Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Coming on Home Soon

Coming On Home Soon. Jacqueline Woodson. Illus. by E.B. Lewis. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2004. 30 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-399-23748-8. Grades K-3.

World War II came with many changes, including the opportunity for African American women to work. Together Jacqueline Woodson and E.B. Lewis paint a beautiful story of the separation, love and devotion of one family during this time of change. Mama decides to head north to take a job in Chicago, leaving her daughter Ada Ruth in the care of her mother. Before she leaves, however, she reminds Ada Ruth that she “love[s] [her] more than anything in the world. More than rain. More than snow.” As days turn in to weeks Ada Ruth and Grandma wait for word from Mama, taking comfort in a new friend and the rhythmic whispers of love. Readers are transported back to wartimes and can see themselves standing, sitting, and waiting right along with Ada Ruth. The warm, rich watercolor illustrations resonate with love and warm readers’ hearts as the snow falls outside Ada Ruth’s window. Woodson’s flowing prose also is also rich with love as its song like repetition lulls readers in to the story. Ada Ruth’s thoughts and Grandma’s wit set the emotion- rich setting and bring authenticity to the situation. The illustrations and words together create more than a story, but an experience for its readers. Coming on Home Soon is a beautiful account of a difficult experience, but an ageless story of love and devotion. Highly Recommended 

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