Coming on Home Soon (Caldecott Honor Book)
What’s inside...
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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Ada Ruth felt when her mother left for Chicago, and why?
What are some ways Ada Ruth tries to stay hopeful during her mother's absence?
Why do you think the kitten is important in the story? How do you think it helps Ada Ruth?
How does the story show the importance of family and staying connected?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by asking your child how they would feel in Ada Ruth's situation, which can help them connect more deeply with her emotions.
Encourage your child to think about the significance of small comforts in difficult times, like the kitten for Ada Ruth, and ask them to share any personal experiences similar to this.
Discuss the historical context of the story gently, focusing on how families sometimes have to make tough decisions during hard times.
Highlight Ada Ruth's resilience and ask your child about times when they have had to be brave or patient.
Reinforce the message of hope and the importance of waiting for loved ones by reflecting on Ada Ruth's daily routines and her anticipation for her mother's letters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story portrays a young girl, Ada Ruth, who waits for her mother to return from Chicago during World War II while facing hardships and managing daily life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cope with separation and uncertainties by finding strength and comfort in routine activities and companionship.
Example Lesson: Importance of family support
Explanation: Ada Ruth receives emotional support from her grandmother, which helps her handle her mother’s absence and maintain hope.
Real-World Application: The lesson underscores the value of family bonds and support systems, helping children appreciate the emotional safety that family provides.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Ada Ruth's story opens a window into the lives of families separated by war, cultivating empathy towards those who experience loss or separation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with peers who might be going through similar situations, fostering a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Patience and hope
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ada Ruth showcases patience and hope as she eagerly waits for any news from her mother, embodying a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: This narrative can help children understand the virtue of patience and maintaining hope during difficult times or while awaiting outcomes beyond their control.