An Angel for Solomon Singer

By Cynthia Rylant

Book Overview

Solomon Singer is a middle-aged man who lives in a hotel for men in New York City. One night his solitary wanderings take him into a restaurant where he reads these words on the menu: ''The Westway Cafe -- where all your dreams come true. '' A soft-voiced waiter (metaphorically named Angel) welcomes him and invites him back. Each night Singer returns, ordering food and, silently, ordering his wishes for the things he remembers from an Indiana boyhood.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0531070824
• ISBN13: 9780531070826
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

WHAT A HAUNTING, PROFOUND STORY......

This is one of those works that will stick with you. It is rather difficult to discribe. I do note, after talking to several people, and reading several reviews on this site and others, that each person who reads this one finds something a bit different. Myself, I was haunted, in a good way, and yet disturbed at the same time. The wonderful prose pulls you into this unknown mans life. The wonderful art work keeps you there. I personally love the work. I do recommend though, that it would probably be best to read this one with the young reader rather than let them try it by themselves for the first time. I find it difficult to think that a very young person would be able to identify with the lonely man in this story nor understand just what is happening (as a matter of fact, after several readings, I'm not all that sure myself, and I am as old as dirt). Be that as it may, this is certainly one worth giving a read, several reads as a matter of fact!

An Angel For Solomon Singer (by a 5 year-old reviewer)

I think it is one of the most perfect books ever. Since my mom bought it, well,I'm encouraged. Because I'm a student, I could have it for my schoolbook. If I could give it ten billion stars, I'd yell out, "Hey, Solomon Singer!" (Giggle!)

An Angel for Solomon Singer

I have used this book in my classroom to introduce the active reading strategy called synthesis. It is a beautiful story for a read aloud to intermediate students, with wonderful illustrations. I was able to demonstrate using visual clues, making inferences, questioning, and making connections. Students could quickly summarize the story and practice synthesis, coming up with a message or a theme. They shared ideas such as one can learn to love where they are, rather than always wishing for another place, and that a person can choose to be happy or not. We also discussed the importance of feeling accepted and having friends.

TRULY A CLASSIC

Solomon Singer lives in a men's shelter in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Very little is known about Solomon's background other than he is an Indiana native. This, however, proves to be a very effective tool in the telling of this story. Lonely, longing for the natural joys of birds and countryside as he knew in Indiana and a friendly person to talk to, Solomon takes to going for walks during the day. A creative man, he dreams of being able to paint the dingy walls at the men's shelter purple; he yearns for freedom of decision making that he does not have at the shelter. Luckily for Solomon, he finds the Westaway Cafe, a friendly and fun place. A man aptly named Angel works at the Westaway and the two become instant friends. Angel listens to Solomon and genuinely cares about him. The question is, is Angel really an angel. Yes, he is! This is a heartwarming, very moving story that will find a permanent place in the hearts of all who read and hear it. One of these days it will become a classic.

heartwarming

this is a great book for all ages. I had to read it for aChildren's lit class and found it to be inspiring and full of hope.Something the world needs more of for sure.