Free to BE...A Family [Paperback]

Marlo Thomas (Author)

Book Description

A collection of stories, poems, and songs about different types of families and family relationships.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Thomas et al. direct this sequel to Free to Be . . . You and Me toward concerns of the '80s, with an emphasis on the different configurations of the "ideal" nuclear family caused by divorce, remarriage and other factors. Freedom here means being able to talk about negative emotions: worries about nuclear war, missing a long-absent father or anxiety about being adopted (shown in a simulated "Superman" comic). But the blissful moments that are also a part of children's lives seem missing from this book, almost as if the editors believe there are enough happy endings in the world, and that kids need ways to "work through problems." Admirable goals, but they make for a somewhat sobering outlook on childhood. The almanac-style book features stories, poems and songs by such authors as Shel Silverstein, Charlotte Zolotow and John Steptoe, and such celebrity contributors as The Fat Boys, Kermit the Frog, Carly Simon and Whoopi Goldberg. It's a rarity in today's market, and one to be embraced by parents who believe that this perspective is a realistic oneone that may help their children along the bumpy road of growing up. All ages.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1 Up This sequel to Free to Be. . .You and Me (McGraw-Hill, 1974) celebrates ``all kinds of belonging'' and the extraordinary diversity among families. The theme of this timely anthology is the extension of the concept of ``family'' to include adoptive and foster families, step-families, relatives, friends, community, culture, andultimatelyglobal humanity. The nearly 50 selections include stories, poems, short plays, essays, comics, and songs. This literary and musical smorgasbord includes essays by Marlo Thomas, Gloria Steinem, and Kurt Vonnegut; poems by Shel Silverstein, Judith Viorst, Charlotte Zolotow, and others; stories that range from trite and silly to subtle and compassionate; lyrics and music by popular songwriters such as Carly Simon, Kris Kristofferson, and The Fat Boys; and full-color illustrations in a multitude of styles by Susan Jeffers, Leo and Diane Dillon, John Steptoe, Arnold Lobel, and Jerry Pinckney. The integrity and significance of this book emerges through the collection as a whole, not from the individual selections, which differ tremendously in literary quality, aesthetic style, and emotional appeal. Yet each offering celebrates in its own waywith acceptance, joy, compassion, and unfailing optimism``the day. . .when all the family of humans/ are one'' (``We and They'' by Lucille Clifton). A book to read and to share. Pamela Miller Ness, The Fenn School, Concord, Mass.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Bantam (April 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553345591
• ISBN-13: 978-0553345599
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,116,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, February 22, 2004

By 

Kybee (WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Free to Be...A Family (Audio CD)

This is a superb children's album. One that I have been listening to for about 16 years now and I am still not sick of it! That is saying quite alot considering it is a childrens album! This album consists of fun songs and stories that teach diversity to children as well as family values and understanding of each family's differences, and all this coming from people such as Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Reeve, The Fat boys, Pat Benetar, and more! Do your kids a favor and consider finding this album! There is also a book and a video!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TRACKLIST, August 21, 2007

By 

K. Mallory (MINNEsnowTA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Free to Be...A Family (Audio CD)

VERY ENTERTAINING CONTAINS 20 TRACKS: 1] FREE TO BE...A FAMILY (THE MELODY MAKERS); 2] BOY MEETS GIRL...AGAIN (MEL BROOKS AND MARLO THOMAS); 3] SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE (MARLO THOMAS, KERMIT THE FROG & THE MUPPETS); 4] SOMETHINGS DON'T MAKE ANY SENSE AT ALL (STEVE MARTIN); 5] IT'S NOT MY FAULT (SOUL ASYLUM); 6] AND THAT'S THE TRUTH PART 1 (LILY TOMLIN); 7] I'M NEVER AFRAID TO SAY WHAT'S ON MY MIND (BONNIE RAITT); 8] DORIS KNOWS EVERYTHING (WHOOPI GOLDBERG); 9] JIMMY SAYS (PAT BENATAR); 10] THE DAY DAD MADE TOAST (ROBIN WILLIAMS); 11] THANK SOMEONE (AMY GRANT & JOHN HAITT); 12] YOURSELF BELONGS TO YOU (THE FAT BOYS); 13] AND SUPERBOY MAKES 3 (CHRISTOPHER REEVE, ELAINE MAY, MIKE NICHOLS & PHIL DONAHUE); 14] FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD (MARLO THOMAS); 15] CROWDED TUB (GILDA RADNER); 16} ON MY POND (KERMIT THE FROG & THE MUPPETS); 17] AND THAT'S THE TRUTH-PART 2 (LILY TOMLIN); 18] THAT STUPID SONG (LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO); 19] ANOTHER CINDERELLA (MARLO THOMAS, BEA ARTHUR, JANE CURTAIN, & GILDA); 20] THE TURN OF THE TIDE (CARLY SIMON).