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middle_name_joy's review
4.0
During World War II, women took the jobs that men held before signing up or being drafted into the war. Ada Ruth's mama finds just such a job in Chicago, which means she has to leave her daughter behind with Grandma. The days are ordinary but hold an emptiness that only Ada Ruth's mama can fill. Finally, a letter arrives saying her mama will be coming home soon.
This is a very quiet story, and very simple. WWII is one of my favorite time periods, and life on the homefront is often not portrayed, especially from the point of view of an African American, matriarchal family living deep in the country. You can feel the sadness, the worry, and the hope that accompanies Ada Ruth's waiting, which is representative of the waiting and worrying that many people did as their family members fought overseas during this time. And the illustrations are so lifelike, it's eerie and moving.
In the classroom, I feel it would be a good book for 4th graders and up during WWII studies. A stand-out multicultural, historical fiction selection.
This is a very quiet story, and very simple. WWII is one of my favorite time periods, and life on the homefront is often not portrayed, especially from the point of view of an African American, matriarchal family living deep in the country. You can feel the sadness, the worry, and the hope that accompanies Ada Ruth's waiting, which is representative of the waiting and worrying that many people did as their family members fought overseas during this time. And the illustrations are so lifelike, it's eerie and moving.
In the classroom, I feel it would be a good book for 4th graders and up during WWII studies. A stand-out multicultural, historical fiction selection.
raoionna's review
4.0
Rich watercolor illustrations share the tale of a young girl and her grandma waiting for news from her mother. The emotions, particularly the longing, are palpable in the illustrations.
just_fighting_censorship's review
4.0
Simple sweet story, emotional and atmospheric. A very interesting perspective and unique way to tell the story of women in the work force during WWII by focusing on their families at home.
*Edit 6/14/21*
I recently read [b:Kitten's First Full Moon|237665|Kitten's First Full Moon|Kevin Henkes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1400866970l/237665._SX50_.jpg|330237], the book that beat this one for the Caldecott for 2005...boo! What a travesty.
*Edit 6/14/21*
I recently read [b:Kitten's First Full Moon|237665|Kitten's First Full Moon|Kevin Henkes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1400866970l/237665._SX50_.jpg|330237], the book that beat this one for the Caldecott for 2005...boo! What a travesty.
lmurray74's review
5.0
I have goose bumps from reading this. Jacqueline Woodson has such a gift for language and the words sing off the page. This is the story of a young girl whose mother goes north to work on the railroads while the men are away at war. She is with her grandma and an adopted kitten/cat while her mom is away.
"Try hard to remember the way my mama smelled.
Like sugar some days. And some days like sun."
"Try hard to remember the way my mama smelled.
Like sugar some days. And some days like sun."
cweichel's review against another edition
4.0
As beautifully written as it is illustrated, this captures a fragment of history. A young black girl waits at home with her Grandmother while her mother works in Chicago during the war. There is love and sweetness aplenty here as a kitten arrives to bring her comfort during these difficult times.
beecheralyson's review
4.0
This is a beautiful story about a young girl whose mother goes off to Chicago during the War (WWII) and how she must wait for her mother's return. The illustrations are really beautiful as is the story.
krixbee's review against another edition
4.0
2020 Read Harder Challenge: A picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community (#ownvoices - AfAm girl protagonist and on cover!)
seuknitcat's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
luann's review against another edition
3.0
A nice enough story about a girl who is waiting with her grandma and her kitten for her mother to come back home. Her mother has gone to Chicago to get a job while all the men are off fighting in the war. Nothing spectacular here, just a nice simple wartime story focusing on those left at home waiting.
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