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Your Mama
A sweet twist on the age-old “yo mama” joke, celebrating fierce moms everywhere with playful lyricism and gorgeous illustrations. Perfect for Mother’s Day.
Yo’ mama so sweet, she could be a bakery. She dresses so fine, that she could have her clothing line. And, even when you mess up, she’s so forgiving that she lets you keep on living. Heartwarming and richly imagined, YOUR MAMA twists an old joke into a point of pride that honors the love, hard work, and dedication of mamas everywhere.
Yo’ mama so sweet, she could be a bakery. She dresses so fine, that she could have her clothing line. And, even when you mess up, she’s so forgiving that she lets you keep on living. Heartwarming and richly imagined, YOUR MAMA twists an old joke into a point of pride that honors the love, hard work, and dedication of mamas everywhere.
Hardcover
First published April 6, 2021
1 person is currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
NoNieqa Ramos
11 books167 followersNoNieqa Ramos is an educator and writer of picture books and young adult literature.
Their debut picture book YOUR MAMA illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara earned starred reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Kirkus. The Virginia Center for the Book selected YOUR MAMA as Virginia’s GREAT READ for 2021 highlighted by the Library of Congress’ Center for the Book at the National Book Festival. YOUr MAMA was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, a School Library Journal Best Picture Book of 2021, a Kirkus Best Picture Book of the 2021, and a National Council of English Books Notable Poetry Book.
They wrote THE DISTURBED GIRL’S DICTIONARY, a 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens, a 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection, and a 2019 In the Margins Award Top Ten pick. It earned starred reviews from Booklist, Voya, and Foreword.
Lilliam Rivera, author of DEALING in DREAMS, selected their sophomore YA novel THE TRUTH IS as a Bustle Book Club selection. Hip Latina included TTI in the “10 of the Best Latinx Young Adult Books of 2019.” Remezcla included TTI in the “15 Best Books by Latino and Latin American Authors of 2019.”
Lerner books released their picture book HAIR STORY illustrated by Keisha Morris, October 15th, 2021. Versify will publish BEAUTY WOKE illustrated by Paola Escobar, February 15th, 2022. NoNieqa is a proud member of Las Musas Books collective and the Soaring 20s PB debut group.
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Their debut picture book YOUR MAMA illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara earned starred reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Kirkus. The Virginia Center for the Book selected YOUR MAMA as Virginia’s GREAT READ for 2021 highlighted by the Library of Congress’ Center for the Book at the National Book Festival. YOUr MAMA was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, a School Library Journal Best Picture Book of 2021, a Kirkus Best Picture Book of the 2021, and a National Council of English Books Notable Poetry Book.
They wrote THE DISTURBED GIRL’S DICTIONARY, a 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens, a 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection, and a 2019 In the Margins Award Top Ten pick. It earned starred reviews from Booklist, Voya, and Foreword.
Lilliam Rivera, author of DEALING in DREAMS, selected their sophomore YA novel THE TRUTH IS as a Bustle Book Club selection. Hip Latina included TTI in the “10 of the Best Latinx Young Adult Books of 2019.” Remezcla included TTI in the “15 Best Books by Latino and Latin American Authors of 2019.”
Lerner books released their picture book HAIR STORY illustrated by Keisha Morris, October 15th, 2021. Versify will publish BEAUTY WOKE illustrated by Paola Escobar, February 15th, 2022. NoNieqa is a proud member of Las Musas Books collective and the Soaring 20s PB debut group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
November 20, 2020
Dearest Readers,
When I wrote YOUR MAMA, I wrote it knowing the irony that I didn’t actually have a mama. My dad raised me and my sister. He was my mother. So was my madrina who nurtured me and her own adopted children during summers in Baltimore at the Inner Harbor, all my Tias, who back then, were single parents themselves, and my Zia Cecilia, who was babysitter to me and ten other kids from Van Nest in the Bronx. My mother’s name was Papi, Clarissa, Carmen, Jessica, and Susan, and Cecilia.
When I look at Jackie Alcantara’s gorgeous fluid depiction of the young girl’s mom, I see a girl whose mother is the one who loves her profoundly and infinitely. Biology may or may not be a connection, but love definitely is. Her mom is the epitome of the Latinx moms I grew up with brilliant, creative, independent, powerful, sassy, fiercely loving.
Picture books and poetry are my first literary loves. The publication of my debut book YOUR MAMA has been a montage of dreams-come-true. I have been able to work with poet, educator, New York Times Bestselling and Newbery Award winner Kwame Alexander on his new imprint Versify! I’ve witnessed the life-changing effect of his work with my middle grade students, so it’s an immense honor to be part of his artistic mission to “change the world one word at a time.” And with work like Kip Wilson’s WHITE ROSE and all creations Raul the Third, they are doing it!
