Free Content Guide Family Under The Bridge Content Warning
The Family Under the Bridge Content Warning. This is a short chapter book (128 pages) with a message of redemption and restoration. It makes a delightful read at Christmas time with older children (8+) but I urge you to consider the content and be prepared to have needed conversations.
A delightful and discerning read for the Christmas Season.
Please note the review contains content warnings which are not meant to shame you for enjoying certain books. It doesn’t mean you should avoid it or that you should feel personally judged by the warnings. It’s a heads up for the mama who doesn’t have time to pre-read every book before sharing it with their precious children. We all have different family values and kids of varying ages. Sometimes I will include warnings that may not apply to your family. Please continue to have discernment with book selections for your family. You are the gatekeeper of your home and I am so blessed that you consider me worthy to review this book for you.
Life is too short, time is too precious, and there are too many beautiful stories to read books that do not align with your family values.
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Read below to determine if this book is a good fit for you and your reader.
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Age Range: 8+ (8-12)
Read Aloud Age: 8+
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Classics, France, Christmas
Themes: Family, Redemption, Change, Growth
Setting: Paris
Year Published: 1958
Award: Newbery Honor Book, 1959
At a Glance: The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Description (Spoiler Free)
Armand is a cantankerous yet endearing homeless man living under a bridge in Paris. Enjoying a life free of responsibilities, he delights in scavenging for food and clothing. However, his life takes a turn when he finds three young homeless children under his bridge. Despite an internal struggle, the children steal his heart.
Brief Content Warnings
Please see References of Faith for religious content.
Discussion Topic (difficult topic)
Homelessness. Theology. Please note the term gypsy is a derogatory term and is considered offensive. Right versus wrong, even in difficult circumstances.
First Line
“Once there was an old hobo named Armand who wouldn’t have lived anywhere but in Paris.”
Quotes
“You can’t take us away,” she cried, clenching her fists. “We’re going to stay together because we’re a family, and families have to stick together. That’s what mama says?”
“It isn’t walls and furniture that make a home,” Armand told Monsieur Brunot. “It’s the family.”
Content Guide for The Family Under the Bridge
Religious Beliefs
Gypsies. In this story, the term gypsies is used, so for consistency, that’s how I will refer to them to prevent confusion. The gypsies play a significant part from the middle to the end of the book. The gypsies offer to tell someone’s fortune several times. Please see “References of Faith” below for details about religious content.
Pride & Bitterness. Throughout the book, Madame Calcet (the children’s mother) struggles with bitterness about life’s circumstances and battles pride. She does not want to be associated with the same position as a “hobo” or the gypsy camp. “To think we have fallen so low,” wept the woman. “My children at home with gypsies.”
References of Faith:
- “What good does it do to be honest if you aren’t kind and generous?” he asked. (Armand)
- Madame Calcet calls the gypsies “thieves,” and Armand responds, “They don’t know there’s a commandment against stealing.” … “Well, we’re all God’s big poor family, so we need to stick together and help each other.”
- The gypsy children talk about making the pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Sara (St. Sara was a gypsy). The gypsy children tell the story that after the Crucifixion, Saint Mary Jacobe, Saint Mary Salome, and Saint Sara were taken by the enemies of Christ, and they were set to drift in a boat without a sail.
- The family and Armand attend midnight mass.
- Armand asks God to find a home for the family. “Please, God,” he said, moving his lips soundlessly, “I’ve forgotten how to pray. All I know now is how to beg.”
- One of the gypsy children says they love to give presents because “one of the Wise Men who brought gifts to the Christ Child was a gypsy.”
- One of the children wants to stay with the gypsies, and Armand tries to reason with him, “If God wanted you to be a gypsy, He would have made you one[.]”
Language
Terms such as hobo and tramp are used throughout the book. Insults such as stupid (2), witless, twittering pests, wretched creature, and poor wretches. Dated language, such as gay, is used in the original meaning.
Violence/Behavior
Boys playing with fake swords start punching each other and tease Armand. A lady whacks dogs with a stick to break up a dog fight.
Lying. Armand lies to the children several times and tells the children not to tell their mother about their adventures. He also lies to the bystanders, claiming to be the children’s grandfather.
Stealing. The gypsies cut a tree from the park for a Christmas tree and are accused of being thieves multiple times. Armand steals food.
Other noted behaviors. Due to hunger, Armand urges the kids to sing Christmas carols while he begs for money. Grown men laugh at Paul (one of the children) when he tries to get a job by pushing heavy carts.
Romance
None.
Political
None.
Other
Hardships such as the death of the father, loss of apartment, homelessness, and mom hiding the kids under a bridge to keep the family together. The children fear being separated from their mother and being placed in a children’s home. The children meet Father Christmas in the mall and ask him for a home. Brief mention of cigarettes as a gift. Magic as an adjective “As if by magic…”
Thoughts on The Family Under the Bridge
This short chapter book is well written, featuring strong character development and a vivid geographical portrayal that will spark curiosity about France. The themes of redemption and restoration make it an excellent choice for older children during the Christmas season. However, I highly recommend preparing for meaningful discussions regarding theology and the distinction between right and wrong.
If you enjoyed The Family Under the Bridge, then try _____ .
Suggestion is pending! 🙂
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HAPPY READING!
– With Great Joy, Katie
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