Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Polacco, Patricia. 2009. In Our Mothers’ House. New York: Philomel Books: ISBN 9780399250767

Plot Summary

In Our Mothers’ House is the story of a non-traditional family and the love that is shared among the three adopted children. Same-sex parents provide a loving home and life filled with memories for their African American daughter, Asian American son, and Caucasian daughter in a neighborhood that is, for the most part, very supportive of their chosen lifestyle.

Critical Analysis

The story of how Meema and Marma came to be parents is told from the perspective of their oldest daughter who is African American. She shares the story of her adoption and that of her Asian American brother, Will, and Caucasian sister, Millie. Recalling all of the times her mothers were present for important events in her life, and how they each continuously showed their love by cooking, or sewing, or even wearing dresses to a special event helps the reader to see the level of nurturing provided by both parents. Daily events in this household take place just as if they were taking place in any other household with the exception of occasional confrontation by a neighbor, Mrs. Lockner, who does not approve of “what Meema and Marma are”. Meema and Marma simply tell their children that she is “full of fear and doesn’t understand us”.
Although direct references to lesbian relationships are not included in the text, they are implied in a way that children can understand that the author wants to convey the message that having a different family structure doesn’t mean that something is wrong with a family. There is much more that makes up a family than a mom, a dad, children, and pets. Pollaco does a wonderful job in conveying this message through her choice of words in the text and the beautiful illustrations that include a wide range of facial features and characteristics in the extended family members, friends and neighbors.

Review Excerpts

“The eldest of three siblings (each a different race) adopted by a lesbian couple recalls an idyllic childhood. The heavy-handed message is that same-sex parents are just like everybody else, but what real family is this perfect? The nostalgic adult tone and dearth of actual plot severely limit the child appeal of this well-intentioned story played out in Polacco's recognizable illustrations.” Horn Book

“Over the years Patricia Polacco has graced us with many delightful stories of family relationships and special friendships. This title is just such a story, but with a twist. Three children from different parts of the world are adopted by two married women. Although words such as gay, lesbian, sexuality, or same-sex marriage are never used, the reader will make the connection as the story unfolds. The mothers are always there for special moments in the lives of their children, and readers see glimpses of a nurturing extended family and friends. One mother in the community is not so friendly, but Polacco handles this moment in a careful, studied, and easy way, as if hatred and bigotry do not exist. The three children celebrate many happy moments in their family home, and all three return regularly after they are grown. After the death of both mothers, the son and his family move into the house. The writing style is truly Polacco and the colorful illustrations are warm and loving. This is a strong and memorable story of a peaceful, devoted family unit.” Library Media Connection

Connections

Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books conveying the message of family diversity by reading these selections:

Garden, Nancy. Molly’s Family. Ill. Sharon Wooding. ISBN 9780374350024
Newman, Leslea. Daddy, Papa, and Me. Ill. Carol Thompson. ISBN 9781582462622
Parr, Todd. The Family Book. ISBN 9780316738965

Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Budhos, Marina Tamar. 2006. Ask me no questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-1416903512

Plot Summary

Fourteen year old Nadira and her family left their home country of Bangladesh eight years ago and came to America on tourist visas. Even though their visa expired, they stayed and tried to lead a life undetected. In the aftermath of 9-11 they find themselves a target of the many new registration laws and possible deportation so they flee to Canada to seek asylum only to find that life takes an unexpected turn. Quiet Nadira will be tested as she and her older sister, Aisha are separated from their parents.

Critical Analysis

Budhos gives readers a new perspective in this novel that chronicles the lives of the Muslim immigrant family (The Hossains) from Bangladesh. Throughout the book numerous cultural markers appear in the form of the clothing worn by members of Nadira’s family and extended family including, Ma’s shalwar kameez, and Ali-Uncle’s long kurta. Taslima, Nadira’s cousin also refers to their brown skin color, “all brown people are the same to them”, she said to her father referring to the difference between them and Pakistani people.

As a result of their outward appearance, the Hossain family is racially profiled and Nadira’s father is detained at the Canadian border pending possible deportation. After numerous failed attempts to gain citizenship prior to 9-11, it seems hopeless for Nadira’s family. Her sister, Aisha, who is set to graduate from high school and possibly be named valedictorian, loses her strength and will to fight the overwhelming battle with the government. Nadira continues to heed the words of her father and maintain a slow, calm pace as she begins to put together a strong case to defend her family’s innocence. Nadira’s patience and perseverance pay off and her father is released and given the opportunity to appeal for residency.

