The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Reviewed by BridgetRatings
Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content
LANGUAGE
VIOLENCE
SEXUAL CONTENT
ADULT THEMES
Illustrator: Garth Williams
1959 Newbery Honor Book
Ratings Explanation
Adult Themes: Madame Calcet is widowed. She can no longer pay rent. She and her three young children become homeless and seek shelter under a bridge in Paris. Madame Calcet leaves her young children to fend for themselves during the day while she works in a laundry. The family is exposed to gypsies as they join them in their camp. The gypsies proclaim, “They don’t steal from friends, only from strangers.” The gypsies sustain the family with food and shelter until Armand determines to help provide for the family.
Synopsis
Armand, an older homeless man, lives under a bridge in Paris. He thoroughly enjoys his lack of responsibility and aimless wanderings, until he returns to his shelter under the bridge to find that three hungry, cold children have occupied his space. The children have instructions from their mother to remain hidden so the authorities will not take them away. The children while away the hours until their mother returns from work. The children become endeared to Armand as he searches to provide them with food and warmth. Armand determines that he will help provide for this ready-made family, and leave his carefree ways, as he quickly becomes their adopted grandpa.
This is a heartwarming story published in 1958. An innocent tale that defines family. I recommend this book for your young reader.
©2009 The Literate Mother