43 pages • 1 hour read
Natalie Savage CarlsonThe Family Under The Bridge
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1958A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
680LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Children's Literature
French Literature
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride
Society: Class
Poverty
Holidays & Occasions