Coming+On+Home+Soon




 * Biographical Information: **
 * Title || Coming on Home Soon

[|//Caldecott Honor Book//] ||
 * Author || [|Jacqueline Woodson]  ||
 * Illustrated by || Earl Bradley Lewis ||
 * Edition || illustrated ||
 * Publisher || PUTNAM CHILDREN, 2004 ||
 * ISBN || 0399237488, 9780399237485 ||
 * Length || 32 pages ||

Ada Ruth's mama must go away to Chicago to work, leaving Ada Ruth and Grandma behind. It's war time, and women are needed to fill the men's jobs. As winter sets in, Ada Ruth and her grandma keep up their daily routine, missing Mama all the time. They find strength in each other, and a stray kitten even arrives one day to keep them company, but nothing can fill the hole Mama left. Every day they wait, watching for the letter that says Mama will be coming on home soon. Set during World War II, Coming On Home Soon has a timeless quality that will appeal to all who wait and hope.
 * Summary: **

This book has a wonderful theme. It is a timeless theme that can be seen throughout the story. Just like children who are missing their parents who have left to be in the war, Ada Ruth is missing her mom who has gone to take the place of those who have left for the war. It is an inspirational story in the way that the author shows a bond growing between and grandmother and a granddaughter. These two characters are waiting for someone very important to them to come back and it is touching to see how they help each other out.
 * Review: **

Born on February 12th in Columbus, Ohio, Jacqueline Woodson grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York and graduated from college with a B.A. in English. She now writes full-time and has recently received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. Her other awards include a Newbery Honor, two Coretta Scott King awards, two National Book Award finalists, and the //Los Angeles Times// Book Prize. Although she spends most of her time writing, Woodson also enjoys reading the works of emerging writers and encouraging young people to write, spending time with her friends and her family, and sewing. Jacqueline Woodson currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
 * About the Author: **


 * Literary Analysis: **

One of the themes that were presented throughout this story Coming On Home was one of working women during World War II. At the very beginning of the story Ada Ruth’s mother was packing her things to head to Chicago. She said to Ada Ruth that because the men were off fighting the war the people were hiring women to do the work they left. It breaks Ada Ruth’s heart to know that her mother is going so far away from home, but she is doing it so that they can have money to live. This is a very strong theme due to the emotional connection that readers can make. Many readers can relate to the idea of someone leaving home for war or other reasons. During the book Ada Ruth and her grandmother wait and wait for their mother and daughter to send a letter home with good news and money. They would listen to the radio every night and hear about the continuing war. Ada Ruth and her grandmother would stick together and get strength from each other. They were both missing the same woman, but they knew she was doing it for them and that is what kept them going. This theme is one that can last through the ages and can touch so many readers.

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