Customer Reviews

Coming on Home Soon

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There it is again. That old familiar cynicism that comes when I see a virtually unknown book win a prestigious award. In this particular case I'm referring to "Coming On Home Soon" by Jacqueline Woodson. A touching intimate portrait of a girl suffering a separation from her parent, the book won the enviable Caldecott Honor. So does it deserve it? Which is to say, does it deserve to be remembered, in some part, for decades to come? Well, let's just say that my cynical first viewing of the story revealed this to be a surprisingly sensitive picture book. This is one of those perfect meldings of picture and language. A truly touching and lovely work to enjoy.

In the midst of World War II, black women have an unprecedented chance to work various jobs up North in Chicago while the men are away fighting. So Ada Ruth's mama is off to take a chance. She's leaving her daughter with Grandma and will be back when she's made enough money for the three of them. This is hard on her little daughter but she writes regularly to her mother and hopes for the best. She even finds a kitten to adopt, though Grandma keeps telling her not to get too attached to it. Through the rain, then the snow, as the months pass and time goes by Ada Ruth keeps track of the time and is finally rewarded, one day, with a most precious letter.

It's odd for me to write out the plot of the story. Having read through it, I was under the distinct impression that it was a deeply involved story. And to some extent, it is. But it's not easy to summarize. Maybe that's because Woodson's prose is so deft and practical. She peppers the story with emotional moments and unconscious details of what it was like to live in the past. There are gutsy choices in the text as well. In one two-page spread we see Ada Ruth lying on her side with her kitten and just two little words, "Time passes". There's a sentimentality here that never becomes cloying or too cute. This is an author who has figured out how to be touching without striking a single dishonest chord. If you find yourself unaccountably moved by the end, it really shouldn't strike you as peculiar, considering the Woodson's talent.

And of course there are the illustrations of E.B.... (no, not the "Charlotte's Web" author) to contend with. This entire story could be defined simply through White's use of light. When mama is preparing to leave, it's raining outside, giving the scene a damp chill glow. When Ada and grandma are walking outside in the snow, the overcast sky dapples everything a uniform gray. And when Ada sits at her little table with a comforting cup of hot cocoa and two biscuits before her, the sunlight through the window is bright and cheery. But my favorite image in the book is the last. Though we never see the tearful reunion between mama and her relatives, the last picture shows her approaching the run down but sturdy home in the snow. There's something about the house and the setting and the small figure of mama that I am certain will be deeply burned into many a youngster's brain for years and years to come. It's the happy ending they'll all want, but within a shockingly realistic setting.

So a big round of applause to the Caldecott committee for selecting this lovely little winner. If you're looking for a picture book of historical fiction, I can think of no better tale than the winning, "Coming On Home Soon". As enjoyable to read as it is stunning to page through. A true bit of picture book class.

I purchased this book because The Other Side is by far my favorite book to teach my elementary students with. We read it at least five times a year and each time we are able to gain a deeper understanding. Jacqueline Woodson and her illustrator have created another book I will use over and over. Coming On Home Soon is a great story that will allow me to discuss history, letter writing and many comprehension strategies with my students!

Gorgeously illustrated, beautifully and simply narrated, effectively conveys the emotions of the lead character, captures the everyday life of women of color during World War II.

This marvellously written and invitingly illustrated picture book is already a favorite. The spare, meaningful story coupled with the expressive paintings tell a story that is at the same time filled with tension and uncertainty, along with love and assurance. We know that Mama's decision to journey up to Chicago to work on the railroad was a hard one to make, and we know that Ada Ruth and Grandma will have a hard and uncertain time in her absence. We also know that Mama will return, and that there will be joy in their tiny home when she does. The final illustration, showing Mama's back as she heads toward the house, warms the heart; you can almost feel the hugs that will begin as soon as she walks in the door.

Jacqueline Woodson knows just how to tug at the heartstrings. When Mama's letter arrives, after so many days of the mailman bypassing the house, there is almost breathless anticipation as Grandma whispers, "Thank you, Lord." At this point as I'm reading the book to my kids, I have to stop and compose myself. This is a powerful book that demands to be read again and again. My daughter is constantly asking to read "the book where Mom gets a job." I eagerly pick it up and pull her onto my lap. And we hug. "Thank you, Lord."

Coming on Home Soon is a wonderful story about a young girl Ada Ruth dealing with separation from her mother. The story is set in a time of war and her mother leaves to find work in Chicago. Ada Ruth meanwhile stays at home with her grandmother and they both miss mama very much. While waiting for a letter from mama saying she is coming on home soon a small surprise arrives at their door. This surprise helps Ada Ruth and grandma cope with the emptiness they feel in their hearts. Finally Ada Ruth and grandma receive a letter that mama is coming on home soon.

This story is heart breaking because you can feel the sadness in Ada Ruth's heart. She misses her mother terribly and she waits so patiently for her return. Finally when mama returns home the story becomes a heartwarming reunion.

My 5 year old daughter brought the above book home from school. The book is about war/hardship and the need to earn a living. Although well written, who in their right mind wants to teach their son or daughter about the hardship(s) of life at the tender age of 5 or 6. How about rainbows/happy thoughts/optimism/being thankful...? Not war/hardship/lack of a father figure and a mother travelling to Chicago to earn a living. With books like this coming home in the hands of a 5 year old, it's no wonder more and more folks in this country are home schooling their children...

A deeply moving story of love between a child and her mom.

Drawings are pieces of art.

I read it to my 5 and [...]daughters... supposedly! I enjoyed it much more than they did.

Coming On Home Soon

By Jacqueline Woodson Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

War ruins everything! At least that's what Ada Ruth thinks.

The book Coming On Home Soon is about a little girl named Ada Ruth. Her mom has to go get a job far away to get more money while World War II is going on. Sad Ada Ruth has to stay with her Grandma.

Ada Ruth is determined to keep writing to her mom even though she is not writing back. I think this book is really good but is also sad. I would recommend this book to people who are close with their family.

I think Jacqueline Woodson is a fabulous author and E.B. Lewis did a great job on the paintings. If you had or even have a loved one in war you should read this book!

By Julia P