Just Like a Mama by Duncan, Alice Faye

Celebrate the heart connection between adopted children and the forever families who welcome them with kindness, care, and unconditional love in this powerful picture book from the author of Honey Baby Sugar Child.

Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose. Mama Rose is everything--tender and sweet. She is also as stern and demanding as any good parent should be. In the midst of their happy home, Carol misses her mother and father. She longs to be with them. But until that time comes around, she learns to surrender to the love that is present. Mama Rose becomes her "home." And Carol Olivia Clementine concludes that she loves Miss Rose, "just like a mama."

This sweet read-aloud is, on the surface, all about the everyday home life a caregiver creates for a young child: she teachers Clementine how to ride a bike, clean her room, tell time. A deeper look reveals the patience, intention, and care little ones receives in the arms of a mother whose blood is not her blood, but whose bond is so deep--and so unconditional--that it creates the most perfect condition for a child to feel safe, successful, and deeply loved.

Author: Alice Faye Duncan
Publisher: Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books f
Published: 01/14/2020
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.94lbs
Size: 11.20h x 8.90w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781534461833
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 509703 / Just Like a Mama


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2019
Booklist 12/15/2019 pg. 102
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2020
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2020 pg. 53
Publishers Weekly 04/20/2020
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2020 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Alice Faye Duncan is the author of several books, including the classic NAACP Award-nominated board book, Honey Baby Sugar Child, and Just Like a Mama. Ms. Duncan is a school librarian in Memphis, Tennessee, and conducts writing workshops for parents and educators. Her latest picture book, Memphis, Martin and the Mountaintop, received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

Charnelle Pinkney Barlow is a Georgia-based illustrator and surface designer. She has an MFA in illustration as a visual essay from the School of Visual Arts and a BFA in illustration from University of the Arts, and is the granddaughter of celebrated illustrator Jerry Pinkney.