Edith’s feelings come to a head when she loses a member of her family. However, she questions whether she deserves this title when she gets mad at her younger sister over a misunderstanding.

She likes being known as the “good little mother”, helping out with chores and younger siblings. This theme of family, and all the complications involved in loving her family, is a big part of what Edith tries to figure out, as she figures out herself. But Edith’s promise to not talk to her Bubby becomes harder as she misses stopping by on her way home from school, especially wanting the special treats her Bubby makes just for her. Edith decides to avoid her in order to punish Bubby Etta. We can see this, as she’s incredibly conflicted when she finds out the history of how her Bubby came to America without her mother. Edith wonders what it would be like to not have to share the bed with her sisters, or to have brand-new shoes instead of hand-me-downs.ĭespite her complaints, Edith’s family is the central part of her life. She also imagines the life of her friends, especially the ones who don’t have as many brothers and sisters. She compares herself to her older siblings, revealing what she admires about them or what she dislikes. Edith also openly shows us her desire to figure out who she is, in her great big family. She doesn’t shy away from these moments of frustration, admitting that she’s gotten angry when her little brothers and sisters don’t listen to her. In addition, Edith shares her emotions freely with us, even if she’s feeling upset with her family members or with her situation in life. These poems feel authentic, especially since they are based on true stories. Rosenthal’s writing is personable and honest. This sweet book is an easy and honest read, perfect to share with your family! The poems in the book are all from the perspective of Edith over the course of a year, as she laments the ending of summer, stands up to the school bully, and tries her best to take care of her younger siblings. The book, based on true stories from the author’s mother, is a collection of these lyrical poems. Situated in the midst of all these different personalities, Edith writes poems to help express how she feels about her family, the good and the bad. With six boys and six girls, Edith is stuck right in the middle of them all. To make it more complicated, Edith has a big family. As a young girl growing up in Depression-era Baltimore, it’s hard enough for Edith to learn what kind of person she wants to become. In the book Looking for Me in this Great Big Family, Edith Paul is trying to figure out who she is. To read more posts from Talia, click here. Today’s featured book is Looking for Me in this Great Big Family by Betsy R.

Our Visitor Services Coordinator, Talia Makowsky, is highlighting books currently available in our shop, Esther’s Place.

Looking for Me by Betsy Rosenthal