A Chair For My Mother

A Chair For My Mother

by Vera B. Williams

 

 

 

 

 

A Chair For my Mother was written January 23, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summary

 This book is about a Hispanic mother, daughter, and grandmother that saves all their money in a large glass jar to by a new chair. The family's belongings along with their furniture was destroyed in a fire. The mother worked as a waitress and put all her tips in the jar when she came home because she had no way to sit and relax when she did. The little girl counted all the money and when she helped out the dinner, she added that to the jar also. The family finally got their big, red chair in the end.

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation by Genre

This book genre is nonfiction. This book covers the diverse topic of loosing everything you had in a fire. The book will interest readers who have experienced lost or to someone who likes to save money for a good cause.   

 

 

 

 

Evaluation by Illustrations

 

 The illustrations are realistic using watercolor paintings. The colors are vivid  and intense. The shapes are meaningful and significant. There is an illustration of the big, red chair with rose petals all over it that goes along with the text. The text line up with the illustrations and establishes the mood, setting, theme, and characters in the story. Each page has an inventive and vibrant border on it that pertains to what is happening on that particular page.

 

 

 



Motivational Activities

 A chair for my mother was intended for Kindergarteners ages 4-8 years old. The book is a loving story and reminds me to give back to people in need.

 

• Have the children write a list of people that they know whom have suffered from fire.
• Inform the children of ways to donate.
• Inform the children of local charities.
• Collect items to donate to needy families as a class.
• Draw and color of the best chair ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reader Response Questions

1. Why did the family save money?
2. How did the family make the money that was saved?
3. About how long did it take for the family to make enough money?
4. How did the family get the chair home?
5. What was the importance of the chair? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Readers Comments

I liked this story and enjoyed this book because it discusses hard financial times, single parenting, and families struggling to make it. I can relate personally to this topic because I am a single mom providing for my two children.  The book teaches a valuable lesson on how hard times can always be worked through.  It also shows that working hard will always make a difference.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Books Written by The Author Include:

 

 

 

 

 

Three Days on A River In a Red Canoe 

 

 

 

 

Cherries and Cherrie Pits

 

 

 

 

 

More, More, More, Said the Baby Bird Book