Just like Mama and Papa were Americans, but they also were not. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

I told Mama I guessed it was just going to storm all winter. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

I went to Mama and had a talk with her. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I wish you’d quit takin’ up for that woman,” said Mama. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama did not say that was a good name for a writer. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“How long has he been calling you ‘Mama’?” the caseworker asked. Three Little Words: A Memoir 2007-12-27T00:00:00Z

With Mama there, he barely spoke to me, and I didn’t know what to say to him. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

He saw that Chester was in his cage, though, and decided that it would be best to keep quiet until Mama’s outburst of grief had subsided. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was a short woman— a little stouter than she liked to admit—who wheezed and got a red face when she had to climb steps. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Now, you come to our house to eat,” Mama urged as they finished. Moon Over Manifest 2010-10-12T00:00:00Z

The block party is something we've been putting together for the last couple of years, ever since Mama became the one-woman planning committee of the block association. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

When Mama leaned in to kiss me, I didn’t turn away. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

But Mama yanked down on his bridle and said, “Jumper, you wretch!” Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Including Mama, who was swept away when the sea rose up. I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 2019-09-03T00:00:00Z

Uncle Abdullah decided to rent our house to a refugee family and forced Mama and me to move into his house. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

But Amaka had turned to her mother, who was sitting hunched with Mama. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama took me on the mail cart to see two of my grown-up sisters, who had taken jobs in the city. The Light in Hidden Places 2020-03-03T00:00:00Z

“Mama, I been up since nine yesterday morning,” he explained, sounding irritated and tired. As Brave As You 2016-05-03T00:00:00Z

Mama had made a good stew, filled with flaky chunks of fish, and the kettle bubbled hot, hung above the hearth fire. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Her people lived down the road till they passed when Mama was still young. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Her Dad and her Mama were in the front room. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 1940-07-29T00:00:00Z

She had called her own mother “Mama” until the day she had told her that she was going to marry Johnny. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

We finish eating, and Mama goes to wake Charlie up, which means lots of whining is about to start. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

It was warm and comforting, even in the heat of the kitchen, and when Mama placed leftover biscuits on the table, we didn’t complain about not having fresh ones as we usually did. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama, beads of sweat covering her forehead, lets out a long sigh. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

As Miss Love had promised, there was a black grosgrain coat for Mama, and for Loma a thin, expensive-looking white dress with big pastel flowers embroidered on it. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama smiled and grabbed her large bright-red umbrella and tucked it beneath her arm. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

He was so chock full of news, Mama nor I could get in a word. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

If Mama could of seen what I saw, it sure would of given her a headache. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“Don’t be silly,” said Mama quietly, still leaning back with her eyes closed. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Father was there, sitting with Mama across the aisle from Stick and the Panthers. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Eventually everyone else got up, leaving only Mama and Uncle Abdullah asleep. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama stood and stumbled backwards, hitting the wall of the sukkah. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

“I started doing drugs,” Mama says, with her head sinking into her shoulders. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Like so many of the women there, Mama never did get used to the latrines. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama questioned as I put the last of my things into a wrap to carry on my back. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

So much depended on Mama, and Francie wanted her words to make a good impression. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I stretch out on the end of the bed, just beyond Mama Ya-Ya’s feet. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

I keep hoping Elizabeth will be brave and stand up for Mama. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

I wondered, too, what was keeping Mama and Lisbeth so long. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama said that even if you didn’t have a lot of money, you got to live in that world while your future husband was courting you. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

She ached for those evenings spent around the stove, Daddy carrying on while Mama laughed or groaned at his funny stories. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

He never did trust Mama again, though, never did perch near and watch her at work, tipping his head side to side as though he were learning her actions. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

I don’t see Mama’s car anywhere, which is good, but there’s a bunch of guys standing around outside the store, and their eyes focus on me and Sneaky as we walk up. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“Your mother and I have decided ...” Papa walked over and put his arm on Mama’s shoulder. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

I said, “Mama, it’s a gift. You can’t deny me doing that.” Life Is So Good 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

Ophie’s nervousness must have shown on her face, because Mama reached out and squeezed her hand encouragingly. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

“Uncle Edisto was the closest thing Peach ever had to a daddy,” Mama said. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

She’s the only person left, except for Mrs. Kluck—who sits at her desk pretending not to watch Mama’s every move. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

No one told me why Mama Lessie had gotten sick or if she would ever recover and come home. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

We went up to the house, where Mama stood on the porch. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama pulled her finger out of the thick mixture and tilted the bowl this way and that. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

The social worker wondered if Mama and Papa would be willing to care for the newborn baby for a week. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Stella’s fingertips stung as she washed up quickly and dashed back inside to the warmth of Mama’s fireplace. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Inside, Mama wrote about how she missed me. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Mama reached for her diamond earrings and unscrewed the backs. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

As I left the room, I saw Mama’s shoulders shake and tears stream down her cheeks. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

He didn’t see the shocked looks that Mama and Papa exchanged, either. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

She sat next to my Mama, and the two women talked, and Eric and I talked a little. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama always knew what to do when somebody got hurt. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

I don’t miss toting water from the well in a bucket for Mama to cook or clean with, or washing up from a basin in the corner of the room. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

I looked at Mama’s face to see if she thought Kiyo was funny. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama comes to the door, and I say, Mama, there is no need for the bag. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I would say, “Mama, you look so beautiful,” and then she would kiss my cheek to blot her lipstick. Three Little Words: A Memoir 2007-12-27T00:00:00Z

Mama was going to say something, but then she stopped, her hand flew to her mouth, and she hurried into her room. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

He jabbed a finger at Mama, who recoiled away from it. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

She’d been pushed by the cousins and dismissed by Mama, but what else could happen if people knew? Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama stands up slowly and pulls me into her arms. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

“We’d better start over. Mama said I could use some of the fabric she bought for Easter dresses.” Out of Darkness 2015-09-01T00:00:00Z

Mama laughed and hauled us off the bed. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Panting and out of breath I shouted as I came through the door, “Mama! Mama! the white man is here, the white man is here!” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

Kevin brought samples for Mama to look at, and she picked some and showed Papa, so he could make the final decision. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Why don’t you two take your little colored selves outside and get those bush beans and collards in here before it gets dark,” Mama said, edging the book out from under their fingers. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama went about gathering herbs from Babulya’s collection along the walls. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

Mama wipes her eyes too and smiles widely as she leads Mr. Heller toward Imam Malik and Baba. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

Mama had bought heavy coats for all of us. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

I pull my jeans and T-shirt back on and open the door again, kinda hoping that maybe Mama went down to the office herself. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“It’s the first thing people notice about Mama. They’re judging her even before she opens her mouth to speak. I’m not sure I can live like that.” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama had always been squeamish about lizards and snakes and bugs and things, and you could tell that it just made her flesh crawl to have to touch this one. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Oftentimes, I heard Mama and even Gran say they could feel things. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Six years ago, the day our stork left, Mama left too. Salt to the Sea 2016-02-02T00:00:00Z

I wanted to run forward to catch it, but Mama held on to me. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

I was not sure what Celestine meant by “these things,” if he was suggesting that Mama was mad, but I thanked him and told him she would not want to go. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Slowly, Mama woke up, frowning and rubbing her eyes. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“I’m glad you’re wearing Mama’s bracelet again. It looks good on you.” The Parker Inheritance 2018-03-27T00:00:00Z

Mama’s eyes are boring a hole in Papa. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I could feel Mama getting up and leaving, could feel her moving away from me. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

As he came in where I was, he was still yelling at Mama. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“I want Mama! Make me better now! Now! Now! Now!” The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm 1994-04-01T00:00:00Z

When I was coming into our kitchen yesterday morning, I overheard Daddy talking to Mama about how “sturdy that place still seems. They used to build stuff to last.” Fast Pitch 2021-08-31T00:00:00Z

After my daddy died, Mama made it seem like it was just the two of us against the world. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

“I had to do something. My family has already waited a whole year, and more. And he’s got to come back. Mama can’t...” Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

And I see Mama writing in her fancy letters the words of Langston Hughes, word by word, in a letter to Daddy. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

It was the first time in days I saw hope in everybody’s eyes, hope that we could fight all those high-powered white men who were taking Mama’s job away. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I yelled before Mama had a chance to change her mind. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

I’m not in the mood for one of Mama’s You're the best at everything, always, even when you lose pep talks. Fast Pitch 2021-08-31T00:00:00Z

Every night, he returned to the room to have dinner with Mama and Jakob. Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps 2001-03-01T00:00:00Z

I think about the supernaturals I saw on the ride here and how Mama couldn’t see any of them. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Omakayas planned out a flower and began immediately, imitating Mama, to sew the beads into the design. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Mama had cooked a special meal for us. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

He was too upset about Mama losing her trip, I reckon, and anyhow he believed in a boy fighting his own battles. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Papa had been trying his best to cheer Mama up ever since the Tuesday before, when, as Aunt Loma put it, “Miss Love grabbed Sister’s ticket to New York.” Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Monday morning, after getting Mama’s blessing, I headed for school, which was only about a mile from the cotton labor camp. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama, I thought, would do better by herself in her own room. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I wanted both my parents to come over, but more than that, I knew how afraid Mama must be at the thought of leaving Papa behind. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Then I put Dinah’s old dress, which Mama had washed and ironed, back on her. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Before long I could read well enough to read to Mama as she did the housework. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

