The Family Under the Bridge

     "The children's eyes were  shining again. They were speechless with delight.
     "Have you been good children this year?" asked Father Christmas.
     "We've tried to be," parried Suzy.
     "Sometimes we get mixed up about what's good and what isn't," confessed Paul.
     "I pulled Jojo's tail, but I won't do it any more," confessed Evelyne.
     Father Christmas was pleased. "I like truthful children," he said. "All the rest of them declare they've been angels all year. Now, what do you want me to bring you for Christmas?
     "We want a house," said Suzy. "Will you bring us a house, Father Christmas?""

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Wonder is Outweighed

I love this little story because the themes focus on exploring and accepting differences and purposefully creating family.  While it is a simpler read than many middle chapter books, referring to the Roma people as "gypsies" gave me pause in suggesting it for younger readers.  My thought was that good conversations with older children about the fact that this term is a not appropriate would be enough to address the problem.  I was wrong and no longer recommend this book -- and removed it from my Bookshop site.

In doing my research I learned that the use of "gypsy" is the equivalent of using the "N-word". The wonder of learning about and accepting different people through this story does not outweigh such an overt racial slur and could inadvertently make its use acceptable to readers.

Story Synopsis

During the Christmas season Armand, who is homeless, discovers three children and their Mother living under his favorite Parisian bridge. Even though Armand loved his solitary life, he shared adventures around Paris with the children while their Mother worked -- they meet Father Christmas and make new friends with the Roma people who are living at the Court of Miracles for the winter. As Christmas rapidly approaches, Armand sets out to give the ready-made family the one thing the want: a new home.

Middle chapter book readers, 97 pages. Armand, a Parisian hobo, is adopted by three homeless children when their mother hides them under a bridge on the Seine. Armand finds a home for the family and a new life for himself.