Beans on the Roof by Betsy Byars 63 pages 0385298552

Anna Bean finds temporary refuge from her boisterous family on the roof of her apartment building.Her younger siblings resent yet another special privilege for the oldest child in the family. Mrs. Bean has granted this dispensation because Anna is trying to compose a poem. This is an important assignment because if it wins the school contest it will be printed in a book. Each Bean family member composes a Bean poem.A tender story about a family short on money but rich in love.This brief story radiates family joy. A perfect story for a parent to read at bedtime or a teacher to a classroom.Betsy Byars has written many books and won several major awards (including the Newbery), but this is my favorite.