“I think it’s coming from upstairs,” Mama said uneasily. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“So we can all leave together—you, me, and Mama.” Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

Three times, Dedd and Mama and Jaimito had been down to headquarters, only to be told that there was no record of our prisoners. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was standing up chatting with another woman, and Akira was laughing as Mama held him. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Mama approached Papa and laid her arm around his shoulder. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

I could hardly wait to run home and tell Mama. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

What in the world is Mama even doing home this early? Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Was it getting so that Mama could look right into her mind even with her eyes closed? A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I keep talking and talking, telling Mama Ya-Ya about the food, the music, and about how happy everyone seems. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

"Seriously? On a cookie? No wonder Mama never wanted you on food prep." City of the Plague God 2021-01-12T00:00:00Z

Mama used to tear photos from magazines, photos of the Dust Bowl years in the 1930s in America, when a long drought had stricken the Midwest. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

“Those belong to my madam, Mama. She brought many things from Lagos,” Ugwu said. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” Miss Hilly yell at Miss Walter, “take another sandwich. You are skinny as a telephone pole.” The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

This morning, though, Mama Ya-Ya frowned at the mirror like she could see some other world inside it. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Mama had named it when she and Papa came to settle. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

I glare at the bathroom door, where Mama’s taking a shower. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“Yes, stupid. Water. And be quiet, or Mama will hear you.” The Bluest Eye 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z

Janae is sitting up now, and Mama hands her the envelope first. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

His shirts were hanging where Mama's dresses used to hang. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

Her hair was pinned back, and she wore a plain gray dress similar to what Mama wore to work. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

When Mama came home she said that was the right thing to do. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mr. Tobin tells Mama we’ll have a follow-up meeting when I come back. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama had once caught Gerald playing with the lighter, and she made the fire come out and she held his hand right over the flame. Forged by Fire 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

Everything Mama did felt like it had great purpose to it, even a kiss on the nose. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Another evening Florah asked, “Why are you looking for work, Mama?” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

Since Mama said her floor was clean enough to eat off, she made us put the grains in a bag to save them, while she boiled fresh rice and reheated okra and tomato soup. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Sixteen had always seemed the magic age that signaled the beginning of freedom, when Mama and Grandma might let loose their hold and let me go out with my friends on pre-dates. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

She was digging through her purse for the cigarettes she could not smoke in front of Mama. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I screamed at Mama, “Grab him, Mama! Grab him and run!” Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama and Papa stood in the kitchen, washing dishes, filling glasses, and forcing more food onto their guests’ plates. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Was he sick with a fever like Mama? I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 2010-06-01T00:00:00Z

So Mama thinks this is just a leadership camp. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

I went a few yards ahead of Mama and picked cotton from her row and piled it on the ground. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama didn’t come down to dinner at all after Papa told her Grandpa and Miss Love had run off to Jefferson together. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“It has never happened like this before. He has never punished her like this before,” Mama said. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

She was already up and bustling about, and as they came in she pressed a cup of coffee into Mama’s hands. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama had a stack of waffles waiting on the table when Stick and I slid into our places. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

I nod, flustered, but before I can figure out how to respond, Mama puts the birthday card down again, rising to her feet and brushing the dust off her skirt. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

Some of Mama’s friends would come early to help; Merry would take a nap; Tidings would show Mr. Johnson how to shake out raincoats and where to hang them. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

“But I don’t know if you want me to be American or Japanese. Mama, I don’t understand!” A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

We’d sit on the rug in the parlor, and Big Mama—that’s what we called her—would tell us the story. The Secret Life of Bees 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z

I sat on the cool wooden floor outside Mama’s bedroom, a bowl of black currants resting quietly in my lap. Salt to the Sea 2016-02-02T00:00:00Z

There are twelve and they are named for songs: Stardust and Stormy Weather and In the Mood and Pistol-Packin’ Mama. All the Light We Cannot See 2014-05-06T00:00:00Z

Since Mama died, only time he picks it up is Sundays when he head to church. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Thinking about it now, there was no reason for me to be nervous about asking Mama and Daddy if I could visit Uncle Jack again. Fast Pitch 2021-08-31T00:00:00Z

People have come in and out of our building, saying their goodbyes to Mama and Papi, and paying their final respects to Madrina’s basement. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Finally, she gives Mama a stern look and walks away. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

It didn’t matter to me personally, but I knew what Mama and Cold Sassy would say if Miss Love ruined Granny’s things. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama pulled me to her and I wailed. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama Boanda invited us to come to the house where her mother and father lived with two unmarried sisters, who appeared to be twenty years older than Mama Boanda. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama stood behind him, where she always stood, hands folded, lashes low, her stillness a mirror for his fervor. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Just took Mama’s phone and called Daddy’s friend at the newspaper—a former college baseball teammate just like the doctor who stitched me up had been. Fast Pitch 2021-08-31T00:00:00Z

I missed Mama and Papa so much, yet the Baxters were such kind people that I couldn’t be completely unhappy. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

“Good afternoon, Mama,” Olanna said, but did not make an attempt to go any closer. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

I had never seen Mama like that, never seen that look in her eyes, never heard her say so much in such a short time. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Oh no, Janae! Mama was right. One year at college, and you decide you don’t wanna be in the hood no more?” Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

It seemed that way to Ophie, like all Mama’s good memories had burned down with the house. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama pulled him away with a disapproving look. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

And reminders of the disaster were everywhere in their village—the crumbling church, the ruined school, the graveyard where Mama was buried. I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 2019-09-03T00:00:00Z

Inside, it was warmer than when we left, because Woody was already making good his promise to Mama, tacking up some ends of lath he’d found, stuffing rolled paper around the door frame. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

I ask Mama, trying not to think about Emily or why Soojin is acting like she is okay with her all of a sudden. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

No sooner had she stood than Mama grabbed her arm and broke into a sprint. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

Just as we come around his house, I spot Mama and Papi in our open doorway as two EMT workers bring a stretcher down the front stoop. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

When Ophie entered—her shoes wet because she’d poured out the water too fast in her excitement to go to a movie—she paused on the threshold at the twin expressions of Cook and Mama. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama comes up behind me, draping her hijab quickly around her head. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

If Mama was letting Miss Love in the house, maybe she’d let her in the family, too. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

It’s very Mama Rose/Gypsy, and I’d never be comfortable playing a stripper. Better Nate Than Ever 2013-02-05T00:00:00Z

Somehow we make it to the car, where Mama fumbles with the keys for a few seconds. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“I missed you, too, Mama,” Charlie says, her voice muffled in Mama’s love. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Can it really be like Mama Ya-Ya said?—“Everybody in Louisiana knows there be spirits walking this earth. All kinds of ghosts you can’t see, not unless they want you to.” Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Mama finds a shirt she calls a tunic that resembles a kameez I wore in Pakistan. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Mama put aside the clothes that needed to be ironed. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Whatever they serve here, both Papi and Mama would love this place. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Mama’s pace slowed, and one man came close enough to touch her. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

As soon as I could without making Mama more suspicious, I excused myself. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

But if Mama had become Ma’s apprentice all those years ago, would she still have met my daddy—and had me? Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

If they weren’t asking me about getting run over by the train, they were asking Mama about Grandpa and Miss Love. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Big Pinch covered his head and crashed into Mama’s lap. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Here I watch Mama in her kitchen, preparing the evening meal. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

“I’m still a little scared about Mama getting married,” Peaches said afterward. 145th Street: Short Stories 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z

I’d never seen Mama that way before, all reserved and almost strict. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“Mama, I’m learning too much tap. I’m afraid I’ll never learn to be a ballerina here,” I whispered into my mother’s ear one afternoon after class. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama and Baachan would need two of the boxes for work in the fields the next day, so she stuffed the three boxes as full as possible and put them into a basket. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

And Mama knew that wasn't fair girls inside and boys going off to steal peaches! Brown Girl Dreaming 2014-08-28T00:00:00Z

What life was about for me in those early years was being with the woman I was learning to call Mama. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

“But they wouldn’t all come back,” Mama said, bewildered. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

“You know I don’t have any books to read, Mama.” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama stood up and pressed her hand to my forehead, then her face to mine. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

But Mama, Papa, and Carmen made it out, and were safe. I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 2019-09-03T00:00:00Z

Mama restricted my activities that summer because of my having had my appendix out. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Francie couldn’t help noticing that Mama was smiling sidewise, the way the lady did in the picture in the school auditorium, the one they called Mona Lisa. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama swallowed and smiled, just the slightest bit, so Ophie did the same, and curtsied again, before leaving to head back to the kitchen. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama and Stella looked at each other in agreement. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

A big old Mama Duck sitting on some eggs. Girls Like Us 2014-05-27T00:00:00Z

Mama gave me another one of her dreadful sermons this morning. The Diary of a Young Girl 1997-02-03T00:00:00Z

Trampita and I sat on a box and watched Mama make flour tortillas. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

“That was after, Mama. They had church first.” Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

