Sara Masarik
Tag: Book Review
View on Biblioguides
Diane and I are working on a new project involving easy entry chapter books for early readers. We are specifically looking at books that are 120 pages or less and are well-written for that first independent reader audience. After years of seeing The Family Under the Bridge on every list, I had high expectations for what I thought was a classic for young readers. Neither Diane nor I had ever read the book before but because it is so popular, is a Newberry Honor, and was illustrated by Garth Williams, we assumed that it might be perfect for our project. Instead, we found ourselves surprised by how many concerns we had, and we thought it might be helpful to share them here so that parents and librarians can make their own thoughtful decisions.
The story itself addresses several themes that are good for our young readers to consider – homelessness, unexpected circumstances, and the inclusion of outside people into our families. They are worthy topics and I appreciate when early chapter books challenge our readers with the graceful exploration of big or hard ideas. But in this case, the ideas are disordered just enough to leave our young readers confused about what it is good, true, and beautiful.
Armand, a Parisian hobo, survives primarily by dishonesty and laziness. He considers himself a man in love with adventure – and that is laudable to a certain point. He loves to be grateful for all of the things that come to him. And his ability to enjoy the smells of food that he cannot afford is actually quite admirable. But, he lies to everyone, including himself, and this drives the plot. If Armand were to grow through this and learn another way, the story might have been truly lovely, but there is no real moral reckoning or growth connected to his lies. They are simply tools he uses to get through life. For very young readers who are just beginning to sort out right from wrong in stories, this felt more confusing than constructive.
We were also troubled by the portrayal of the gypsy commune. The author’s explanation of gypsy life is confusing. She highlights that they are a group of people who consider thievery, dishonesty, and trickery necessary skills and pardonable faults. When Mrs. Calcet objects to her family being connected to the gypsies because of their disreputable ways, Armand defends them saying that they are just unaware of the commandments not to lie and steal. And, more importantly, they are kind and loyal among themselves and that is as important if not more important than honesty. As the story goes on, Armand steals food and one of the gypsies steals a valuable tree.
Because homelessness is such an important and tender subject, we do wish to offer an alternative title. One that has all of the same lovely themes and is for the same audience, but does not have any of the moral challenges. A Tree for Peter by Kate Seredy is a masterpiece and tells the story of a Christmas miracle that has all of the best kinds of storytelling paired with faith and hope.