Title: Coming On Home Soon
Written by: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Published by: G.P. Putnam’s Sons 2004 Fiction Caldecot Honor Book; Ala notable 2005: Booklist editors choice;
Themes: Separation, Mother and child, Grandmothers, African-Americans, World War. 1939-1945-United States.
Written for ages: Elementary school
Resource pages: http://us.penguingroup.com/static/images/yr/pdf/tl-guide-jacquelinewood.pdf for teacher guides. Also can go to http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/teachers.shtml for links of Ala teen reads and other tips on where to find teaching material.
From the Jacket: it’s wartime, and women have to go to work while the men are off fighting. Ada Ruth’s mama has a job in Chicago, and she must leave Ada Ruth and Grandma behind. Now Ada Ruth and Grandma are missing Mama ans trying to keep each other strong. But some days, it feels like nothing can fill the emptiness in their hearts. Then a surprise comes to their door and gives them something to fuss over while they wait for the letter that will say Mama’s coming on home soon.
First few sentences: Mama’s hands are warm and soft. When she put her Sunday dress in the satchel, I held my breath. Tried hard not to cry. Ada Ruth, she said. They’re hiring coloring women in Chicago since all the men are off fighting in the war.
Why I love it: It’s sad and hopeful at the same time, a guaranteed page turner. It’s timeless. Now with men coming home from war in the middle East it’s as pertinent as ever. It’s about the strength of women everywhere and the importance of those who keep the home fires burning.
For a list of other books with resources please visit Perfect Picture Books.on Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.
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Clarbojahn's Blog 
This book sounds very moving, Clar. Stories with a historical context are always great because even though they’re written about an earlier time period the themes they embrace seem to circle back around and be always current. Thanks for sharing this one – it looks wonderful!
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Thanks, Susanna. The African American theme seems to make it more current too. 🙂
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The opening lines were enough to tempt me. Thanks for the review.
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Thanks, Penny. Hope you like it. 🙂
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This sounds like a gorgeous book, indeed. I love family stories, especially those centered on women, and this one sounds like a winner. Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome, Renee. The three generational theme makes this even more central to family life. 🙂
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I do like the bittersweet sound to this one, Clar. Three generations of wonderful women – great choice of historical fiction and I see it won several awards!
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Yes, it won the booklist, Caldecott and Ala. A wonderful book. 🙂
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I need to pick up more historical fiction. It’s now on my list! Thanks Clar
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You’er welcome, Jennifer. I hope you like it. 🙂
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The cover caught at my heart — it sounds as if the rest of the book will, also. Definitely a perfect picture book. Thank you for sharing, Clar!
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The art all through the book is superb. Thanks, Beth.
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Thanks for the review and it’s now on my “To-Read” list!
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Thanks, Sandra. Hope you like it as much as I did.
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Sounds like this might be above my son’s age level, but I love books about this time period. I’m discovering so many topics through PPBF.
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Yes, me, too. I just love reading about all the perfect picture books other bloggers suggest. It’s like a trip to the library without leaving my chair. 🙂 And I get to *talk* to all of them, too.
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The cover illustration is a beautiful portrait on it’s own, it sounds like the book will live up to the painting’s promise. Thank you for posting this one!
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Thank you, Heather. I wish I could have gotten a larger photo to put up. All the art is beautiful and touching. A real treasure. 🙂
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This sounds like a book I will like. I like historical fiction because I usually learn something! Thanks for telling us about it 🙂
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Thank you, Erik. It is good to want to learn something from the books you read. It is a definite plus for me. I love educational books. Especially when it’s incorporated into the story. and the lesson is subliminal. 🙂
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Another wonderful picture book helping young children get a view of life in a different time…love it, Clar!
Thank you for a great review. 🙂
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Thanks, Vivian. Yes, teaching kids about a different time. And it’s subliminal. 🙂
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THis sounds like a wonderful novel. I will share with others. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
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Thanks for stopping and commenting, Darlene.
I love historical novels as well as historical picture books.
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Clar, I don’t know how I missed your entry. I went down the list and reviewed books right away. Especially, a Jacqueline Woodson book. This book covers so many issues, and is very relevant to today. I think it’s important for kids in elementary to learn the sacrifices made by so many families . Such a lovely review. I have a book of her’s I’m going to reviewed and will run some time. I really like her emphasis on historical fiction.
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Thanks, Patricia. I’ll be looking forward to your review of Jacqueline Woodson’s other book. As I told Darlene, I love historical novels as well as historical picture books. This one went over quite well. 🙂
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