On the surface, this novel, first published in 1937 conforms to the conventions children's literature of the time, being about a large happy family of 7 children and their adventures.

But Eve Garnett (1900-1991), who also drew the book's distinctive illustrations, had rather more subversive ideas than many writers of the time - though from a comfortably-off background herself, she had cooperated on a project called the "London Child" and was well aware of the wretched circumstances in which many children were raised.

True, in "The Family from One End Street" the pill is sugared - the eponymous Ruggles family lives in Sussex, south-east England, rather than the backstreets of London, and both parents are in work - Mr Ruggles is a dustman, and Mrs Ruggles takes in washing. But we are left in no doubt that times are hard. The eldest daughter, Lily-Rose, is mortified when she accidentally burns a petticoat of one of her mother's clients, Mrs Beasely - although she turns out to be a benefactor to them and also helps Kate, the intellectual of the family, with her expenses at grammar school.

There are several adventurous and humorous episodes in the book - mischievous Jim "accidentally" goes to sea, and Jo Junior falls asleep in the cinema after smuggling himself in to watch a "Mickey Mouse" film.

There is an atmosphere of warmth throughout the book, but it was still seen as controversial and refused by at least 8 publishers - but eventually won a Carnegie Medal.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org