Edith's struggle to maintain her individuality. Mature beyond her years, the 12-year-old describes herself for a school assignment as "the good little mother," dutifully watching over her younger siblings. Still, ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

In some free verse and some loosely rhymed poems, Rosenthal tells the story of her mother Edith's Depression-era childhood in a Jew...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

The involving narrative includes poignant scenes and observations. Though Edith is growing up in Depression-era Baltimore, many of the themes (searching for one’s identity, being teased, finding one’s voice, dealing with loss, celebrating achievements) are universal and relevant to today’s world. Readers who have large families will identify with Edith’s mixed feelings as she both laments and values her familial circumstance...Log In or Sign Up to Read More