I jumped up and down when I found out the illustrator for YOUR MAMA would be Jacqueline Alcántara! I still remember standing in awe in a children’s bookstore and gazing at her dynamic work in THE FIELD, written by Baptiste Paul. Her second book FREEDOM SOUP, written by goddess Tami Charles, is displayed front and center in my Latinx kitchen library. Jackie’s illustrations for YOUR MAMA took my breath away. Her work amplified the spirit, the verve, the essence, and the fire of my words. I am so proud of this cover and fully intend on blowing it up to gigantic proportions and framing it--and trying to find me a pair of rose-covered black boots!
And from reina Jacqueline Alcántara herself: “I had only read through the first few stanzas of NoNieqa's manuscript when I got pings of excitement and started to imagine the characters' overall style, relationship, and adventures together! The words are filled with spirit, energy and love—there was so much I wanted to pour into this world. For the cover, I chose a moment when they are dancing, and this super cool, confident, beautiful mama and her child are filled with energy, reading each other’s next move. I chose to illustrate the moment juuuussttt before they touch hands (I often try to find great decisive moments to illustrate), because it is filled with so much anticipation and excitement, and it encourages readers to imagine what might happen next. It feels like the perfect place for this story to begin!”
Shout out to designer Andrea Miller who has fused both our work into a beautiful final product. Much love to my editor Erika Turner for her guidance, support, and passion for this project of my heart.
Now, the reviews are coming in, and I’m so HYPED to see what ya’ll think! And especially on this besieged planet, I’m profoundly hyped to reach young readers and celebrate them, their mamas, and their unique beautiful families.
When I wrote YOUR MAMA, I wrote it knowing the irony that I didn’t actually have a mama. My dad raised me and my sister. He was my mother. So was my madrina who nurtured me and her own adopted children during summers in Baltimore at the Inner Harbor, all my Tias, who back then, were single parents themselves, and my Zia Cecilia, who was babysitter to me and ten other kids from Van Nest in the Bronx. My mother’s name was Papi, Clarissa, Carmen, Jessica, and Susan, and Cecilia.
When I look at Jackie Alcantara’s gorgeous fluid depiction of the young girl’s mom, I see a girl whose mother is the one who loves her profoundly and infinitely. Biology may or may not be a connection, but love definitely is. Her mom is the epitome of the Latinx moms I grew up with brilliant, creative, independent, powerful, sassy, fiercely loving.
Picture books and poetry are my first literary loves. The publication of my debut book YOUR MAMA has been a montage of dreams-come-true. I have been able to work with poet, educator, New York Times Bestselling and Newbery Award winner Kwame Alexander on his new imprint Versify! I’ve witnessed the life-changing effect of his work with my middle grade students, so it’s an immense honor to be part of his artistic mission to “change the world one word at a time.” And with work like Kip Wilson’s WHITE ROSE and all creations Raul the Third, they are doing it!
I jumped up and down when I found out the illustrator for YOUR MAMA would be Jacqueline Alcántara! I still remember standing in awe in a children’s bookstore and gazing at her dynamic work in THE FIELD, written by Baptiste Paul. Her second book FREEDOM SOUP, written by goddess Tami Charles, is displayed front and center in my Latinx kitchen library. Jackie’s illustrations for YOUR MAMA took my breath away. Her work amplified the spirit, the verve, the essence, and the fire of my words. I am so proud of this cover and fully intend on blowing it up to gigantic proportions and framing it--and trying to find me a pair of rose-covered black boots!
And from reina Jacqueline Alcántara herself: “I had only read through the first few stanzas of NoNieqa's manuscript when I got pings of excitement and started to imagine the characters' overall style, relationship, and adventures together! The words are filled with spirit, energy and love—there was so much I wanted to pour into this world. For the cover, I chose a moment when they are dancing, and this super cool, confident, beautiful mama and her child are filled with energy, reading each other’s next move. I chose to illustrate the moment juuuussttt before they touch hands (I often try to find great decisive moments to illustrate), because it is filled with so much anticipation and excitement, and it encourages readers to imagine what might happen next. It feels like the perfect place for this story to begin!”
Shout out to designer Andrea Miller who has fused both our work into a beautiful final product. Much love to my editor Erika Turner for her guidance, support, and passion for this project of my heart.
Now, the reviews are coming in, and I’m so HYPED to see what ya’ll think! And especially on this besieged planet, I’m profoundly hyped to reach young readers and celebrate them, their mamas, and their unique beautiful families.