The night before we left, when I asked Mama to honestly tell me when she thought we might return, she gave me a “we’ll see.” Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Often now, Dedd slept over at Mama’s with the two younger boys. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

We hugged them—me with Mama first, then Doc after. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama’s voice had a way of sounding very dry when she didn’t believe something. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Then, for a long time, I thought about my librito and what Mama said. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

She offered our blouses and dresses to Mama Mwanza’s children. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

But when I tried to tell Mama what really happened, she wouldn’t let me. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Don’t look so worried, Mama. I’m not sick or anything.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I’m glad we got our mothers together. Mama’s only friends have been ladies from the mosque, or her catering clients. She’s never had anyone in the neighborhood to hang out with.” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Oh, boy, I couldn’t wait to tell Mama. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Minerva argued eloquently that Mama herself had heard Lio’s ideas, and she had even agreed with them. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama is sitting on the island, and Daddy’s in front of her with one arm around her waist. Fast Pitch 2021-08-31T00:00:00Z

Mama came running to stick her head through the door and say, “What on earth, Travis?” Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama folded a handkerchief that was sitting on her lap and tucked it into the pocket of her apron. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

I try not to stare because Mama says that’s rude, but Ma doesn’t seem to feel that way. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

“Mama will be right back, baby,” she told him. Forged by Fire 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

I’d caught Mama humming while she folded some of the laundry. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

“For pity sake, Will,” said Mama,” I never thought to raise a boy so hardhearted. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Even though Hanako had just offered to work—and had been sincere—she realized she hadn’t expected Mama to say yes. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

If Mama wanted him to kill his snakes first, he’d kill them. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

We protested, but Mama would not budge—either in taking back or going further with what she had said. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama says she is a skinny thing, blond and pale like salamanders that have never seen the sun. The House on Mango Street 1984-01-01T00:00:00Z

“No bugs are coming to my house,” said Mama. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

She pushed the old woman from her mind and instead tried to think of what Mama would do in this situation. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

Ophie could not see Mama parting with a nickel, let alone a whole quarter for a picture show. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

They had agreed to arrive home together and make a little ceremony out of giving the money to Mama. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Thinking back, I figure it was Nasreen aunty and Mama who started this annual tradition. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

She half-believed she had a free dress, though, when here came a card to Mama saying Grandpa was buying her a black grosgrain coat. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

But when she speaks to me, it’s in a super-serious tone, like she’s a lawyer on one of the crime dramas Mama watches. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

“Yes, but, Mama,” he replied, probably remembering a scary passage from the scriptures, “isn’t this the Last Day?” The Great Fire 1995-04-01T00:00:00Z

Mama handed him the basket of food, and he placed a few bills in her hand. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Then I heard Jumper snorting keenly and Mama calling in a frightened voice. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama just brought some buttermilk and cold corn lightbread and they sat there by me in the hall to eat it. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama could be mad at both of us. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Stick and I were in big-time trouble if not even Mama could think of anything to say. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

For nearly a decade after, she and Mama had worked every single day to pay down those debts, and they’d come so close. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

“How ’bout we stay right here,” I say while looking up and down the block for any sign of Mama. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Mama would sit with her back against the trunk, legs crossed at the ankles beneath her skirt. Salt to the Sea 2016-02-02T00:00:00Z

Thank goodness, the midwife checked Mama at the last minute and lowered my arms the way you fold in a captive bird’s wings so it doesn’t hurt itself trying to fly. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama laughs some more, and she’s probably thinking the same thing I am. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“Why, Mama,” I said, “I go to bed, don’t I? What does a boy go to bed for if it isn’t to sleep?” Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama doesn’t love me the way she loves Neeley,” she wept. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Shoes, Mama! Can I wear them to school? And new dresses, too! Oh, this is better than Christmas!” Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

After they finished eating, Mama told them to go to sleep since there was nothing else to do. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

“I thought you were. All the things you did...you had to be. And Mama said she touched you too.” Kindred 1979-06-01T00:00:00Z

Instead, me and Jay stood next to Mama and my uncle, Doc Buzzard, in that graveyard, listening to the pastor say lots of good things about Gran. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

He said that Mama had made the card sappy enough and that he hoped I was happy celebrating my day. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

“We are going to have to let all the groups we invited to our events know that they won’t be happening anymore,” Mama adds. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

“I’m sorry I didn’t get up in time to help you make the fire, Mama,” Stella said, wrapping her fingers around a hot mug of apple tea. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

“Eugene will not let the children go to a heathen festival,” Mama said. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

I also missed Mama and Papa, my room, my school, everything I’d left behind. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Mama’s been home for a few hours, but no light shines under her door. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Mama put out the goblets and good china and good silver, and invited Aunt Loma and Uncle Camp and also Aunt Carrie, who was back from visiting her cousin in Athens. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama nodded and wrapped an arm around her. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“I’m going to be a cheerleader when I get old enough, just like Mama was.” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

I held it back at each side with Mama’s tortoiseshell combs. Hattie Big Sky 2006-09-26T00:00:00Z

Mama opened the back door just an inch and looked outside. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

They had just time enough to share half a hot dog before Mama Bellini was due to open the stand. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

“That old woman is too mean to die,” Mama said. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

I had to talk mean and threaten him with a club before we could get him close enough for Mama to hook the singletree over the loop of rope I’d tied around the bull’s horns. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

I’ve seen Mama bring cash to the office before, lots of times. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

It was time to pay Mama and Baba a visit. City of the Plague God 2021-01-12T00:00:00Z

And how everything can change in just one minute, one walk down the street, like it did for me, Mama, Daddy, and Charlie. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

For the next few days, when it did not rain, Papa, Mama, and Roberto left the cabin early in the morning to look for work. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s superstar dreams were flushed away, all ’cause of me. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

“So that’s what happened to me, Mama? You left me in a tub of running hot water? Alone?” Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

“I don’t have your potion yet. Astringents take more time. Mama says it will be done later.” Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

Thinking with my mouth again, I said, “Mama, how could Cold Sassy be any more scandalized than it is already?” Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama’s and Aunt Loma’s mouths dropped open and their faces went white. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“Mama’s...not real?” she repeated softly, covering her bracelet with her hand. Orphan Island 2017-05-30T00:00:00Z

Mama burst into tears when she saw us. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

I could tell Mama was worried and it didn’t make me feel too good. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Library is a place you borrow books,” Mama said, sweeping the dirt out the kitchen door. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Mama calls again, louder, and I shut the laptop. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

My school papers would not be taped on the wall and Mama would not kiss me on the top of my head. Wish 2016-08-30T00:00:00Z

I want to tell him how confused I am by Mama Ya-Ya’s words but, instead, I just change the subject. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

“Ophelia, you need to pull it together,” Mama said, still scowling down at her daughter. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

I blurted it right out, how just last night Mama decided to go to New York with Papa after all, “only now Grandpa says you and him are go’n go.” Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

He kept pursuing oblivion through drink, he kept abusing Mama, and there seemed to be no way out of it for anyone. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama stopped playing with her ring and rubbed her hands together. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

They were dragging big bags—Mama clutched two. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

“You kidding? With Mama in there fussing? When she starts fussing at the walls, you know she’s gonna be at it all day. She wouldn’t even let us.” The Bluest Eye 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z

This whole time, I was thinking of how much I missed Gran that I wasn’t thinking of how Mama must feel. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

After an hour, Mama is lost in the music and Papa dozes in his chair. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

Mama held a long, thin stick she had lit from the oven. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

Mama led Jumper in a long roundabout way, keeping as much as she could to the openings where the tall grass grew. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama hurried down the stair steps, wearing a bright smile and carrying her nicest petticoats and nightgowns to hang out for airing. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Now that she was gone, he couldn’t do for himself very well, having only the one hand, but he wouldn’t let Mama or Aunt Loma do for him. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

If there was anything that could cause me to leave school, it would be to get Mama’s job back. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

That way Mama Duck can eat and drink right here. Girls Like Us 2014-05-27T00:00:00Z

Mama is standing in the far corner of the room with her arms folded across her chest. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Mama’s expression shuttered as she rubbed her lower back. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama and Merry sat on the porch swing, and Mama creaked it back and forth. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama rests her forehead against it before wiping her eyes and turning to me. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

“Mama, I have an idea. Do you trust me?” Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

But they turned Mama out of the Baptist communion just the same, and her only seventeen. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

We screamed, not caring that anyone heard, and turned to run back to the house and to Mama. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“But he hasn’t told us anything, Mama,” said Moss, and he stood up and wrung his hands together. Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

But she was already shouting something to Mama Bomboy across the aisle. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

There was stunned silence, then: “Oh, thank you, thank you!” cried Mama, enveloping him in a spontaneous hug. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“Mama says he’s still alive. Do you know where he is, Mama Dede?” In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

As we faced days of grueling punishment, I was also coping with the fact that despite the newspaper article, we had heard no word from the North Little Rock school administrators about Mama’s job. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Miss Turner—” the sheriff began, but Mama cut right on in. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Wednesday at breakfast he even offered to take Mama to Atlanta for the day, but she said, “Hoyt Tweedy, I’m not bout to be disrespectful of the dead for just a li’l old seventy-mile trip.” Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“Mama had me, not you, and she held me, fed me, dressed me, all of those things. What do you know? What more is there to say?” The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

