mommy, mama, and me

Category: LGBTQ
Title: Mommy, Mama, and Me
Author: Leslea Newman
Illustrator: Carol Thompson
Publisher: Tricycle Press
Year: 2008
ISBN Number: 978-1582462639
Number of Pages: 20
Reading Level: Pre-k-2
Genre: Children’s picture book
 
Summary: This is a simple story that walks through the day with a toddler who has two mothers. They do everything from playing hide-n-seek to eating meals to taking baths to goodnight kisses.
 
Main Themes: The main theme of the story is family. The story shows that there is no limit on a loving and nurturing family. The toddler is portrayed as happy and cheerful to have two mothers, never worried about being different.
 
Critical Review:
Strengths: This book is very simple and would be a great tool for introducing acceptation of lesbian couples. Leslea Newman is lesbian herself and was influenced to write this story when a friend of hers mentioned that there are no children’s books that portray families like theirs. She has received many literacy awards including the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award and two American Library Association Stonewall Honors. She wrote the very first children’s book to portray lesbian families in a positive way and has continued with writing stories like this ever sense. Since she herself is lesbian I think it makes it easier for her to understand what these families are going through and write these books in a truly uplifting and celebrating way.
 
Weaknesses: The book is very light-hearted and happy but never touches on any of the negative things that come along with having two mothers. It could go deeper by adding something about getting funny looks from others but still being happy. However, it does a good job for what it was intended for which was to raise awareness of lesbian families and help them feel accepted.
 
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt2VphobB-A : This is a link to a youtube read aloud of the story.
 
http://www.lesleanewman.com/ : This is a link to a website all about Leslea Newman.
 
https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-58246-263-9 : This website includes links to information about the book and reviews from those that have read it. It also has links to ideas of how to incorporate this into a classroom. 

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