February 1, 2021
A joyful ode to beautiful, strong, hardworking, hilarious single mothers who are rich in all the ways that count. What a lovely way to turn the old "your mama" jokes on their heads! The illustrations are evocative, and full of movement, gorgeously depicting the love between a daughter and her mama.
January 15, 2021
YOUR MAMA deserves "two snaps, a circle, and a twist. Mad dap, a hug, and a kiss!" This playful, rhythmic riff on the classic "your mama" jokes is a testament to strong, single moms everywhere. Here's my favorite part: "I mean, it’s been years since she’s gone to the bathroom on her own or heard anything anybody’s saying on the phone. Wouldn’t it be nice to have couches that weren’t trampolines? Hey, a mama can dream." Anyone who's parented small children can relate. NoNieqa Ramos has crafted a lovely ode to mothers working hard to shape the next generation. Jaqueline Alcantara's soft, yet vibrant illustrations make this book a winner!
April 12, 2021
YOUR MAMA is a book I wish I had received when expecting any of my three kids. It is sweet, beautifully illustrated, and tugged at my mama heartstrings at the end. Reading it with my daughter felt empowering in an incredibly intimate and special moment.
I love the verses, the message, and the strength in the representation of the illustrations. Jacqueline Alcantara created a visual masterpiece. My daughter LOVES all the pictures and soaks them in as the words NoNieqa Ramos has written speak to my heart.
This should be the go to book to gift to any mom this Mother's Day and for any new moms in the days to come. I will be buying copies for all the Mamas that are dear to my heart.
I love the verses, the message, and the strength in the representation of the illustrations. Jacqueline Alcantara created a visual masterpiece. My daughter LOVES all the pictures and soaks them in as the words NoNieqa Ramos has written speak to my heart.
This should be the go to book to gift to any mom this Mother's Day and for any new moms in the days to come. I will be buying copies for all the Mamas that are dear to my heart.
April 4, 2021
This book had me tearing up one moment, and laughing the next. What a powerful tribute to fierce mamas everywhere. Featuring bold, lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations reminiscent of tattoo artistry, it celebrates the deep bond between mother and child, and sets a stellar example of divine female strength for the next generation.
April 7, 2021
Y' know what? I'm giving this the full five stars. It is amazing, and everyone should read it. I found an ebook at one of my libraries but I can tell that it's even more glorious in paper.
April 14, 2021
The relationships between mothers and their children can be complicated. The older you get, the more often you will do or say something and think "I've become my mother." Sometimes, it is those little things which nearly drive you crazy, that you find yourself now doing. Other times, their daily feats, you realize, are as close to superhero as mere mortals can get. Or in the category of prophecy, those things they wished for you are a realty.
In a word, mothers are a miracle. They are your biggest and most constant cheerleaders.
Not everyone can agree on their origin, but most can agree the "yo' mama" jokes have been spoken for decades, if not centuries. As soon as everyone reads Your Mama (Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, April 6, 2021) written by NoNieqa Ramos with illustrations by Jacqueline Alcantara, they will quickly discover these fiery, shout-out-loud words and vibrant, colorful images are a tribute to mothers for everything they are. They stand large in our lives, knitting all threads together to form a thing of love we wear with us wherever we go.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
In a word, mothers are a miracle. They are your biggest and most constant cheerleaders.
Not everyone can agree on their origin, but most can agree the "yo' mama" jokes have been spoken for decades, if not centuries. As soon as everyone reads Your Mama (Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, April 6, 2021) written by NoNieqa Ramos with illustrations by Jacqueline Alcantara, they will quickly discover these fiery, shout-out-loud words and vibrant, colorful images are a tribute to mothers for everything they are. They stand large in our lives, knitting all threads together to form a thing of love we wear with us wherever we go.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
January 18, 2021
Put simply, I love the representation in this book. It's a celebration of not just motherhood, but strong, capable, empowered, single motherhood. So many picture books feature families that children can't identify with or don't see in their own lives. YO MAMA offers a version of family that needs to be shown more often. Jacqueline Alcantara's vibrant illustrations incorporate tattoo motifs while showing the bond between a mother and daughter, and Ramos's rhythmic, Nuyorican text--- a loving twist on the "yo mama" joke--- is a new and necessary tribute to mothers everywhere.
February 22, 2021
Oh, what a beautiful celebration of motherhood and love! Full of exuberant energy, YOUR MAMA by NoNieqa Ramos is a joyous nod to the strength, style and sweetness of one spectacular single mama who lives a full and passionate life, continually amazing her proud daughter. The love between mother and daughter is further brought to life by Jacqueline Alcantara's expressive and vibrant illustrations. I love this book and all it represents.
