Monday, May 9, 2011

Middle Grade Moms



Once upon a time, I might have questioned the validity of days like Mother's Day. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for my mom and think it's right and good to celebrate her. But you know the drill: the sappy almost-poetic Hallmark cards, the dilemma of what to buy, and the marketing efforts aimed at tugging on the volatile mixture of guilt and familial love. Sometimes it's hard to buy into it.

Of course, that foolish cynicism characterized my life before having three small children. Now Mother's Day just might be my favorite day of the year. Breakfast in bed - yes, please! Children whispering sweetness (so what if they're being prompted by daddy?) throughout the day. Time to do whatever I want. Oh, I'm sorry, has my gloating over yesterday completely sidetracked me from the intent of this post? Why, yes, it has. And, since Mother's Day is over, and I'm not The Queen anymore, I better get right to it.

You remembered your own mothers yesterday. Now let's talk about some of our favorite moms in middle-grade books. One of the great things about middle-grade is that the families are often present and a huge part of the main character's story. While you may find a suspiciously high number of orphaned protagonists, the parents that are depicted usually have some winning qualities.

Do share. Who gets your middle-grade Mom of the Year Award?

P.S. For me: Molly Weasley, hands down. Her family loves her, the Burrow is so homey, she puts up with the twins...AND she's part of a rebellious order? Go Molly!

8 comments:

  1. I want to BE Mrs. Weasley (only add my kids to hers and switch Husbands). (Also, her bosom looks a wee droopy in this photo, so something would have to be done there).

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  2. If she can count for middle grade, I'd pick Percy Jackson's mom. Otherwise, I'm a fan of Mrs. Murry from A Wrinkle in Time.

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  3. Molly is tough to beat but I love the mom in When You Reach Me

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  4. Anita - haha! And magical house-cleaning powers would be nice.

    anykid - I forgot about A Wrinkle in Time!!

    Caroline - I almost put Ramona's mom - she needs cheers just for her patience - ha!

    bfav - Still haven't read When You Reach Me...now another reason to bump it to the top of the list.

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  5. Oh ... and WITHOUT magic. :)

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  6. This will sound super corny, but my favorite MG mom is Ma Ingalls. She knew how to make everything her family ate and wore, and more!

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  7. I have to agree. I like Ma Ingalls. Also Joe Berry`s mom from Summer of the Monkeys. You just know she didn't take anything.

    Marissa - you need to read When You Reach Me. Like, now. :-D

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Thanks for adding to the mayhem!