If Mama wanted us, I was pretty sure we’d be able to hear her yelling if we were in the bottom of a pyramid way out in Africa. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

At first, Mama pressed her lips together and stalked off, not saying anything. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

New Year’s Eve we gathered in Mama’s new house in Conuco, the sisters and all the husbands, a first since Maria Teresa’s wedding a year ago this February. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama used to say that George had a map of the world behind his eyes. I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 2010-06-01T00:00:00Z

What we had to read were Mama’s True Romance magazines and a few Classic comics. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

“This whole week, Mama would have been making gingerbread, and all the desserts for Christmas Eve.” The Light in Hidden Places 2020-03-03T00:00:00Z

“Mr. Beiderman,” Mama continued, her voice going up an octave, “you realize that the apartment is not going to look its best if you show it now, right?” The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

And once he turned out of his pocket a wadded-up baby copperhead that nearly threw Mama into spasms. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

There would be no more standing in chow lines; now Mama had a stove to cook on. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Well, we’d love to have him visit Chicago again,” Mama was saying. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Blu I liked it out there and it always made Mama smile when I brought some ducks into the kitchen. Life Is So Good 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

Altogether, Mama sure had her hands full, and Little Arliss wasn’t any help. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

After the ham, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, biscuits, green beans swimming in butter, and sweet tea, Mama and Aunt Lena cleared the table and brought out the pies. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

“Mama was right. A person could get pneumonia. But I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of letting her know. I guess I’ll have to put these lace things away until summer.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama used her plant magic to coax delicious, sweet onions out of the earth. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, right, Mama?” The First Rule of Punk 2017-08-22T00:00:00Z

Mama had written, in her delicate handwriting, the name of each baby daughter across the bottom of those photogrpahs. Number the Stars 1989-04-24T00:00:00Z

And I didn’t even care one bit if Mama had a hissy fit about him. Wish 2016-08-30T00:00:00Z

The others seem genuinely interested in what Mama’s teaching them. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama said eight dollars would be nearer right. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Then I will put the chin-chin in a bag for you,” Mama said. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Doesn’t she know it will only make Mama get sad? Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

"And no nibbling on the flan," Mama warned as Frankie’s stomping turned into a full sprint down the stairs. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

When I asked her why she was wasting her candies, she said she was burying them like the box her Mama and PapS had buried in their yard that was bad to touch. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama Ya-Ya never comes to the table without her hair combed! Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

It had something to do with the way neighbor women asked her questions about Papa and Mama and Sissy. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

It had his name on it, but it was from Mama. Fallen Angels 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

I surveyed the meat, vegetables, and dough Mama had set out on the counter. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama and I walk past his chair and sit side by side on the couch. Fast Pitch 2021-08-31T00:00:00Z

Mama’s jaw drops, but before she has a chance to respond, the cops come back. Dear Martin 2017-10-17T00:00:00Z

“I believe there is a way you can help your father.” “iDesgraciado/” Mama is going on and on. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” John asked suddenly, “is Daddy a good man?” Go Tell It on the Mountain 1953-05-18T00:00:00Z

I knew how to make a cornbread and I got to doing that so Mama wouldn’t have to. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“You’re in big trouble,” Mama said, but she didn’t sound angry. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

I promised Mama Ya-Ya I wouldn’t get ink on the sheets or dirt on the comforter. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Mama was slung over his shoulder like the jute sacks of rice his factory workers bought in bulk at the Seme Border. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Then, without so much as a pause, she began talking directly to her mother: We miss you, Mama. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 2010-02-02T00:00:00Z

She really hadn’t responded to most of my letters, and Mama said Ivette had become the leader of the Jovenes Rebeldes group in addition to recruiting new kids for the brigades. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Who was the first one, Mama, the first to kill when they decided to break apart India? The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

Mama has to grab Baba’s arm to keep him from toppling down the steps as he reels, then stares at me in horror. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

When I was halfway out the door, Miss Love asked me what Grandpa said when he found out that Mama had decided to go. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

In the evenings, when Mama Oji fought with her husband, her voice tore across the yard. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

Woody brought in another army bunk and tick mattress, up next to Mama’s. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

Jay stared at Mama for a minute, then glanced over at me. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

And Hazel and Etta and Bill and their Mama, even now, would say that she didn’t have to go. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 1940-07-29T00:00:00Z

I listened for the ancient language of the world as Mama Killa, Moon Mother, grew larger in the sky night by night, but I had yet to hear the voice of Beyond right and true. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

Aunty Ifeoma softened her voice; she must have known the firm voice would not penetrate the fixed smile on Mamas face. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“It’s a store where we can get groceries,” says Mama. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama and Doc both worried about being able to take care of the family. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Anya wheezed under the force of Mama’s hug, and then she returned the embrace. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

Mama’s face still has a smile on it, and she wraps an arm around Charlie and pulls her close. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama blinked at the sound of his voice, but she didn’t raise her head. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

“They don’t do the minuet much anymore, Mama,” Ben grinned. The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama stares at the door; she looks surprised, too. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

When Mama and Aunt Loma were young, he never let them hang around the depot. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

I want to know what Rashid Uncle thinks of us, Mama. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

I thought of Mama, now seven years gone. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

I heard Mama calling to Spot as she went out to the cowpen. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

He said that was why he and Mama got along. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Mama Tataba bent over the table in our mother’s large white apron, which made her look counterfeit and comic, as though acting the role of maid in a play. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

The second he and Mama step out of the church, they get mobbed by reporters. Dear Martin 2017-10-17T00:00:00Z

“Okay,” Mama said as she packed up the fondant crimper. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Sometimes, when she was very happy, Mama Bellini whistled, and once or twice Mario had heard her hum. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

When the words came out of Mama’s mouth, I think my heart stopped beating. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

Mama tried to talk to me about it, and I let her. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I suppose we should be thankful that Alfred came home for dinner instead of going to one of the jazz clubs,” Mama said. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Anya wondered aloud as Mama walked through the door, a large sack in her hands. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

Mama and I went to the kitchen and found Jay was already dressed and waiting at the table. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“You know Mama don’t really want us learning root. If she thinks something bad happened, or that you’re scared, she’ll make both of us stop.” Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

She realized several people had moved closer to her and Mama, and her heart pounded. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

Mama must have guessed what was going on in my mind, for she kept handing me sober looks all the time she was getting breakfast. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Aside from the annoying fact that my parents could always sense when I disobeyed them, Mama actually worked in the office of my school, just two narrow desks away from the daily attendance rolls. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

“This story thing would make him so proud, Isaiah,” Mama says, finally letting me go. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“Jesus, Mama, how long you been standing there?” Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

Ugwu told Master about the afternoon, quickly recounting the words of both women, and finished with what was the most horrible of all: “Mama said she will go to the dibia, sah.” Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

At which point Mama said, in a brisk voice, “I’m making cocoa. Goldie, can you help me?” Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama sat beside me on the sofa, clinging to my hand. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Oliver opened the pantry door and dragged a twenty-pound flour bag over to Mama. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“I promise, Mama,” he said, standing up and grabbing his plate. Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

It was you, Mama, I just know it. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

Mama got up and handed the baby over. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

Then I spotted Mama Mwanza being carried on her husband’s back toward the boats. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

He lives way on down by the airplane field in a shack by himself whenever he comes over here, and Mama says that’s close enough quarters for him. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

It was not proper to let an older person do your chores, but Mama did not mind; there was so much that she did not mind. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

As soon as the job of burning the bull was over, Mama told us we had to do the same for the Spot heifer. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Hired hospital help brought in food trays on a pretty regular schedule, but Mama Lessie never ate a bite. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

“Tell Mama that I have to have a coat,” Alice wrote. The Devil in the White City 2003-02-11T00:00:00Z

“They brought the cashew juice this afternoon. It tastes good. I am sure it will sell,” Mama finally said. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

It’s clear to me: no matter how boring I find Mama’s cooking club, I’ll try to win over that girl Elizabeth and make sure the club is a success. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“Don’t be mad at me, Mama, because I fought you. You, yourself, taught me to fight for what I thought was right and I...I thought I was right.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I remembers it all, Mama,” Tidbit said, his voice sounding truly frightened now. Copper Sun 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

I asked Mama about that later, and she said no, she already had a husband, Herbert. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Finally, I felt Jay’s skinny arms around me, and Mama embraced us both. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Time to speak up, if only to save Mama some face. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“Stop it, Mama! It’s not his fault. It’s my fault.” The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

If the magical realm has dragons, maybe Mama felt the same way. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

“Enter,” came a gravelly voice, and Mama opened the door, gesturing for Ophie to follow her. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

But Mama had not brought me pink dancing shoes. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

We went home for breakfast, and I remember how Papa kept patting Mama’s hand. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

The Vanderbeeker kids and Papa surrounded Mama, waiting for an explanation. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“She wouldn’t talk to me for weeks. Remember, Mama? For an entire month she’d leave me these little notes. It was ridiculous.” The First Rule of Punk 2017-08-22T00:00:00Z

“Mama, that’s great,” Moss said, the tension in his chest slowly receding. Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

