# The Family Under the Bridge: Illustrated Middle Grade Novel

The Family Under the Bridge is a middle grade novel about Armand, a man living on the streets of Paris, who begins caring for three children he finds near his shelter. Its Christmas-set story of homelessness, kindness, and forming a family is illustrated by Garth Williams.

- [Original product page](https://best-deals.pro/product/family-under-the-bridge-middle-grade-book)
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- Market: US
- Language: en-US
- Currency: USD
- Category: Books, Music & Hobbies > Books, Music & Movies > Books & Comics
- Price: 4.88 USD
- Previous price: 8.99 USD
- Discount: 46%
- Price checked: 2026-11-12T10:27:38.936Z
- Rating: 4.7 / 5
- Reviews: 1591

Prices and deal status are the latest recorded data, not a guarantee of availability. Confirm the price and availability with the store.

## At a glance

- Story follows Armand as he shifts from a solitary life to caring for three children and seeking a home for them.
- The setting is Paris just before Christmas, with themes of homelessness, kindness, and found family.
- Includes illustrations by Garth Williams.
- The listing identifies the book as a Newbery Honor winner.

## Pros

- A compact 128-page chapter book with illustrations, suited to shared reading or independent reading for children in the stated age range.
- The story provides a narrative starting point for age-appropriate conversations about homelessness and helping others.

## Specifications

### Book details
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Publication date: February 15, 1989
- Edition: Reissue
- Language: English
- Print length: 128 pages
- ISBN-10: 0064402509
- ISBN-13: 978-0064402507
- Reading age: 7 - 11 years, from customers
- Grade level: 3 - 7
### Dimensions and installation
- Dimensions: 5.12 x 0.26 x 7.62 inches
- Weight listed: 10.4 ounces

## A good fit for

- Families looking for an illustrated chapter book to read together or discuss with children.
- Readers interested in a Christmas-set story about kindness, homelessness, and family formed beyond relatives.

## Less suited to

- Readers seeking a fast-paced story, as customer feedback reports mixed engagement and some find the book boring.

## Customer feedback

Customer feedback describes the story as sweet and heartwarming, and reports that families appreciate its read-aloud appeal and its potential to help children understand homelessness. Some customers value it as a discussion-friendly classic, while reactions to how engaging it is are mixed, with some finding it boring. That divide matters for families choosing a short chapter book to share, especially if they want a lively pace rather than a reflective story. Ratings are largely five-star, but ratings alone do not explain individual readers' preferences.
- Positive themes: Customers describe the storyline as heartwarming and appreciate its suitability for reading aloud with young children.
- Positive themes: Feedback values the book as a way to introduce children to homelessness and prompt discussion.
- Mixed feedback: Opinions on engagement are mixed, with some customers finding the story boring.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is The Family Under the Bridge about?
It follows Armand, a man living on the streets of Paris, who finds three children and gradually takes responsibility for their care, with the story leading toward finding them a home.
### Does this edition include illustrations?
Yes. The listing says the book includes illustrations by Garth Williams.
### How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 128 pages.
### What ages is it listed for?
The listing gives a reading age of 7 to 11 years, marked as based on customers, and a grade level of 3 to 7.

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## Add-ons

- [The Hundred Dresses: A Newbery Honor Middle Grade Book About Kindness and Acceptance](https://best-deals.pro/visit/family-under-the-bridge-middle-grade-book)
- [The Mouse and the Motorcycle: A Charming Animal Adventure About Friendship and a Motorcycle Ride](https://best-deals.pro/visit/family-under-the-bridge-middle-grade-book)

## Images

![The Family Under the Bridge: Illustrated Middle Grade Novel — 1](https://best-deals.pro/i/MnqG5kDwHIx3WT-tVhE7_oek40BhSLpd64nP7cC8eujQeSU4jFL9yQqLJImBDgSdAdJIKIWjMIDrDizljeTKLDN5PToQ2XXQZokPLnfD_BAUY4qINIKY.jpg)

![The Family Under the Bridge: Illustrated Middle Grade Novel — 2](https://best-deals.pro/i/Gfz1IYtv3M8ejzP-VGyd4HGCEjjAxzm-8Z41by0OkephGAD3LdRG73mjdenav5l4UsTTS9-uANlwMoiZoe2uoGO37IGA7tsifr42oehPQw.jpg)