Betsy R. Rosenthal

Based on the real stories of her mother and many aunts and uncles, Betsy Rosenthal tells a story in verse of her mother, Edith - the fourth child in a large, Jewish, Depression-era family in Baltimore,

"Family Portrait, Baltimore, 1936

We're lined up:
girl boy, girl boy, girl boy, girl boy, girl boy

and in the middle of us all, Dad,
who ordered us to smile
right before the Brownie clicked,
standing stiff as a soldier
no smile on his face,

and Mom's beside him,
a baby in her arms
and in her rounded show more belly
another one,

just a trace."

Girl, boy, girl, boy, count them up - twelve children in a row house, sleeping three to a bed, always short of money, new clothes and food. Edith's teacher asks her to write about her family, but she doesn't write about herself. After all, who is she in this great big family? Looking for Me chronicles Edith's quest to find individualism in a time when, seemingly, there was no time for such frivolous thoughts. Rosenthal's poetic style varies from free verse, to concrete to metered rhymes. The subject matter varies as well - following the ups and downs of a year in Edith's life, which, while harsh and disciplined, also held moments of great joy and fun,

"They're Lucky I Found Them

Lenny, Sol, and Jack
said Mom left them sleeping
on the sofa bed,
or so she thought,
and ran to the store.

But after she left,
they started to bounce
and bounce
and bounce some more.

Then the bed closed up

and they were stuck
until I cam home
and changed their luck."

Some poems are heart-wrenching depictions of life as an 11-year-old Jewish girl who has been touched by death, poverty, meanness, bigotry, and indifference. Others are uplifting,

"Floating

I am a bubble
blown full
with Miss Connelly's words,

floating out of the classroom,
bobbing across the grassy lot,
drifting by Levin's Bakery,

letting the breeze carry me to the diner.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?"
Dad yells when I come in,
but I just float right by him."

It's always said that it's best to write what you know. This is Betsy Rosenthal's family, and she knows it well. The poignant stories of her mother, aunts, uncles and grandmothers have lived on in her home, and she has done us the very great favor of inviting us in to hear them.

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This book is a delight and I absolutely adored it. I was drawn in originally by the title as I related immediately to trying to stand out in my own big family, and was so happy to find more connections while reading. This book proves itself to be one-of-a-kind because of its language, characters, and plot.

The descriptive language penned by Rosenthal in the poetic form is simply enthralling. Each phrase is constructed so precisely and beautifully. Although the poems do not rhyme, they still show more give off a flow and pattern which makes this book a breeze to read through. I love the language during the sadder moments in the plot because of the words and descriptions used to convey the emotions. When she says, “my hand feels awfully empty”, the reader immediately feels the grief on her shoulders.

The characters are ones that are relatable and beautiful. Even though there are so many characters in the big family described, each has their own characteristics that allow them to stand out. The narrator of the story is one that I connected with so easily, as I have experienced similar feelings that she has, especially since I am a middle child like she is.

The plot is another feature that is beautiful and enthralling. The story of this girl is told so well in such an organized manner. I like that she was able to tell her whole story in a way that is not overwhelming to the reader. Her transitions from story to story are effortless. For example, after her brother passed away, the next story was able to capture the same sadness while speaking of a different topic. I think this incorporation was lovely.

The main message of this book conveys the message that everyone is different and it is okay not to fully understand who you are right away. Your life experiences shape you and change you along your journey through life. This book captures this idea and the theme of self-acceptance effortlessly. What a joy. show less

What a delightful find! Based on the childhood of the author's mother, this tale is told in verse, the perfect medium for the story. Edith is in the middle of the twelve children of the Paul family, expected to help with the family restaurant, and take care of the littler ones. Throughout the year chronicled in the book, she searches for some sort of identity, some uniqueness as the Depression rages, money is tight, and her family experiences tragedy. Edith is not the best student in her show more class, but she is encouraged by a caring teacher, her mother and grandmothers to think about college. A beautiful story of hope, family, and figuring out who you are. show less

"Do you ever wonder
what animals do
when they gather in groups
of more than two?"

In rhyming text, a tower of giraffes observes a raft of otters, a host of sparrows invites a stand of flamingos to sit, and a troop of kangaroos sells cookies. A fun exploration of collective nouns! And when they all get together, what's it's called? LOUD!

There is a glossary (a bit hard to read, between the font and the green painted and textured background), but no source notes. The illustrations appear to be show more painted on linen, perhaps with some collage elements. show less