Coming On Home Soon

Woodson, J. (2004). Coming on home soon. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Age Range: This book is appropriate for children in kindergarten through third grade.
Summary: The main character Ada must face the challenge of her mother leaving to find work. Ada and her grandmother are left alone while her mother heads to Chicago to find work. They help each other while they wait for the letter saying that "mama" will be home soon. Knitting and giving a stray kitten milk keeps Ada going, but for some time no money or a letter arrives. The illustrations by Earl B. Lewis are what make this book unique. They create anticipation throughout the story.

For example, in the picture above the illustrations show how Ada and her grandmother support each
other.


The illustration above shows both characters desire for "mama" to come home.
Reflection: This would be a great book to share on the importance of family relationships, because of how Ada and her grandmother support each other during the mother's absence. It could also benefit children who go without seeing their parents for some time. For example, children who have parents that travel for their jobs or children with parents in the military could relate to this book.