Always My Dad

by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Raúl Colón (Illustrator)

Illustrated in full color. Though Dad moves around a lot and his jobs keep changing, a young girl and her brother hold fast to memories of his magical, unexpected visits in this portrait of an African-American family held together by a special bond of love.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Family, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 1994

Reviews

[Emma Berdiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always My Dad tells the story of a girl who dreams of seeing her father. She knows that work takes him away, but wherever he is, doing whatever he is doing, she knows he is always her dad. This book was very cute and the illustrations did a great job also telling the story. This book is very relatable for young children dealing with the same issues. I am now away at college which is a little different then my dad not seeing me because of work but I don't see him often and this book made me miss him extra.

[Emma Vargo · Rating 4 out of 5]

K-2nd fiction
A relatable story for any child whose parents are divorced or one is not around. Bittersweet and sad in its truths, a good story to read to young children who may be missing their own parent.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl misses her dad, as he is always moving around and changing jobs. One summer she and her brothers spend time in the country with her grandparents. Her dad visits and the family enjoys their time together.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a tender little story! It's impossible not to feel connected to the characters.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relatable and touching read that sheds light on single parent home or the absence.

[Sarah Rosati · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Always My Dad' follows the experiences of a young African-American girl with a father who is often absent from the lives of her and her younger brothers. As the mother drops off all of her children at a farm belonging to their paternal grandparents, the young girl shares the frustration that she feels as a consequence of seeing her father periodically and yet without notice. During one lazy night on the porch, the girl sees her father walking onto the property with a flashlight. The pair spends the next glorious days playing, laughing, and exploring- catching fireflies, running around without shoes, and going out for refreshments on a hot summer day. However, just as suddenly as he comes the father tells the children that he must once again move on. The mystery that is her father is reflected in the magical and dreamlike illustrations, dramatic in mood and movement. There is a sense of sadness throughout the story as it honestly addresses the issues that children of largely absent parents face every day, yet ultimately the young girl consoles herself with the notion that love is patient and that her father cares deeply for her whether or not he is present in the flesh. This story will help validate and comfort those children who find themselves in similar situations, and will further encourage children who have no direct experience with this situation to understand that there is more to the extent of a family's love then may reach the eye.

[Michael Claudius]

Always My Dad is great book dealing with the families topic. The author Sharon Dennis Wyeth is part of the group represented which is African American and her own memories are represented within the word choice. This book is a realistic fiction and is developmentally appropriate for young aged children in an elementary setting. The illustrations within this book where drawn with thought, warm, and snatch the reader's attention throughout. The little girl loves her father dearly but she only gets to see him every once in a while. When her father comes back in town they do everything together: like brush their teeth, drink sodas, and play games together. When its time for him to leave they share a love locking ahug, durable enough to last until the next time they see each other. This book is a heart moving and honest story about a father who not always around, but still manages to do everything he can and love his children no matter the circumstances.

[Kacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why this book? This adds to the collection of family books that address a non-traditional family with a main character who is African-American.

Genre: Picture Books

Theme/Keywords: Fathers, Non-traditional families, Parents

Characteristics of quality: Well supported characters, familiar ideas and colorful, realistic settings

Special Features: Illustrated in texturized pastels, the book features colorful pictures with movement and emotion

Gender of primary character: Female

Race/ethnicity of primary character: African-American

Cultural considerations: African-American family featured in a rural setting

Language considerations: Written in English the book features simple sentences and phrases.

Open Ended Question: Why does the girl in the book think her father may be somewhere on the farm?

[Kalesa Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Always My Dad" is about a little girl who's father is often absent from her life. When she visits her paternal grandparents her father comes to spend time with her and her siblings. After a few days he tells the children he must go again. The little girls frustration is evident and she decides that even though her father is gone often she still loves him and he loves her.

This book would be a great read aloud. The illustrations are beautiful. It connects with students who are in a similar situation as the little girl and also helps students realize that there is a more deeper love in a family.

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story about a little girl and her brothers and how they miss their father who doesn't live with them. The story shows the children interacting with their dad when he visits the farm and how he loves his kids even though he can't be there all the time. An excellent book to discuss non-traditional families and divorced parents.

The illustrations are in natural pastels and are scraped for texture.