Discover your next great read with our book reviews
Cover of In Our Mothers' House

In Our Mothers' House

by Patricia Polacco

Book Details

Publisher:Penguin Group
Published:2025-04-01
Pages:49
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

Age Range:6-10

About This Book

A heartwarming story of family, love, and celebrating what makes us special, from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker. Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. In their cozy home, they cook dinner together, they laugh together, they dance and play together. But one family doesn't accept them. Maybe because they think they are different: How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema's house is full of love. And the

Our Review

This tender picture book offers a warm window into the daily life of a family with two mothers, celebrating the ordinary moments that make a home. Through vivid storytelling and expressive illustrations, we see Marmee, Meema, and their children cooking feasts, dancing in the kitchen, and building a treehouse together in their vibrant neighborhood. The narrative gently acknowledges the painful reality of a neighbor's prejudice, framing it as a failure to understand that families are built on love, not just traditional structures. This story provides a beautiful, accessible introduction to diverse family structures for young readers.

What makes this book particularly powerful is its unwavering focus on the joyful, tangible evidence of a loving home, making the central message about acceptance resonate deeply. Children from all family backgrounds will connect with the universal experiences of family traditions, neighborhood fun, and the security of a nurturing home. The book’s honest portrayal of facing intolerance, while ultimately affirming the family's strength and community, makes it an invaluable resource for starting conversations about empathy and inclusion. It’s a story that champions the simple, profound truth that love is what truly makes a family.

Themes

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Juvenile Fiction