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Our Mothers' Names: Love in Many Languages
CCBC Review:
An Indian American girl whose family speaks Malayalam at home explains that she calls her mother Amma, the Malayalam word for “mother.” Some of her classmates and friends have different words for “mother” or “mom” or “mommy,” from their own family languages. Angelina, whose family is from Mexico City, calls her mom “Mamá.” Her friend Thea’s mother, who is Greek, is called “Mána.” Aliya calls her mom “Ommi,” which is Arabic, while the narrator’s Japanese pen pal uses “Okaasan.” The story shares the word for “mother” in these and other languages in an open-hearted, friendly, yet matter-of-fact way. “The world is filled with thousands of languages and many ways to say mother. But no matter how many different names people have for mothers one thing is for sure: My mother will always be my Amma!” The vibrant mixed-media illustrations have a joyful feel as they showcase the young narrator’s family and many different moms and children. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Identity
Indians and Indian Americans
Mothers
Diversity subjects:
Asian
Multicultural General
Publisher:
Candlewick
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 24
ISBN: 9781536222500
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Menon