Striped Ice Cream

By Joan M. Lexau

Book Overview

Becky's hard-working mama and four older brothers and sisters try to surprise her on her eighth birthday. 'An exceedingly warm and satisfying story of a African-American] city family that is true to childhood.' 'NYT.

"Mama --" Becky said and waited. "My birthday's coming pretty soon. Will we have chicken-spaghetti and striped ice cream?"

Mama sighed and said, "I don't know, Becky. Things were a little better last year."

Not having something special to look forward to for a birthday was bad enough, but then the whole family seemed to turn against Becky. Life was lonely for the youngest in the family when everyone else started working on a project without her. Brother Abe even tried to keep her out of her own home during the day -- and playing baseball with Abe did not appeal to Becky.

This is a story about a very real family -- the ups and downs, the quarrels and making-ups, and it is a story of Becky's happy birthday.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0397310471
• ISBN13: 9780397310470
• Release Date: January 1968
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.9" x 0.5" x 5.4"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A Great Read When I Was a Kid!

This book was important to me as a child; I recall it fondly and read it voraciously. I don't dare read it again; I'd hate to learn that it's horribly laden with ugly and lazy stereotypes! I'll just review it based on the importance it held for me as a young girl.

CHILDHOOD FAVORITE

I read this book when I was in 4th or 5th grade. I remember going to the local library and checking this book out all the time. A few years ago I had the opportunity to read it again. It still made me cry at the end. I love the story and characters in this book. I have a ten year old daughter now and I am going to purchase this for her for Christmas. I can't wait for her to read it. I hope she enjoys as much as I did.

Lifetime favorite!

If I could choose only one book that impacted my life, it would be Striped Ice Cream. I first read it in elementary school (30 years ago) and find myself reading it again every so often. The characters are so real, and you become involved in what they feel. The mother does a fantastic job of being a single parent to five children during a time (1960's?) when it was neither common or accepted. Inspite of difficult times, the family's strong ties to each other and their fine character would serve as excellent role models for any child today. The main story line is "peppered" with moments of humor and warmth of a close family. The main character Becky, is easy for 3rd & 4th graders to relate to. This would be an excellent story for any child.

This was the first novel I ever read...

I read this book in the 3rd grade, and now I'm a college sophomore still searching for a story line so meaningful, yet so simple at the same time. Becky's insights are wise beyond her own years, and the journey to her birthday is unforgettable.