In My Momma's Kitchen: A Story of African-American Family Gathering, Celebration, and Bonds for Kids

by Jerdine Nolen, Colin Bootman (Illustrator)

From Talking Pots Day, when the aunts all gather to make the biggest pot of soup in town, to gathering round Gran Lee's stove on a cold winter afternoon, to serenades and stories late at night, when the rest of the world is asleep, "seems like everything good that happens in my house happens in my momma's kitchen." A celebration of African-American families and mommas everywhere, In My Momma's Kitchen tells the story of a year's events in everybody's favorite room. From Talking Pots Day, when the aunts all gather to make the biggest pot of soup in town, to serenades and stories late at night, when the rest of the world is asleep, "seems like everything good that happens in my house happens in my momma's kitchen." A celebration of African-American life and the bonds that unite all families, generation after generation.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, African American, Childrens, Literature

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one gave me big childhood nostalgia.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story begins with,"seems like everything good that happens in my house happens in my momma's kitchen." This book tells the story of an African American family who celebrate life and love in the kitchen of a girl's mother's kitchen. Many will make a connection to the story line. In
African American culture, the kitchen has long been the gathering place for friends and families. In the book, the kitchen is a place where Aunts gather to cook and where Momma and Daddy dance and show their love for one another. A great book about tradition and culture in the African American family. Lovely illustrations.

[Ngoc Dang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows traditions. The kitchen is an important place for most family and that is where traditions are. Children can talk/write about the traditions they have in there family and see if the tradition started in the kitchen. This book also shows the involvement of family. I would send this book home for family to read with each other. I think the illustrations of how loving the family are to each other will warm someone's heart.

[Liliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful family book to read to children. This book talks about different family events that have occurred in the family kitchen. The family events range from weddings to making yummy corn pudding.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kitchen is the heart of the house. It's where family gathers to cook together and reminisce. It's where mishaps turn into humor. It's where mock weddings with toy dolls take place, and corn pudding is made. Family recipes get handed from one generation to the next.

Sorta sappy, but it's ok.

[Keri Murcray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this great short collection of stories from the kitchen...so sweet!

[Brantay Q. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me of my childhood!

[Tracyp · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute and funny!

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a strong dislike for short stories.

[Ellina Anisimova · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't my favorite from the Fountas and Pinnell reading curriculum. I scratched my head on how to discuss the book with my class. The book was long and I noticed my students weren't as engaged as with other books. The story took place in the kitchen so I was able to ask students if they ever helped their family cook, but overall, the book was told in episodes, each page much different than the last.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good diversity book to have in the classroom. I really liked this book, and enjoyed the story line. I would recommend this book to a classroom in a diverse school, and in a not-so-diverse school. good read.

From Publishers Weekly
"Seems like everything good that happens in my house happens in my momma's kitchen," begins the young narrator of this cozy picture-book collection of vignettes, set, appropriately, in the kitchen. There the girl's older sister, Nadene, announces she's won a scholarship to college; her aunts gather to cook and chat on "Talking Pots Day"; and Daddy sings "La Cucaracha" and does the cha-cha as he makes corn pudding. Employing her talent for comfortably paced storytelling and evocative description, Nolen (Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm) uses one- to three-page scenarios to evoke the rhythms and rituals of a close-knit, dynamic African-American family. Whether describing "Gran Lee," the old hand-me-down stove Momma would never part with, or a curious pet cat, Nolen's subtle details add color and depth to the proceedings. Bootman's (Oh, No, Toto!) softly lit, realistic oil portraits match the text's warm mood, capturing many tender moments between the narrator and her relatives. Art and text work together to transport readers to a place where abundant love and sweet memories are staples of daily fare. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fiction book tells the story of different family gatherings, celebrations, and events that happen in the home of an African American family. It includes Talking Pot Day, Nighttime Serenades, time spent with the great aunt, etc. It tells of traditions and bonds that keep families united.

Nolen uses a creative way to tell the story of African-American celebrations and gatherings. It is a great depiction of African-American culture and family. Rather than just providing just one scenario, she gives several events and gatherings which gives the readers for options in which they can relate to the text. Creativity was exuding in the book with short stories like "Talking Pots" and "First in Line" that adds excitement and imagination to the story, which is good for any young reader. The illustrations are beautiful and so realistic. This book will be a fun and interesting read that is appropriate for children of all ages.

[La'bria Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In My Momma's Kitchen is a collection of short stories that all relate to family unity with the setting of each story involving the family kitchen. Each story contains different emotions or sentiments that children of all ages can relate to. The true to life illustrations enhance the message of each story while helping bring the stories to life. Jerdine Nolen has done an excellent job in producing a children's book that promotes family solidarity, and gives tribute to the traditions that African Americans have within "momma's kitchens."

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

In My Momma's Kitchen, a little girl talks about all the warm-and-fuzzy events that happen in her family's kitchen. She tells little passages about her aunts coming over to make soup, her dad's corn pudding, and so much more.

This book totally talks about family traditions that people can relate to in some shape or form, regardless if they occur in a kitchen or not. This would be a good book to discuss while learning about not only family traditions, but cultural identity. Students could brainstorm and write about their own family traditions.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a collection of anecdotes about one child's kitchen. It incorporates all elements of her family life by connecting them to this central gathering place in her home. It would lend well to a writing piece for children about the most important room in their own home. The writing is stellar and the illustrations are comfortingly warm and lifelike. They really convey emotion.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because of how it portrayed a close-knit family. I always look for positive role models like this in children's books, particularly black families as my children are trans-racially adopted.

[Lorraine Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be used for:
- Positive African American representation of family
- Incorporating songs in stories
- Multiple narratives that connect to one main concept
- Great illustrations
- Demonstrate circular text
- Demonstrate personal narrative

[Emily Patton]

Sweet, relatable to life growing up at home. Especially could be window or mirror for black and white children alike- window if grew up in home with poverty or lacking family, but mirror if had family and times like that

[Tracy Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this and enjoyed it so much I read it out-loud to my 12 year old son. He got caught up in the love and nostalgia right along with me. His comment was that he wished we were part of their family too.

[Marjorie Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with short stories about different wonderful events that take place in Mama's kitchen...the acceptance letter for the first in the family to go to college, daddy cooking even playing.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully nostalgic collection of short stories which detail why the kitchen is the most loved room in the house. The comfy writing style and lovely illustrations make this a perfect bedtime story.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 star book

Perfect. short, one and two page stories of what happens in momma's kitchen. love, mostly. a gentle and life affirming book.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir book study - this is a cute memoir with all of the stories revolving around events that happen in the kitchen. Good for older students.

[Mandy Leblanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to share with students for small moment persoanl narratives.

[Bookjeannnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wonderful, I cried.

[Shay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was one of the first I re-read many times and got me into reading. I had many, but the beauty of this one is pure.