IN OUR MOTHERS' HOUSE by Patricia Polacco

Bibliography
Polacco, Patricia. 2009. In Our Mothers’ House. NY: Philomel Books. ISBN: 9780399250767

Plot Summary
The eldest daughter of Meema and Marmee recounts the good times of her family. Raised by two mothers, three children have a happy and fulfilling childhood. Even one disapproving neighbor cannot come between this family’s love for one another and their community.

Critical Analysis
This story simply chronicles the good times of a family raised by two mothers. It is not preachy. It shows through key events how loving a household with a same sex couple with adopted kids of different ethnicities can be. The illustrations play on the story by showing the characters with huge smiles and lots of hugs to go around. The only conflict is one neighbor who is disapproving of the mothers’ relationship. However, this neighbor is ignored and life goes on.

I wish there was more to this book. I like the idea of a picture book about a family with two mothers raising kids of different ethnicities living in a neighborhood full of people of various cultures. The neighborhood is much like my own. There is a conflict with the one disapproving neighbor, and I feel the book would have more depth if this conflict was explored more in the story. It may even be confusing to children as to why the neighbor is upset because it is not explained why the neighbor is disapproving of the mothers.

The illustrations and text portray that this book is about a lesbian couple raising a multi-ethnic family. Marmee and Meema are portrayed as strong professional women, a pediatrician and paramedic, who make family life a priority. It definitely shows parenting done right, and I think children from non-traditional households will appreciate reading about a non-traditional family presented in such a positive light.

Awards Won & Review Excerpts

• Rainbow List, 2010; American Library Association 
• Booklist: "The energetic illustrations in pencil and marker, though perhaps not as well-rendered as in some previous works, teem with family activities and neighborhood festivity." 
• Kirkus Reviews: "There is a desperate need for books that present queer families as just another part of the American quilt, but this title, despite its obvious good intentions, doesn't do it." 
• The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: " . . .this might offer a nice balance to the multitudes of heteronormative picture books, and children in similar situations will certainly appreciate seeing their own experiences reflected in their literature."

Connections

• Other books about homosexuality:

          Brannen, Sarah S. Uncle Bobby's Wedding. ISBN 9780399247125
          González, Rigoberto. Antonio's Card. ISBN 0892392045
          Haan, Linda de, and Stern Nijland. King & King. ISBN 1582460612
          Richardson, Justin, and Peter Parnell. And Tango Makes Three. ISBN 0689878451

• Visit Patricia Polacco’s website at http://patriciapolacco.com.