In Our Mothers' House

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Polacco, Patricia. 2009. In our mothers’ house. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 9780399250767

PLOT SUMMARY

A woman reflects on her life with two mothers. She narrates events she and her siblings experienced as they were growing up, showing appreciation for their unorthodox yet loving family.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Patricia Polacco is a talented, award winning author and illustrator. Many of her books address controversial subjects. In Our Mothers’ House is one such book. However, unlike most of Polacco’s books, this text fails to record realistic scenarios with sincere conflicts and character development. Still, she captures the emotion found in a loving home with two mothers.

Marmee and Meema represent two successful women who share a home and a family of adopted children. However, Polacco’s illustrations stereotype these women as being extremely masculine from the very short hair to men’s style clothing. A common stereotype included in the illustrations is that lesbians choose slip-on clogs style shoes such as Birkenstocks, which Meema often wears. The mothers’ occupations are both in the medical field; the narrator highlights their intellect and skill as applied in the home.

The children in the story come from vastly different birth parents. The difference in appearance (skin tone, hair type and color) makes no difference in their home. Certain characteristics are celebrated such as Millie’s artistic ability.

On the contrasting side, the neighbor, Mrs. Lockner, disapproves of the mothers’ lifestyle. Rather than showing that in a civilized way, she makes a fool of herself with her actions and expressions. Not all people who disagree with this lifestyle act in such a way. To be more accurate, Polacco could have included another character with Mrs. Lockner’s opinion yet a loving spirit.

This family most definitely interacts with people of other cultures and family arrangements. Their neighborhood houses representatives from numerous cultures and customs. These families’ heritage is associated with a food product, possibly as a way to give the reader a piece of common ground with which to connect to each ethnic group.

The narrator mentions that the family lives in Berkeley, California. While the setting does not make or break the story, it causes one to wonder if it is set in such a place because a home with two mothers or two dads is common in this area. The story could have been set in numerous other places without detracting from the credibility of the story.

An advantage of the story being set in this particular area is the diversity found in California. It is likely that families from multiple cultures would reside on a single block.

As is the norm in her books, Polacco illustrated this book. While not meant to be photograph-type illustrations but more playful, Polacco captures the emotion of the characters with each page. Most of the characters’ appearances remain the same from page to page. However, I found it odd that Meema and Marmee have a different appearance on each page. Their facial features and body sized vary quite often. At the beginning of the book, I had a difficult time distinguishing between the two.

The literary quality of In Our Mothers’ House pales in comparison with Polacco’s other books. This story is a reflection from the point of view of an unnamed daughter. The book contains a non-linear plot format; there is no conflict that is dealt with and resolved. The single conflict stems from the rude neighbor and is just ignored. Polacco could have strengthened both her plot and her intent with the book by having Meema and Marmee confront Mrs. Lockner. I think readers would appreciate that.

Even though the text is missing a strong plot, it certainly has a strong emotional appeal. Readers will enjoy the camaraderie between the neighbors, the siblings, and the extended family. As I was reading, I felt the enjoyment of the block party right along with the residents of Woolsey Street. I also felt sadness when the narrator mentioned the passing of the grandfather and later the mothers.

Polacco saw a need for a book that celebrates a non-traditional yet loving family after visiting and speaking in schools around the country. Children with families similar to the one portrayed in this story will appreciate the representation in literature.

AWARDS AND REVIEWS

ALA Rainbow List, 2010

“The oldest of three adopted children recalls her childhood with mothers Marmee and Meema, as they raised their African American daughter, Asian American son, and Caucasian daughter in a lively, supportive neighborhood. Filled with recollections of family holidays, rituals, and special moments, each memory reveals loving insight.” –Booklist, 2009

“The placement of the title's possessive apostrophe here is no typo: Two mothers own this house, and they have filled it with lots of love. Unfortunately, while this ambitious picture book seeks to offer an inclusive vision of family, it ultimately comes up short… The distillation of hate into a single character undermines the reality of systematic oppression faced by same-sex couples; furthermore, the flash-forward narration depicting each child grown and married into heterosexual, monoracial unions ironically presents this family as an anomaly. There is a desperate need for books that present queer families as just another part of the American quilt, but this title, despite its obvious good intentions, doesn't do it.” –Kirkus Reviews, 2009

CONNECTIONS

Reflection of Your Life

In Our Mothers’ House is a reflection of the eldest child’s life and loving home. Write your own reflection of events that describe who your family is. Include, too, what you think your family life will include in the future. Use your reflection to create your own picture book complete with a title and illustrations.

Create Your Own Plot

This book is a non-linear reflection of a young girls’ experience in a home with two mothers and no dad. Including the characters already introduced, rewrite this story to include a linear plot with conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. (Note: The conflict does not have to include ONLY the character already mentioned.) Be creative in your endeavors!

Creativity in the Kitchen

In Meema and Marmee’s house, the kitchen is the center of all the action. Cooking is very important to this family. Polacco includes the mention of several food items, common in both this family and neighborhood families. What 1-2 recipes are common in your family? Bring a family favorite, a written recipe, and a story telling the significance of this treat.