A young Black girl feels lucky to “have seven Big Mamas and seven houses, one for every day of the week.” When her mother stays late at work or travels for her job, the girl spends time in the homes of Black women who are friends or relatives of her family. She does specific things with each of them: sings songs in Spanish, French, and Igbo with Miss Zikora; beats out the answers to her math questions on pots and pans with Aunt Lily; and counts the change from Lil Jackie’s tip jar. Each of the women inspire the girl to think of careers she’d like to pursue, motivated by their interests and examples. This upbeat and affirming story concludes with the celebratory potluck meal they all share when Mama comes home again. In a final note, the author describes the cast of women who raised her and the unique perspectives they offered on how to be a Black woman. Stylized illustrations showcasing easily identifiable characters feature bold black lines and saturated colors. Highly Commended, 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center    (Ages 3-7)

A gorgeously illustrated picture book that is a powerful love letter to chosen families and the village that raises us. A young girl basks in the love of her community--which includes not only her mother but the many different women who make up her world.

Home can be a blue house with white trim you share with your mama. But it can be bigger than that, with lots of Big Mamas to take care of you when your mom works—different houses for every day of the week. Mondays mean Nurse Louella and bike riding. Tuesdays mean eating fufu with your fingers with Miss Zikora. And Wednesdays . . . well, no matter where you are, as long as you are with your Big Mamas, you are home.

A girl basks in the warmth of her community in this powerful love letter to chosen families and the villages that raise us, from Pushcart Prize-winning author Shay Youngblood and popular illustrator Lo Harris.