Read for Me, Mama

by Vashanti Rahaman, Lori McElrath-Eslick (Illustrator)

Thursday is library day, Joseph's favorite day at school. Joseph loves books, and Thursday the librarian lets him take two books an easy book that he can read by himself and a harder book that someone can read for him. Joseph would love nothing more than to have Mama read for him. But it seems that Mama is always too busy. Then after supper one Saturday night, Joseph takes his book to the rocking chair where Mama is sitting and asks her to read for him. Mama begins to cry. The Truth is that Mama doesn't know how to read. Vashanti Rahaman's compassionate story of how a mother and son face the challenge of literacy is told with warmth and sensitivity, while Lori McElrath-Eslick's bold and beautiful oil paintings light the pages with images of hope and love.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, African American

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Brianda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is so meaningful. Demonstrates how a child who enjoys all the chances he gets to read on his own and especially when someone else reads to Joseph notices how every person reads out loud differently. The story also shows the difference of what a Childs life can be outside from school how Joseph was calm when it came to his mother knowing she was always busy and stressing didn't have time to read to him. Theres was an issue when Joseph no longer had someone to read to him thats where he would ask his mom to read to him but instead he would wait patiently when his mom has the chance however mama didn't have time. Joseph wasn't aware his mom couldn't read when she ask for help at church he noticed it took bravery to confront the issue. mama once learning how to read she then was able to read to Joseph out loud. the message behind the story is how there are real cases where children have parents who aren't able to read to their child or don't have time due to working or finding time to read to their child. As well, how reading our loud to a child is important helps a child become more engaged with a story the way is presented.

[Rylea Baumberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for Me, Mama is a great book that some students may relate to, and a great book that reflects the past for many African Americans in this country. This book also shows the joy that being able to read brings to people, as well as how having someone read to you in different voices and styles is also a great way to learn to read. Since in the past many African Americans were not able to read, you could talk about that as part of a history lesson. There also may still be kids with parents who do not really know how to read so they can identify with this book in that way as well. Regardless on reading ability, this is an encouraging book that shows anything is possible with enough determination, and highly recommended to have on your bookshelf. This book has many lessons included, and is a relatable and realistic book for more than those students of color. The illustrations in this book are also very detailed and attention seeking making it a good book to read aloud to students as the pictures will hold the attention of students while you read the words. This is going to be one book I seek out when starting my classroom library.

[Gloria Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph loves Thursdays when he gets to go to library and pick two books to take home. His favorite thing to do is read and listen to others read to him. Joseph wants his mother to read to him, but she always has a reason as to why she can't read whether it be too late, too busy, etc...Joseph asks his mother to read to him since there is no one else around to read him the harder book he took home from the library. Mama cries and explains that she cannot read. In the end, Mama's initial insecurity about reading is conquered as she takes on the task of learning to read.
I found this story to be quite poetic in regard to the writing style used by Rahaman. It is clear that Joseph has a hunger for reading. He seems to have a true passion for all of the opportunities that it can take him. The writing pulls the reader in to feel invested in Joseph and his love for books and the people around him. Likewise, the illustrations provide a sense of cohesion to the story.

[Jenese Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great and I loved the illustrations. You get to learn about a little boy who loves to read all types of books and how he gets others around him involved in reading too by reading with him.

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book inspiring loved reading it to my books , wish more kids wanted their parents to read to them.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story, reading to children is a joy.

[Vanessa Olivares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about an African American boy who loves to read named Joseph. He is the only child to a single mother who works a lot. He is very eager and hungry for knowledge the librarian takes notice and allows Joseph to take home two books every Thursday. One book is an easy read for him and another is a book that someone else can read to him. Joseph asks his mother to read to him but she is always to busy. He finds Mr. Beharry to read to him since his mother cant but then when Mr. Beharry isn't available he turns to his mother again. His mother breaks down because she cant read and he isn't fully aware of what she meant till she prays in church about it. Someone from church tells his mom a place where she can learn to read. She eventually learns and later reads to her son.

This is a great story of the generation differences. The painted illustrations are full of color and informative. In one part Joseph's mother misses a schedule change at work. I ( the reader) then make sense of her not knowing how to read based off of that. illustrations shows the love between Joseph and his mother, as well as their relaxed surroundings.

[Jasmine Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it shows not only do children have troubles reading adults do as well. It makes you wonder how important reading was in the older generations. The mother in the book had a busy schedule, and did not take time out to read. So when her son wanted her to read to him she was unable to because she had not practiced reading herself. It was good that she finally admitted to not know how to read because if she kept giving excuses, it could have deterred her son from becoming a avid reader. It goes to show not only do you have to convince children reading is good, but adults as well.

[Alegria Curiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so sweet and touching. I really do feel the connection with mother and son had together and the importance of reading do bring meaning in life. This book is a good example for young readers to realize that some people do not have the opportunity to read and how reading can be a blessing for you in life.

[Saba N Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet tale of a boy who loves to read books and wants more than anything for his mother to read to him. This story tackles the issue of adult literacy in a compassionate, warm and sensitive way. I enjoyed the love and connection between the mother and son. He is so sweet and caring and the mother, despite her busy schedule spends a lot of time with him. I really felt their bond.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sensitive but important issue - adult illiteracy. Vashanti Rahaman does a wonderful job handling this delicate subject. Joseph doesn't know that his mom cannot read, but when he finds out, he, along with everyone else, does what they can to help her. Nicely handled and the illustrations add to the warmth of the story.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro to the problem of illiteracy for kids.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to The Wednesday Surprise by Eve Bunting, but with much better art and much better writing.

[Valarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book about literacy, which adds a lot to the "local color" of the main characters' lives and developed their personalities without being too wordy for kids.

[Caroline Hancock]

This is a great book that helps children see that you never really stop learning. It would also be great to teach children that they can do anything they set their minds to.

[Tatum Edwards]

This is a great book for not just students of color to see themselves in, but also for students who have parents that don't know how to read. Reading is a hard thing to learn and this shows the value of learning the skill.