Independent Reading Level: K - 3rd Grade
Awards: Caldecott Honor Award (1983)

A Chair for my Mother is a story about a hard-working family that didn't have much. Mama works at a restaurant and each day she puts her coins in a jar. When the jar is full, they are going to buy a new chair since they lost everything they had in a house fire. The little girls tells the story of their house burning down and how they had to start over. People were so generous in giving them items for their home, but they sure missed their comfy chair. Finally, the jar was full and it was time to go furniture shopping. They found the perfect chair and were able to bring it home.

A story of a little girl and her family saving money to buy a new chair after their family lost everything in a fire. Through hard work and time they save enough money to buy a new chair. ( )

This is a heart-warming book, telling the story of a little girl and her family who were saving up for a new furniture, specifically a chair, due to their old furniture, and everything else they owned, burning up in a terrible fire. Her mother worked at a restaurant and sometimes the little girl was encouraged to help her there, earning some money herself, by doing small tasks. Though it took a while to save up from their combined hard work of their family, it ended up paying off, as they eventually earned enough money to buy a beautiful chair-one they had been hoping and dreaming for. This story also displays a great example of how family and community members empathized with each other and donated items in which were needed, in order to help regain what was lost in their tragedy. Another quality about this story I found particularly impressive, is that the tone of the story was not dreary or saddening. The emotions and backgrounds of young children were really kept in mind as this story could have resonated with some children in a very negative way. Instead, the author chose to create a positive overall tone, which stressed the outcome that hard work and patience is rewarded. The illustrations also matched this positive tone, which also made the book feel very connected and drew you back to the theme. ( )

Warning for parents: book contains memories and discussions about a house fire - nobody is hurt, but some children may find it scary or disturbing. Read it first and think about how to approach it with your child before sharing it.

Wonderful story full of great illustrations and opportunities to talk with your kid! I love the theme of saving up money for something you really want/need. Also the community and family support after the fire makes for great conversation and immediately lessens the stress or fear that may occur to small listeners or readers.

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