She followed him and her Mama up the stairs and watched him poke the mattress on the bed and roll up the shades to see if they worked. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 1940-07-29T00:00:00Z

And then the police hauled Mama off to the deepest pits of hell. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

The morning I found Mama, the clock beside her bed said 7:44. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

I pay you twenty-five more cent a day than Mama did.’ The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

Another reason I welcome the change is that Mama’s always carping at me, especially at the table. The Diary of a Young Girl 1997-02-03T00:00:00Z

I filled it full of hay so she wouldn’t have to climb the ladder to the loft Papa laid down the law to my sisters about being good and helping Mama while we were gone. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Their Mama sat on the swing fanning herself with the newspaper. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 1940-07-29T00:00:00Z

Mama asks when I hand her a card. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

When Mama comes back to the car, she slams her door, starts the engine, and speeds toward the exit, right in front of the cop. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I was scared sometimes, and I didn’t have to do everything Mama did. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“I still don’t like that our house always smells like onions and spices, or that Mama runs her catering business out of our kitchen.” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama had been a young woman, eighteen, when the Yanquis came. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama lets me sit on her lap when she reads,” she said. Hattie Big Sky 2006-09-26T00:00:00Z

Mama held on to Akira the whole time, his whole body pressing against hers, his face terrified and astonished. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

I have his round face and small mouth, but I wished I looked more like you, Mama. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

“And Mary Toy’s taken care of,” he reminded Mama. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“Anya,” Mama said, wiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

Mama was obsessed with what was going on. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

I won’t go to school for the next two days, but Mama says I can meet you at 3pm on Fri. at Listening Rock. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama doesn’t even ask how or why or what. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

After that Mama put pins back in her mouth, so no more talking. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Along at the last, Mama had to go clear over to the Salt Licks to locate that kind. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Sometimes she gives me signals, like asking me what we’re cooking in Mama’s class. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

As the pages yellowed or peeled, Mama slapped fresh ones up. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

“Have you heard anything from Mama and the babies?” she asked. Lyddie 1991-02-01T00:00:00Z

Mr. Axelroot said if I told, why then God would make Mama get sick and die. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Nobody made corn bread as good as Mama. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama said we needed to get that milk out. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

To my mind she didn’t need a ride any more than if she was going downtown, which she did every day, and besides, she was leaving Campbell Junior with Mama and Queenie. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

During the night Mama had unpacked all our clothes and heaped them on our beds for warmth. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

I finally settled for the white pair as Mama picked those out for my First Communion, and I wanted her to feel that they were still my favorites. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

We always dropped in to visit Father Benedict after Mass. “Let me stay in the car and wait, biko,” Mama said, leaning against the Mercedes. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

It was inadequate to Ugwu, their exchange; he felt as if Mama’s death required more words, more gestures, more shared time between them. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

Also, her grandparents had given the nicest blanket to Mama and Papa, because Papa was the only son, so he was supposed to be spoiled. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Now Mama and Papa wanted us to taste com, peas, carrots, applesauce, and many other strange foods. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Seems like Mama left us both with her secrets and we bound to keep it that way. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

I had a feeling Mama was not telling us all she knew. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

And no matter how fast Mama ran or how fast I ran, the she bear was going to get there first! Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

I don’t want Mama to use up all her happy before we even get there. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

As Mama walked me into the Academy of Music, I tugged at her hand. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

But whoever left it, Mama Bellini was true to her word. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Papa had lost weight; usually, Mama s small hands barely went round to his back, but this time her hands rested on the small of his back. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was holding the back of her hand to her mouth, her eyes on Baachan. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

I see Mama’s concerned expression and try to smile. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

Other times it is dark, and Mama and Father are saying secrets. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

“It will be nice, Mama, when there are four of us again.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s furious voice drifted up from the porch, and pretty soon Papa came to the bottom of the stairs and hollered for me to get down there. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“Yes, Mama. Yesterday,” Stella said, “but it doesn’t matter, because mine won’t get picked. Now, please, can we turn the page? I want to look at the clothes.” Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama had already set up the dreaded frame of branches and there were strings of hide nearby that she would use to tie the skin up tight so that it could be worked. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

“No plates are out. The Maginot Line didn’t eat out of one of Mama’s plates. Besides, Mama would just fuss all day if we told her.” The Bluest Eye 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z

Often I would lock myself in my room, and I could hear him asking Mama what I was doing. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Running errands had never been high on my list of fun things to do, but at least it gave me a chance to breathe some fresh air and get away from Mama’s watchful eye. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

“Hi, Mama,” he said, and he beamed up at her, hoping it would overpower the awkwardness that hung over everything. Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

She looked across the narrow bedroom and saw Mama sitting next to Neeley’s bed and looking down into his face. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

But Mama made it seem like I was all she ever wanted. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Mama listens intently, interrupting a few times to ask questions or to slow me down. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

He said it was so he could rap to Puerto Rican and Dominican girls, but I knew it was 'cause he loved listening to Mama speak it. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

When I was little, Mama and I used to do everything together. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama gives me a glance as she walks out of the kitchen, and I wish I could read her mind right now. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

For whatever reason, Mama had chosen not to tell her about magic, but Koffi couldn’t dwell on that now. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

Mama stuck her head out of the bedroom and asked, “Hanako, did you want your abacus?” A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Mama takes out a pot of biryani from the fridge and hands me white Styrofoam boxes to fill. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama taught me everything I know about manners, so I know it’s not polite to ignore an offer of hospitality. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

Knowing Mama, she’ll make roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, like she always does on special occasions. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

Mama’s going to buy you a looking glass! The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Father and Mama watched me come in alone, but neither of them asked after Stick. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

She had gone to Master’s room herself, after all, and she must have known about Mama’s plan. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

“You might give him another chance,” Mama said. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

The whole room was quiet, waiting for Mama to say something. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama doesn’t ask for the pineapple key chain, so I slide it inside my backpack to give it to her later. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Remembering the meaning of the legend, I turned and started hollering for Mama. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama let me stay home after she saw how wiped out I was in the morning. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

He had a singer’s voice, a voice that had the same effect on my ears that Mama working Pears baby oil into my hair had on my scalp. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“I just got off the phone with Miss Josie,” Mama called out. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Mama took her into the bedroom and whispered that the bird wasn’t a bird at all just some feathers glued together and that she mustn’t stare. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I asked, “Mama, do you know what day it is?” The Autobiography of Malcolm X 1965-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama squeezes my hand a little too hard and looks at the ground. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

I gather up my schoolbooks, my pencils, my purple pen, and carry them to Mama Ya-Ya’s bedroom. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

We both knew he would have to tell Mama the whole story before she would bring herself down to see anything. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

My brother and sisters uttered timid “Yes, Mamas,” but I merely nodded, too shocked to talk. Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

He needed ten dollars though, and Mama didn’t have the money. Fallen Angels 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

And on Saturdays, when Mama sold the sweetgrass baskets she made along with our extra vegetables at the stall, me and Jay spent all day with Gran. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Last Memorial Day, Daddy barbecued on our tiny balcony, and Mama fussed at him the whole time about charcoal grills not being allowed. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

An hour or so later Mama came home, and she looked at me and asked me if I wanted some ice cream that she had bought me. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama took out a starched linen tablecloth and snapped it open over the kitchen table. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

He looked like he was going to say something more but then just put his hat on his head and stepped back from the door, nodding at Mama, then us. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“I don’t know that,” says Mama, her voice harsh. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Papa and Mama pretending together, here in this house. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

I shouldered my axe and started toward the cabin, trying to think up some excuse to tell Mama to keep her from knowing I was played clear out. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

The last thing he wanted now was for Mama to colonize his kitchen or use Olanna’s favorite saucepan for her strong-smelling soup. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

I don’t know whether it was Mama’s idea or Papa’s, but it was decided to invite the travelers to dinner. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama liked to set up shop near the docks and the village center. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

“I need to get up there as well and sort through all of Mama’s stuff.” The Parker Inheritance 2018-03-27T00:00:00Z

“No,” Mama said from the middle of the kitchen. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama didn’t always have to work outside the house. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Anya dropped the mostly empty bag behind her feet as Mama shuffled to her, hoping she wouldn’t notice it. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

Sometimes Mama would stop and look at the pictures outside the Apollo Theater, and sometimes, for a special treat, we would stop in the penny arcade. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

I wish all the beans and rice Mama’s been making would give me some type of superpower in real life. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

The ones Mama cooked with, like sage and thyme, I recognized by the shape of their leaves. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

On the wall and on the coffee table are photos of Mama Ya-Ya when she was young, beautiful. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Mama and I were still out there on the porch, waiting for Papa, when here came Loma and Camp—her carrying the baby, him carrying Granny’s big mirror with Saint Cecilia painted on it. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama asked me if I had gone to the agency and I said yes. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

It was something Ty'ree had started saying right after Mama died. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

Mama murmured her good days, but Dedd gave the chauffeur the imperious look of a mistress whose servant has disobeyed her wishes. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I’m also thinking about Ursa Major, and how, if you let her, the Big Mama Bear in the sky will always point you in the right direction. Shine! 2019-11-05T00:00:00Z

