Best known for her All-of-a-Kind Family series of children’s books based on her own childhood in New York City, Sydney Taylor led a full and impressive life beyond what is depicted in her beloved stories. Born Sarah Brenner, Sydney was the middle of five daughters (eventually joined by a brother) in a Jewish immigrant family that maintained their religious practice while making an effort to learn American customs. Creative and expressive, Sarah loved acting and dance and began keeping a diary at age 14, signing her entries “Sydney,” a name she felt was bolder and more “modern.” She had a strong sense of justice and self-worth; she believed that women and Jews deserved full rights and respect, and she was active in the Young People’s Socialist League, where she met her husband, Ralph Taylor. When their daughter, Jo, lamented that protagonists in books were all Christian, Sydney began telling stories from her childhood, which she eventually wrote down. While she didn’t have immediate success in publishing, Ralph later submitted her stories to a publishing contest, leading to a book that became a series that was popular with both Jewish and non-Jewish children alike. While the ending is rather abrupt, this narrative succeeds in conveying Sydney Taylor’s singular spirit.