Review Excerpts

“Budhos's moving, quietly powerful novel explores the post-9/11 pressures on fourteen-year-old Nadira's Muslim family, Bangladeshi immigrants who have lived productively but illegally in New York for eight years. When they seek asylum in Canada and her father is detained at the border, Nadira realizes it is up to her to prove his innocence and hold her family together.” Horn Book starred review

“Illegal immigrant sisters learn a lot about themselves when their family faces deportation in this compelling contemporary drama. Immigrants from Bangladesh, Nadira, her older sister Aisha and their parents live in New York City with expired visas. Fourteen-year-old Nadira describes herself as "the slow-wit second-born" who follows Aisha, the family star who's on track for class valedictorian and a top-rate college. Everything changes when post-9/11 government crack-downs on Muslim immigrants push the family to seek asylum in Canada where they are turned away at the border and their father is arrested by U.S. immigration. The sisters return to New York living in constant fear of detection and trying to pretend everything is normal. As months pass, Aisha falls apart while Nadira uses her head in "a right way" to save her father and her family. Nadira's need for acceptance by her family neatly parallels the family's desire for acceptance in their adopted country. A perceptive peek into the lives of foreigners on the fringe.” Kirkus Review

Connections

Young adult readers selecting books on the topic of immigration might consider these titles:

Alvarez, Julia. Return to Sender. ISBN 9780375858383
Kheridian, David. Asking the River. Ill. Nonny Hogrogian. ISBN 9780531054833
Littman, Sarah. Life After. ISBN 978054515443

Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Niner, Holly L. 2004. Mr. Worry: A Story about OCD. Ill. by Greg Swearingen, Morton Grove, IL: Whitman. ISBN 978-0807551820

Plot Summary

Young Kevin’s day, and part of his night, is filled with routines. His routines are not like most children’s routines though. His routines are very repetitive and orderly. These routines are part of Kevin’s life because he is so worried that he will forget to do something important. Kevin even becomes worried over things that he knows can never happen, but he worries that they “might” happen, and then, how will he deal with it? After observing Kevin’s overactive worrying, his parents help him find a solution that makes his life much more enjoyable.

Critical Analysis

Niner provides an author note about her own experience parenting a son with Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Her note gives readers information about the disorder and how it affects children. Her insider perspective adds a level of authenticity to the book that treats the main character and the disorder with the proper care and respect deserved. As discussed by the author, the main character in the book, Kevin, is obsessed with repeating numerous tasks each day until each of them are completed with perfection. This includes tasks at school and at home. Even when Kevin knows the answer to questions before he asks them, he asks anyway as a form of reassurance. His imagination also causes him to think his mother could become a blue alien, and lights could appear under his bed each night. Kevin begins to feel that his parents will think he is crazy if he tells them the thoughts going through his head. They reassure him that he is not crazy and make him an appointment with a counselor. The counselor explains how the worries affect Kevin’s brain, much like a telephone call to his brain with a worry on the other end on the phone line. Kevin has to make the choice to not answer the call. Eventually, Kevin begins hanging up on the little “Mr. Worry” character that appears when he thinks he should check something. One by one, the repetitive routines lessen as Kevin practices hanging up. This practice along with his new medication help to make his life more enjoyable without “Mr. Worry” around.

Review Excerpts

“After Kevin begins seeing a therapist, he learns that his worries and odd behavior are called obsessions and compulsions. The story is obvious and agenda driven, but anthropomorphizing obsessive-compulsive disorder as a little man who keeps calling Kevin with worries may be helpful to young sufferers. Pleasant illustrations and a note to parents and teachers accompany the text.” Horn Book

“Kevin does a lot before he goes to sleep: line things up neatly, push in the desk chair, ask his mom the same questions over and over. If he doesn't do those things "his mind gets sweaty,"and he is afraid to tell his parents. What if his mom's an alien? (The picture of Kevin and Mom both riding bikes, in which she turns blue with pointy ears, is actually quite funny.) Kevin's parents take him to see a doctor who talks to people all day about their worries. Dr. Fraser teaches Kevin techniques on how to "hang up" on worry messages as if they were wrong numbers, and she gives him medication. Soon Kevin, who has named his OCD Mr. Worry, is managing his fears better. The airbrushed illustrations, which tend toward realism, have a certain blandness, but there's humor in them as well. This picture book for older readers is useful bibliotherapy that will no doubt comfort many kids.” Booklist

Connections

Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books that teach children how to cope with disorders such as OCD, ADHD, and Autism.

Pollack, Pam and Meg Belviso. I Can’t Sit Still!: Living with ADHD. Ill. Marta Fabrega ISBN9780764144196
Lears, Laurie. Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism. Ill. Karen Ritz. ISBN 9780807534816
Talley, Leslie. A Thought is Just a Thought: A Story of Living with OCD. ISBN 9781590560655