In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco
A Book Review by Hannah Crawford
Told from the perspective of a girl adopted by two moms, In Our Mothers’ House is the story of a happy childhood. The narrator begins by telling the story of her adoption, and depicting how much she always felt loved and wanted by her moms. The story and the illustrations follow her as she grows up. Her moms adopt two more kids, and together they build a tree house, cook a traditional Italian dinner, and create their own Halloween costumes.
The narrator describes how her family is lucky to have the support not only of their extended family, but of almost their entire neighborhood. One of their neighbors, drawn as a constantly scowling woman with a pink bow in her hair, does not approve of their family. At a block party, all the families are enjoying games, food, and music, when the disapproving neighbor appears to tell the narrator’s mothers that she disapproves of their family structure.
This story emphasizes the love shared by the family, and the love their mothers teach them to have for other people. Even their disagreeable neighbor is treated with respect. As the children grow up, they continue to return to their mothers’ house. The ending is incredibly touching (I may or may not have cried a little).
Remarkably, the author of this book also serves as the illustrator. The pictures are as vibrant and busy as you would expect in depicting a house with three young children. This book has a lot of words that might be difficult for younger readers (pediatrician, schnitzel), but the pictures are enough to interest an audience of any age.
In Our Mothers’ House is written by Patricia Polacco and published by Philomel Books and is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookstore or library.
