Just Like a Mama
Just Like a Mama
4.8/7
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4.3/5
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Just Like a Mama

Written by Alice Faye Duncan & illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Hardcover
$17.99
$16.97
5 - 9
Reading age
40
Page count
9
Words per page
~241L
Lexile measure
Jan 14, 2020
Publication date

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What Does Bookroo Think of Just Like a Mama

A tender tribute to nontraditional families bonded by love.

Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her, though not blood related. Beginning with the morning routine, the story progressively demonstrates the small or substantial, though all significant, ways Mama Rose cares for Carol, just as a biological mother would. The overflowing gratitude Carol has for Mama Rose is evident in the examples Carol gives of the parental role Mama Rose plays in her life, combing Carol’s hair, calling out “I love you, Ladybug” when Carol leaves for school, and reminding Carol to eat her vegetables and clean her room—showing that “just like a mama,” Carol is encouraged, disciplined, and loved. While the story has an overarching note of positivity, each page is full of emotions that combine to form a large spectrum of feelings in the entirety of the book, including the feelings of sadness and longing Carol has for her currently absent parents. Each emotion is impressively and relatably displayed through the diction, the facial expressions, and the body language portrayed in the memorable illustrations. Carol’s tender story and Mama Rose’s example of unconditional love combine to create an inspirational tribute to caretakers who have stepped in during a time of need or any non-traditional family related by more than blood—love.

What Kind of Book is Just Like a Mama

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What Questions Should I Ask My Child

  • Carol talks about a few activities she dislikes doing in Mama Rose's home, like cleaning her room and eating her vegetables. What things do you not always like to do? How do you know your family loves you, even when you're asked to do these activities?
  • At the beginning of the story, we learn about Carol's daily routine of Mama Rose helping her comb her hair and get her dressed. What things do your parents, caretakers, or family members do to help you each day? What can you do to show your gratitude for them?

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Book Details

ISBN
9781534461833
Publication Date
January 14, 2020
Publisher
Denene Millner Books - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Text Details
The text for this book was set in Bembo.
Illustration Details
The illustrations for this book were rendered in watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and gel pen.
Page Count
40
Words Per Page
9
Audience
Picture
Reading Age
5 - 9 years
Est. Lexile® Level
~241L
Est. Fountas & Pinnell Level
~H
ATOS® Book Level
2
Accelerated Reader® Points
0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz
509703
Accelerated Reader Interest Level
LG

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