May 12, 2021
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. Such wonderful verse, beautiful illustrations, and an amazing message that's going to resonate for so many kids and their families.
February 17, 2021
What a love song and beautiful poem for mothers about mothers! This book is a symphony in slang and the rhythmic quality makes it so much fun to read. The humor comes from a funny riff of the classic "Your mama" jokes, but this book never takes the usual negative turn, instead, this book is filled with powerful messages and positive images! And most of all it is beaming with love - the bright, unconditional love from a mother and from their daughters.
March 5, 2021
WEPA!! This book is so much fun to read aloud. An ode to multifaceted, hardworking, strong single mamas everywhere, YOUR MAMA is a breath of fresh air. You can feel the love between the girl and her mama in the words as well as the rich illustrations by Jacqueline Alcantara. And I love that the mama in this story shows her love in a multitude of ways: doing thoughtful things for her kid, but also modeling for her daughter what a social, fun, independent woman looks like. Five stars.
February 23, 2021
I ADORE this book with its rich, lyrical, playful, expressive language, its lively illustrations, and that it centers MAMA - the woman who's so sweet, so strong, dressed so fine, so funny, "so forgiving she lets you keep on living" (after you mess with her makeup). I love that the book focuses on the strong, loving relationship between mother and child, and the admiration the child has for her mother without feeling like a story that's all about the parent. It's difficult to pick a favorite line in a book that drips with voice and where every syllable is essential, but here's just a sample: "That's how she slays birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, weekends, vacays, getaways. You can hardly wait. She's got road trips whipped, and that's not even the half of it." The text makes me want to read the book over and over again, plus everything else that NoNieqa Ramos ever wrote. SWOON!
February 26, 2021
Author NoNieqa Ramos gives us a modern love poem to mamas everywhere in this sweet spin on those old "your mama" jokes. "Your mama so sweet," "Your mama so strong." Her powerful yet lyrical language paired with the gorgeous color palette and stunning illustrations of Jacqueline Alcantara, make this debut book a piece of art. A celebration of the mother-daughter bond, with Latinx representation, all while giving credit where it's due--to your mama!
March 2, 2021
"Your Mama" is a picture book that celebrates the strength, beauty and love of moms. The story is told in a series of "your mama" statements - a play on the "your mama" jokes that readers of all ages will recognize. But instead of one-upping insults, each spread of "Your Mama" explodes with adorations and affirmations for the bold mommas of the world. In prose that breathes, pulses and sings with joy, and artwork incredibly chic and vivid, "Your Mama" is a gorgeous, memorable and deeply moving picture book.
May 2, 2021
As a public school educator, I find this book so inspiring for my youngest learners. Many of my students are being raised by a single mother and this book, in my opinion, speaks to the power women have, regardless of circumstances, to raise strong and civic minded children. We as women should support, lift up, and strive for a society that respects and values the strength women provide to their families and communities. Your Mama is just that, a beautiful testament to women who are diverse, beautiful, and strong.
January 15, 2021
YOUR MAMA is a genuine love letter from a daughter to her mother.
The characters and the book ooze cool, sass, style, and swagger. With illustrations that nod at a tattoo design, a young girl shares all her mother’s amazing qualities. Devoid of saccharine cliché this ode to a hip mama is all #truth. YOUR MAMA is a tall black boot wearing, library visiting, whip up a party, amazing #latinx parent, and readers will love finding their own parent in the pages.
The characters and the book ooze cool, sass, style, and swagger. With illustrations that nod at a tattoo design, a young girl shares all her mother’s amazing qualities. Devoid of saccharine cliché this ode to a hip mama is all #truth. YOUR MAMA is a tall black boot wearing, library visiting, whip up a party, amazing #latinx parent, and readers will love finding their own parent in the pages.
January 30, 2021
A richly rhythmic picture book, this twist on an old joke is the perfect surprise celebration of hard-working mothers, for those who know what it takes and for those that need reminding. The expressive illustrations reflect the tempo and flow of this engaging tribute, an ode of praise to those who will always love you more.
May 13, 2021
Will read over and over with my kids! Such a positive message and fun to read together:)
April 30, 2021
This is a symphony to empowered, empathic, energetic Moms, especially this very specific Latina Mama and daughter. Together they celebrate their own strengths and the many ways they are talented, brilliant, eye-catching and eager to share their love and light with the world.
The yrical, rhythmic, nearly musical language blends with images that lift off the page and invite close inspection. This is a tremendously fun and FAB-U-LOUS festival of female futures, sparking smiles, dreams, and love among readers, whether those readers are familiar with Latin cultures and languages or not.
