Book Description
for Mama's Home by Shay Youngblood and Lo Harris
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
A young Black girl feels lucky to “have seven Big Mamas and seven houses, one for every day of the week.” When her mother stays late at work or travels for her job, the girl spends time in the homes of Black women who are friends or relatives of her family. She does specific things with each of them: sings songs in Spanish, French, and Igbo with Miss Zikora; beats out the answers to her math questions on pots and pans with Aunt Lily; and counts the change from Lil Jackie’s tip jar. Each of the women inspire the girl to think of careers she’d like to pursue, motivated by their interests and examples. This upbeat and affirming story concludes with the celebratory potluck meal they all share when Mama comes home again. In a final note, the author describes the cast of women who raised her and the unique perspectives they offered on how to be a Black woman. Stylized illustrations showcasing easily identifiable characters feature bold black lines and saturated colors. Highly Commended, 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center (Ages 3-7)
CCBC Choices 2023. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2023. Used with permission.