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43 pages 1 hour read

The Family Under The Bridge

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1958

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Book Brief

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Natalie Savage Carlson

The Family Under The Bridge

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1958
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Paris, France • 1950s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

680L

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Super Short Summary

The Family Under the Bridge follows Armand, an unhoused man in early 1900s Paris, who reluctantly befriends the Calcet family, consisting of three children and their mother. As they face eviction and life on the streets, Armand grows close to them, eventually helping to secure a new home and finding purpose in becoming their caregiver.

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Nostalgic

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

16,730 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Natalie Savage Carlson's The Family Under The Bridge is cherished for its heartwarming portrayal of an unlikely family’s struggles and triumphs. Readers appreciate its tender narrative and strong character development. However, some critics note that its portrayal of homelessness may seem overly simplistic to modern audiences, lacking deeper social commentary. Overall, the book is praised for its charm and touching story.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Family Under The Bridge?

Readers who enjoy The Family Under The Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson are typically middle-grade students who appreciate heartwarming, character-driven stories about resilience and family. Fans of The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg would be intrigued by this book.

4.3

16,730 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Paris, France • 1950s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

680L

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