Muttering with rage, Mama Bellini picked him up by his antennae, tossed him into the cricket cage, and locked the gate behind him. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

The grocery store part makes me think about Mama, and I stop reading. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

It had been a week since Mama had called, and the Baxters and I had not stopped making plans. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

When Mama spoke to him, he turned his head away from her. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

She thought maybe Mama was being too cautious, but sure enough, that night, they came back late to find their things misplaced, as if someone had gone searching through the room they shared. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

I’ve also printed out flyers with Mama’s catering menu and prices. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama had trimmed a matching shawl with thimbles, so that when she walked Angeline jingled softly and enticingly. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Whatever happened, no small dark foot would rest on another while a hungry mouth said, Mama? Jazz 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Get Mama and the coffee can from the front room.” Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama let go of my skirt, almost reluctantly. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Oliver opened the basement door just as Mama came down the stairs with a big box in her arms. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Quinton and I used to sneak up there all the time, even though Mama said it was too dangerous. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

The Castlemans were now in hushed conversation with Auntie Harrigan and did not look as if they needed assistance, but Mama raced over there anyway. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

That night when she tucked me in, Mama said, “Will, sugar, try to be a better boy tomorrow. Hear?” Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Tonight while we’re eating the chicken cooked too long and rice not cooked enough, I’m missing Mama’s neckbones, gravy, and cornbread bad. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Mama had a habit of getting too close to people when she wanted to know what was going on. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

I told Mama in a letter to tell Kenny to be careful. Fallen Angels 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

It had to be something terrible if he wanted to involve Mama. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“It does not mean anything. They give extreme unction to anyone who is seriously ill,” Mama whispered, when Papa and Father Benedict left. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

The chickens had been another surprise for us, like Mama Tataba. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

She pulled a few coins out of her snap purse and put them in Mama’s hand. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Hanako didn’t think that was true, but for now Mama didn’t deny it. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Later that morning when the family sat down together for breakfast, I couldn’t believe that Mama was reading the paper over the breakfast table, something we were forbidden to do. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama went to put the harness on Jumper. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I’m going to get him, Mama,” I said, “and I’m going to get him today if I possibly can.” Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama stands up and heads out of the room. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

It was Minerva who taught her how to play it after she was released from prison and was living those last few months at Mama’s with Mate and Patria and the children. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Joe on the floor next to Mama’s bed, right next to the cigarette lighter that she had been looking for this morning. Forged by Fire 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

I smile to see Mama playing with her lovely granddaughters. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

She couldn’t see Papa, but Mama was feverishly digging, flinging big bags around like she was a strongman. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

“Kevin said you could. I told Mama, and she said you couldn’t.” Kindred 1979-06-01T00:00:00Z

I open Daddy’s notebook, and I put Mama’s letter there, so her words are next to Daddy’s. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama shakes her head at the heap of things on the floor that we have to squeeze into our suitcases. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Mama opened her mouth to speak, but Ivette and her mother walked into the room. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Doc cleared his throat, then placed a hat on his head and strode off after Mama. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Eventually, Mama moved to the edge of her chair, her fingers wrapped firmly around the armrests. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama gave him the look. and he wrapped his hands around his glass instead. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“Quick—we sent Mama and Papa upstairs and told them we would bring them breakfast in bed. They looked so pleased they didn’t even ask any questions!” said Isa, her face flushed. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“Be mindful of snakes sleepin’ in that dead wood, Stella,” Mama warned. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

“Please, Mama, I’m okay,” he said between breaths. Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

“It’s a year-round job,” Mama said, looking at Papa. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Every year Mama made enough Christmas cookies to feed the entire population of Harlem, and ever since he could remember, she appointed him the distributor. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

After the dust settled, I asked Mama, “Do you think he would help us?” Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama, did you ever think that about Papa? The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

It was the glow of the light through the spread that I had pulled over my head when Mama got to the part about “If I should die before I wake.” Fallen Angels 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

I then moved over to Papa’s row and did the same for him so that he and Mama could move up their rows evenly. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

As we did, we thought we heard Mama talking. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama gives me a disapproving frown, so I add, “I like him. He’s nice.” Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

I realized that Mama Mwanza had an extraordinarily pretty face, with wide-set eyes, a solemn mouth, and a high, rounded forehead under her kerchief. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” I say back in the kitchen at five twenty-eight. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

Just me and Mama stood on the field to watch the plane fly away. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama, with her mania for cleaning everything top to bottom, was mortified. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

I say a quick prayer that Mama wasn’t paying attention and that she won’t sign me up as everyone gets up and stands in neat rows. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

Mama Ya-Ya has never asked for my help with these things before. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Mama waves and points, finally convincing everyone to gather around. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

That day I could hardly wait to tell Papa and Mama the great news. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

I signed up for this pageant to be like Mama. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

"Mama had the exact same dream," said Baba. City of the Plague God 2021-01-12T00:00:00Z

He does some talking, and Mama nods and points off to somewhere in the distance. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama’s saying one word over and over again: please. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

“They always come home,” Mama said as she shampooed my hair for the fourth time. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” Mary Anne said, her eyes once again fastened to an unseen, unfocused word in the book on her lap, “aren’t you happy that you’re beautiful?” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

She dusted the glass to the photograph, and said, “Afternoon, Papa. Mama,” and set it back down on the television cabinet. Gone Crazy in Alabama 2015-04-21T00:00:00Z

“It’s called Burger Palace, Mama. It should be against the law to order a salad here.” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

While Charlie’s still sleeping, me and Mama sit at the table and eat bread and bacon. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I look over at Mama to see what she thinks, but as usual, she doesn’t say a word in public. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I will sing to bring Mama back, even if it’s only for this moment right now, right here. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

“My goodness,” Mama said, “you wouldn’t think anything so small would be so vicious.” Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

After a few minutes, Mama knocks on the door, bringing bread and jam. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

Mama always used to say that she would buy some needed thing “as soon as I can spell Able.” Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama’s eyes are so creased with laughter that I can barely see them. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

When he finished sewing Mama’s sack, she tried it just like Papa. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Everybody looked at him, at first in shock, and then once he was seen to have suffered no harm it was Mama, first of all, who started to laugh. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

“Your cart is no good in the woods,” Mama said. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

“I just thought...I could have loved him, Mama.” Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

Mama and Papa were so engrossed in their own thoughts and conversation that they didn’t hear the two sets of footsteps pitter-patter down the upstairs hallway. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Mama had sewn red velvet dresses with white eyelet pinafores for Mia and me. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

The twins fell apart; holding hands, they screamed, “Mama!” and ran across the platform. The Journey of Little Charlie 2018-01-30T00:00:00Z

In the spring the smell of white blossoms made Mama smile, and on a hot Alabama day you could almost hide from the sun under its branches. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Mama walked over and pecked Miss Love on the cheek. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Me, Jay, Mama, and Doc were in the front, and behind us stood other people from the island. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama’s saying “oh well” was her way of giving in. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I have to call him Mr. Franklin when Mama is here. Anyway, he said you’re working with Aunt Sarah.” Kindred 1979-06-01T00:00:00Z

Mama brought me food and put it on a chair near my bed. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

It was Mama’s expression that I most recall. Life Is So Good 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Just back up slow and quiet to the ladder and climb up to the loft. Charlie, you get Agnes, and Mama, you take Rachel.” Lyddie 1991-02-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was so upset about Minerva being in solitary, I decided not to bring up the way I’ve been feeling and worry her even more. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

All I could do was turn tail like the yeller dog and head for the house, yelling for Mama. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Pinch kept tossing off his covers or dragging at Mama’s. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

When the birds were done, Mama used a stick to roll the ball of birds from the fire, and then she cracked open the baked mud. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

“We're not big turkey fans in my house. Mama and Baba haven’t developed a taste for it. They don’t have turkeys in Pakistan.” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“I think there are a few raisins left in the jar,” Mama called out, pointing to a high shelf. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

We did ride the school bus, but if the six of us needed to go anywhere else, either Mama or Daddy drove us. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

Later, after Mama told us what had happened, how it had happened, Jaja said, “It was God’s will, Papa,” and Papa smiled at Jaja and gently patted his back. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Completely sure,” answered Mama, looking deep into my eyes. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

I can’t help wondering if maybe deep down Mama does know that his job is the reason he’s gone. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

But she could hear Mama huffing as if out of breath. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

That Friday, I meet Mama in the school parking lot as soon as the last bell rings. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Time for me to make things safe—for me, Mama Ya-Ya, and Spot. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

She saw that Mama and Neeley were standing at the edge of the grave and dropping their handful of earth into it. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I was in the dark in Mama’s room but now I’m out here. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama and Aunt Rose laughed, and as Aunt Rose began to run water to wash the plates, Ophie tugged on her mama’s sleeve. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama didn’t like the idea of me hanging out with Frank until the small hours of the morning. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

I shouted after Mama and Doc, but they didn’t answer. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Part of me wants to rush him away from here so I don’t have to answer to my parents, but I know I need to introduce him to Mama and Papi at some point. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

He leaned in to kiss Mama again, but she ducked away. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