Brilliant!
The yrical, rhythmic, nearly musical language blends with images that lift off the page and invite close inspection. This is a tremendously fun and FAB-U-LOUS festival of female futures, sparking smiles, dreams, and love among readers, whether those readers are familiar with Latin cultures and languages or not.
Brilliant!
May 3, 2021
YOUR MAMA is a love poem dedicated to hardworking mom's everywhere. It's a unique and creative take on the old "your mama" joke and turns it into a celebration of mothers and all that makes them who they are. The poem is written from the perspective of the young daughter who wants to share how sensational her mom is with the reader. I think both mothers, and their children, will relate to the two main characters, and the ultimate joy and love this book brings about. The illustrations add a creative take to the text, incorporating them into the pictures so word and art blend together. In all this is a heartwarming addition to any library, or perfect gift for a strong mom or motherly figure in your life.
July 26, 2021
An elegant ode to Mama's everywhere!
Mama's are all that and them some. "She strong, like a marine." and "so woke, she takes all you kids when she votes." NoNieqa Ramos has pinned a magnificent picture book, which expresses the love, adoration and care of Mama's and Mama figures. Your Mama encompasses poignant and richly poetic text with Jacqueline Alcantara's delightfully joyous illustrations. Combined, NoNieqa and Jacqueline have crafted a positive and uplifting spin on the old school 'Your Mama' joke. They've created a beautiful ode to all that Mama's and Mama figures do, which is "ever-ry-thang'!!
Mama's are all that and them some. "She strong, like a marine." and "so woke, she takes all you kids when she votes." NoNieqa Ramos has pinned a magnificent picture book, which expresses the love, adoration and care of Mama's and Mama figures. Your Mama encompasses poignant and richly poetic text with Jacqueline Alcantara's delightfully joyous illustrations. Combined, NoNieqa and Jacqueline have crafted a positive and uplifting spin on the old school 'Your Mama' joke. They've created a beautiful ode to all that Mama's and Mama figures do, which is "ever-ry-thang'!!
January 28, 2021
What a great picture book! I was pleasantly surprised by the energy and vibrancy instilled in both the text and the art. It's a super fun, mom empowering and modern twist on the old “your mama” jokes. It acknowledges and celebrates every moms’ love, hard work, dedication and patience. It resonated with me on so many levels er spreads. The one about the couch/trampoline had me laughing out loud. A must read!
February 8, 2021
This book is a beautiful and touching tribute to all the strong, capable, dedicated single moms who fight injustice, find joy in life, and make sure all is provided with absolute love, care, and dedication. This story is full of love between a daughter and a mother with beautiful text and vibrant illustrations. This book portrays a single mom’s multi-faceted life and roles with a perfect mix of power and love and joy.
April 6, 2021
Your Mama by NoNieqa Ramos, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara, is such a beautiful tribute to beautiful, strong, hard-working Mamas everywhere. It takes the familiar "yo mama" jokes and re-envisions them in this lyrical picture book. I loved every bit of it, from Ramos' snappy verses to Alcántara's stunning illustrations. I loved it!!
January 31, 2021
Do not confuse this #debutpicturebook with those crass insults you remember from middle school. Instead this is a heartfelt tribute to mothers and the love they give to their children. With such lines as “Your mama dress so fine, she could have her own clothing line,” you’ll be celebrating, not shaming, the mothers in your life after reading it.
May 7, 2021
Wow! This book! What a lovely tribute to Mamas everywhere. From that stunning cover by Alcántara to the opening scene, I knew I would fall for this book. Ramos' lyrical prose sets the tone for a mother and daughter bond that is beautiful and strong. The two have fun and Mama is a force taking on the world with her daughter at her side. I love, love, love this book!
February 22, 2021
This book! From the flap copy, "Your mama so sweet, she could be a bakery, all frosting, powdered sugar, and pastries." *This book* is so sweet, full of voice, representation, English sprinkled with Spanish, tattoo-influenced typography, joy, and love. Love this collaboration between debut picture book author NoNieqa Ramos and illustrator Jacquelina Alcántara.
March 8, 2021
This book is so beautiful and lyrical and fierce. A modern powerful tribute to moms everywhere that do it all. Such rawness and authenticity. The language is fun and nuanced sure to make an enjoyable read-aloud. Gorgeous illustrations. I can see children wanting to extend the story by making up their own verses about their mama.
May 17, 2021
A hip and happening look at a very modern mama and all of the amazing things she does to care for her beloved daughter. Lots of slang and Spanish vocab words in this one, which may ring true for some young readers and confuse others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews