1 / 2The 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.
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.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
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.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| 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 | 5.12 x 0.26 x 7.62 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 10.4 ounces |
Who is it for?
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 reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
83% 83% - 4 stars
10% 10% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
2% 2%
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.
- 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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