He didn’t say, I didn’t ask, and neither did Mama, who watched as we drove off. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Yeller wasn’t big and strong enough to stop him, but he kept him slowed down and fought away from Jumper and Mama and Lisbeth. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

She didn’t bring soap because Mama said they would have that in Japan. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

I don’t point out to Mama that the stairs would provide the cardio workout she was just talking about and search for Mustafa instead. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

“Don’t worry about him, Mama. Doctors are saying that skinny people live longer. Papa’s going to live a long time.” The Woman Warrior 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

I had a hair ribbon that was haint blue, but Mama only let me wear it on the Sundays we went to church. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“But we don’t have any money,” Mama responded, sobbing and looking sadly at Torito. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s dressed up for the lunch party at a cousin’s house she’ll go to after we visit the mosque. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

“Come on, let’s grab a cab. Go see Mama, Boots?” he asked. Gregor the Overlander 2003-09-01T00:00:00Z

Mama looked out the window a moment, her face struggling with some emotion. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Once upon a time, Mama would sing while washing laundry or cooking dinner or any of a million chores that had to be done around the house. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama Oji looked as if she wanted to say something else but changed her mind and turned to shout at her son. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

When Ferula found out what had happened, she told him acidly, “That’s what you get for spending Mama’s medicine money on your private little whims. God punished you.” The House of the Spirits: A Novel 1982-01-01T00:00:00Z

By the time I got Jumper caught, Mama had her bonnet on. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

I wrote Mama telling her that I expected to be home around January or February. Fallen Angels 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

The kitchen was warm and they were fed and Mama’s playing made them seem safe and comfortable. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“These are house shoes,” Mama said, handing Ophie a pair made of soft cloth that she took from off a small shelf. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Before we leave, Mama gets us pretzels and pop in the museum snack shop. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I couldn’t understand why Mama did that to me. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

August laughed, and so did I. “Was your Big Mama the one who taught you to keep bees?” The Secret Life of Bees 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z

After blessing me out, she took Mama in the house to tell her in private what all Mrs. Snodgrass said Smiley said I said. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

If Mama wasn’t there, then she was dead. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

All my fear lets loose...all my hurt...even anger that Mama Ya-Ya is dead. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Back inside, Dyedka waited impatiently for dinner as Mama set out the spice box, a cup of wine, and the braided candle Papa had made. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

But I didn’t much think my thinking would take the turn Mama wanted. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s wobbling as she walks, and when she says hello to Mr. Shephard, her voice is loud—too loud for the library. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

This time, though, Mama didn’t want me to go either. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Andeg was looking at the food cache as though he wasn’t quite sure he’d meant to share, but Mama was pleased. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

I swept up the glass while Mama pulled our dinner casserole out of the oven and put some rolls in to warm. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Holding him in her left arm, Mama nursed Trampita while she ate with her right hand. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” Isa said, rubbing her chest where her heart lay underneath. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“Time for bed,” Mama said, ushering her brood of grandchildren towards the bedrooms. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“No, that’s not fair, Mama. Dad is an expert when it comes to garbage.” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama says our lease is only good until the end of the year. He’s allowed to rent to someone else if he wants.” The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

I pass Charlie knocked out on the couch, but no Mama. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

For a moment, I’m glad Mama stands out, with her hijab and colorful tunic. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

And something happened, sure enough, that made Mama glad she stayed close, though she couldn’t have explained it if she tried. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

I stare at a crack near the bottom of Mr. Tobin’s desk and pray mad hard that Mama’s okay when she answers. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama is the one who gave me this journal? Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Mama was all for having a religious in the family, but Pap4 did not approve in the least. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

From the looks of Mama, she means to pay it. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

These blessings were so much longer than what Babulya and Mama said at home. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

“Mama, I know you’re a robot. But I don’t understand what a robot is.” The Wild Robot 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

“Have you taught me to have good taste, Mama? Is that another trick of the trade I haven’t learned?” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

So Hanako exclaimed impulsively, “Mama, I want to try something new. I’m ready to have my hair cut!” A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

But with my sister’s heart problem and my no-good drunk daddy, it was up to me and Mama. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

I’d have to find Declaration before Mama did, and tell her it wasn’t my idea. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama gave Francie instructions about going out to buy something for lunch. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama waved her open hands over the candles three times, as if sweeping the candlelight toward herself. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

Mama was beautiful, with her fair skin and hair like silk that reached down beneath her waist. March Forward, Girl 2018-01-02T00:00:00Z

Mama’s voice whispers through the television, sweet like honeydew in summer. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

After Mama burned him, Papi said a captain in the merchant marines took pity on him and doctored his papers so they’d say he was injured during an explosion on board. Dreaming in Cuban 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Tidings put the potatoes on the table, arched an eyebrow at me, and sat between Peach and Mama on the other side of the table. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Our front door closed softly behind him, and as soon as it did, Mama spoke again. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

When Mama got home from work that night, I gave her the letter and sat beside her on the couch while she read it. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

This worked for a long time until, one morning, Mama knocked on my bedroom door. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

“Mamas don’t know how to hate their babies. They love them too much.” Everything, Everything 2015-09-01T00:00:00Z

Mama told us to never answer that phone, and to only use it if there’s an emergency. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” I whispered frantically, tapping lightly on the door, “the police are here.” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

Daddy stood, put his arm around Mama, and folded her to him. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama got them all off with a knife and put them in a white teacup. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama looked at Doc long and hard, like she was searching inside him for answers. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

He had that evil face that Mama’s boyfriend had right before he grabbed up that brick. Girls Like Us 2014-05-27T00:00:00Z

We all waited while the deputy went through each one of our rooms in order: our front room, Doc’s bedroom, Mama’s room, the room I shared with Jay, the washroom, and the kitchen. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Biddy waggle her fingers closer, and Mama Duck hiss through the hole in her beak and struck her head out like a snake trying to bite Biddy’s fingers. Girls Like Us 2014-05-27T00:00:00Z

“Wouldn’t it be great if we were able to convince the Beiderman to let us stay? It would be like giving Mama and Papa the most amazing Christmas present ever.” The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Crumpled tissues cover the table like snow, and both Mama and Miz Rita have their hands wrapped around two mugs with steam coming out of them. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

As we came up the path, I could see the flash of white fabric on the porch of our house—Mama was outside. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

He told his children that he had promised to bring home some fresh-caught fish to Mama. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Why come Granny hadn’t given all that to Mama when I was born—or when Mama was expecting the baby that died or when Mary Toy came? Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama, too, had given me my first reading voice. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama grasped the scissors from her sewing kit on the table in one hand. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“Why, Mama, why? Why do they have to...to...say things and then stick a needle in your arm?” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was completely still, peaceful even in her sleep. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

Mama would hold up a pair of jeans marked “irregular” to a brother’s hips and try to ensure that each pair had enough leg length to last through the whole school year. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

Mama had stayed up until Master came home and Ugwu was in the kitchen, half asleep, waiting to lock up. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

And like always, in case of emergency, in case me and Mama Ya-Ya get separated, I know I’m to go to Missionary Baptist Church. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

I watch Mama’s face closely as she gives Mrs. Priest a small smile. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama, scandalized, had both hands up to her mouth. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama pulled back the kitchen curtain and looked out the window. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

“Where is Mama?” they would say, and look around, still smiling, two flushed and eager faces. The Joy Luck Club 1989-01-01T00:00:00Z

Hyacinth got Mama’s nimble fingers but Papa’s large feet. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Mama and I wait patiently as at least three locks are turned. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

I watched as Mama and Baba lay there in medically induced comas with ventilators breathing for them because their lungs were full of fluid. City of the Plague God 2021-01-12T00:00:00Z

In less than a minute, Mama returns from our bedroom wearing a big, bright smile. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Tidings’s voice drummed up the stairs, sounding as commanding as General Robert E. Lee’s at Gettysburg: “It’s nine o’clock! Visitation’s at three! Let’s move-move-move! Where are the hedge clippers, Mama?” Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

But despite Mama had a lot to worry about, there was a smile on her plain face and a light in her blue eyes that we hadn’t seen in weeks. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mustafa ended up staying home too, and we both helped to spread the word about the meeting that Mama and others had set up with county officials. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

“If you need more, we can come back,” Mama says, looking relieved. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Pap& hadn’t finished the new bedroom yet, so Mama put me and Dede in a little cot in the hallway. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

A chill ran through her, and next to her Mama grabbed the edges of her coat and pulled them closer together. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

We all glance at Mama to see how she will react to having someone from my dad’s family stay with us for so long. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

“Ifeoma was saying that they just called off a strike,” Mama said. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

I don’t know how much German Mama spoke—I think she understood more than she could speak. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Months after the sweet-smelling magnolia buds appeared on the trees, and right after we buried Mama. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Mama bit her lip and shook her head. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

I follow her with lead feet into the family room, where everyone is gathered to taste our recipe before Mama and I head home. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“Oh, Mama,” she said, “it’s wonderful. It’s the best soup I have ever eaten. ” The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread 2003-08-25T00:00:00Z

As for the rice, Mama was right—it was all I seemed to be hungry for lately. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama asked as I hung up my coat by the door and kicked off my shoes. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

