One of a Kind

A Bank Street Best Book 2025
CCBC Choices 2025

“Michelson and Green pay homage to a one-of-a-kind author… Told in present tense, this is a lively, well-written tale about a renowned author who helped underrepresented kids see themselves in literature. The charming digital gouache illustrations capture period details and the cozy familial warmth of Taylor’s own background. An effective, respectful treatment of a renowned author.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The colorful illustrations provide lively character portrayals and settings for the story. The book’s title refers to Taylor’s individuality, contrasted with the five young sisters’ ‘all-of-a-kind’ look, due to their similar clothing. Additional details about Taylor’s life appear in the back matter. Highly recommended for kids who have enjoyed reading or listening to Taylor’s All-of-a-Kind Family series.” —Booklist

“[L]audable for honestly portraying success as a long time coming: it was only after WWII, ‘when maybe the world is finally ready to celebrate all customs and cultures,’ Michelson writes, that All-of-a-Kind Family—’the first Jewish children’s book to become popular with non-Jewish readers,’…is published.” —Publishers Weekly

“Bright and friendly illustrations… (with) back matter… full of interesting details, photographs, and research for the book… (this is) a powerful story of a pioneer author sharing a cultural identity… recommended for biography shelves.”—School Library Journal

“The third-person present-tense narration focuses tightly on Taylor’s internal life and, along with occasional dialogue, lends an immediate feel…Green’s pastel-toned digital gouache illustrations alternate straightforward scenes and spreads filled with vignettes highlighting aspects of Taylor’s life. This introduction, mostly cheerful in focus and tone, provides useful context for her novels.” —The Horn Book