I saw what was going through Mama’s mind like she was in the funny paper with a balloon coming out of her head: It’s enough he up and married like he did, said the balloon. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

When we were kids, Constantine used to sleep out here with Carlton and me in the summer, when Mama and Daddy went to out-of-town weddings. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

Mama Bellini, who was on duty in the morning, stood towering, frowning down on them. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama set the casserole down with a thunk. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

I took my exams on my hospital bed while Mother Lucy, who brought the papers herself, waited on a chair next to Mama. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Something prickled in her eyes as she took in their earthy smell and thought of Mama, but she worked until she’d created a lumpy paste. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

Mama would’ve hollered at me and reminded me for the umpteenth time that I was a troublemaker like Scrappy. Wish 2016-08-30T00:00:00Z

Going home in the trolley, Francie held the shoebox in her lap because Mama had no lap now. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I want to hold Mama’s hand, but instead I take another step back and hold on to the straps of my book bag. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

He didn’t need it anymore, for Mama had made him a new suit of clothes—a calico shirt, skin leggings, a set of blue broadcloth britches trimmed with red wool. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Grandpa plopped his hat on and stalked off before I could tell him that Mama was the one crying now. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama continues, “When you get inside, I want you to slide that laptop under my door and leave it there.” Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

“Do you think Mama and Doc got us anything?” Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“Better you be an orphan, your family thinks. Better crazy Mama Ya-Ya raises you,” she says, sucking air through her false teeth. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Then Mama relaxed, petted her nose, and turned away. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

“Yesterday, Mama,” I said, jumping up and down like a lunatic, clutching my stomach, which all of a sudden ached. Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

I wonder what Mama would think about the aquarium they have in our old apartment. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

At supper she chattered on to Jojo and Mama all about the trip. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

She went into the second house and ran up the three flights of stairs, calling “Mama!” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama came out of her trance and bustled around, grabbing many bread items and placing them on a plate in an overflowing heap. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

They drove the short distance to Mama’s, debating how to break the news to her. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mighty early for a visit, Sheriff,” Mama said, blocking the door with her whole body. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama and Grandma set their work out on blankets before them. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

I had told Mama I didn’t have anything to talk to Declaration about. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

When Ophie was little she would sit on Mama’s lap and watch, and when she got old enough to play she would take turns playing either her mama or daddy. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

It was all so pretty and smelled so good and the singing birds made such fine music that Mama wouldn’t go on. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

You never saw such a proud look as he wore on his face when he handed the lizard to Mama. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Did Mama run off and leave me with a total stranger? Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

Mama was walking across the freshly mowed grass from the funeral home to the flower shop when she saw me snake past the corner of the shed. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

It takes about fifteen minutes to walk there from my school, and I stay until Mama picks me up, usually when it’s closing. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

In the car, Mama hums a little to the radio, which is good. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

But now I can’t see Mama on the porch or the ants crawling up my legs. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Sometimes me and him would sit out on the stoop waiting for Mama to come home and he'd tell me about girls who liked him and guys who thought they were bad. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

I used the edge of my mantilla to wipe the sweat on my face as I followed behind Maria Teresa and Minerva, Mama and Dede close behind me. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

As Mama drops our samosas into the spattering oil, Elizabeth proclaims, “Hey! It’s a Pakistani knish!” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

We eat Oreos and play Star Wars for a long time, until Mama comes to pick me up. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama stayed home to take care of my little sister and brothers. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Could Mama actually be winning the class over? A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

It would be in the same room as Mama, but somehow being a few feet above her seemed like such a huge thing. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

“Once and for all, Mama, I will not go to high school.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I claimed Mama for my own and was jealous of any attention she paid to her daughters. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

When he came in at seven that night, the news was going off and me, Mama, Ty'ree, and the cops were all waiting. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

When I opened my eyes, Mama was smiling a beauty-queen smile at Peach. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

We move toward the door, and Mama waves off Mr. Tobin when he heads over, asking Mama to calm down and talk with him for a minute. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I spread my math homework out on the table and pretended to work on it as Mama cleared away the last of the supper dishes. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

When the rows were done, Mama sent the men on their way and planted the seeds herself. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Before I went to bed, Mama made me take a hot bath. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Several days later, once Father had regained his composure and both his eyes, he assured me that Mama Tataba hadn’t meant to ruin our demonstration garden. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama had Janae while she was a teenager herself and only went for a couple of semesters before dropping out when she got pregnant with me. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

I also learn that LaToya is friends with Mama, and so she breaks the rules and lets me in. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

He went away on the airplane and I said, “Mama, I hope he never comes back.” The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I was so proud of you carrying the flag,” Mama had said after my graduation exercises. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

I got my whipping from Papa, and my shaming from Mama to the point I tried to duck out of sight whenever I heard her coming. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

They had to wait until Mama came home with some money with which to buy a bundle of wood. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

If Mama wanted a chicken caught, she would call Little Ann. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama Ya-Ya falls forward and I fall on top of her. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

El-Mizan, Mama's favorite Egyptian show, blared from one of the cafés. City of the Plague God 2021-01-12T00:00:00Z

“Your turn, Jezebel,” Mama whispered, smoothing her hand over and down one of my pigtails. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“What if she tells Mama and they figure out that we made the mess?” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Frank came to my apartment, and Mama was afraid of him. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama said, “Well, maybe they take a different view of their bodies.” The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

We both listened for Mama stirring in the front of the house near where we sat. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s gonna kill me for messing up my hair, she thought insanely, wondering at the same time why such a ridiculous thought had come into her head. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

He wiped his robe’s sleeve across his forehead and said something to Mama that Anya never expected from the priest. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

Mama said that the Jews had never looked on Jesus as anything but a troublesome Yiddish boy who would not work at the carpentry trade, marry, settle down and raise a family. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

They waded through thick drying grass to get to it and Olanna looked around, half fearing she would see Mama’s skeleton lying somewhere. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

“Yes, you are, Billy,” she said, “very sick. Mama said when Old Man Johnson went crazy, his eyes turned green. I want to see if yours have.” Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

I didn’t want Mama or Dedd to know about my outing. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama had looked up and bowed her head and waved her hand, as if to say, “Oh, no, no, no. No!” A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

I couldn’t stop wondering why Mama, Grandma, and Daddy couldn’t talk back to that white man. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

To Mama he said, “Make her rest, Joy. She needs warmth and rest.” Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama pulled one more string, and the white in the mixture faded into a dull silver. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

From the house we could hear Mama getting the children ready for bed. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I don’t know if Mama likes anything as much as her bottles, which I’m starting to see more and more, but I don’t tell Charlie that. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I thought of the fine shot I’d made and knew it was worth bragging about to Mama. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

She was being foolish and impulsive, two things Mama always warned against. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

This is the kind of stuff I remember Daddy doing for Mama, and she’d always call him her hero afterward. Odd One Out 2018-08-09T00:00:00Z

I call Mama and she doesn’t answer, thank goodness. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

We both tiptoed down the hall to the living room and found Mama angling the jalousie just so. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

She was still feeling cautious, and more than a little wary of strangers, but...Mama had taught her the rule of kin. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

Mama appeared almost dazed with fatigue as she explained all this, but Akira just calmly twirled his thumbs. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

“Aunt Sissy doesn’t use that strong sweet perfume anymore, does she, Mama?” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama, I wouldn’t ever say this to anyone else but if we died, would that mean we could be with you? The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

We were scared and went home empty-handed that night, but we went back several more times until we got enough lumber to complete Mama’s floor. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Just as trees were Mama’s favorite, storks were mine. Salt to the Sea 2016-02-02T00:00:00Z

“Mama, who was the Marine who thought you were going to wait for him?” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

He stopped at the end of the first decade so Mama could continue with the next set of ten Hail Marys. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Normal If I were normal, I wouldn’t be living with Mama Ya-Ya. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

How could she know that Mama and Baba would die of grief if I ever said anything about Halloween? A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama and Nokomis hung the smoky woven bags of rice and tools and medicines from the willow poles above. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Mama’s voice sings from behind me, and Layla quickly fixes her face. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Dear Mama and Papa, First, let me say that Frankie and I are fine. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

I start, but Mama raises a hand to cut me off. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

When it looked like I was going to keep at this, Mama ordered me one like Nancy’s from the Sears, Roebuck catalogue. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Wait a minute. Are you saying you took Mama to another dimension when she was a little girl?” Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

“And shoes with heels that tap like Mama’s shoes?” The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Laughing, Mama handed it to her, and beautiful Angeline wrapped herself in its fine swirl. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

The sweet smile on Mama’s face doesn’t budge. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

Mama and Papa sure didn’t feel that way. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“It was in our bed,” Charlie says, pointing to her spot by Mama. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I knew it would scare Mama and she might stop my hunting. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

They arranged the ten new bills on the table, then called Mama out. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I close my eyes and see Mama, clear as day, smiling down on me. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Everybody knew that underneath Mama’s linen duster she had on mourning clothes, but she looked smart and stylish all the same. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Chasca and Mama rushed to me, and my sister touched my arm. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

I told him we would go to games at Madison Square Garden, maybe even take Mama if she wanted to go. Fallen Angels 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s voice trails off as she settles back into her cocoon. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

She hoped Mama had fixed peanut butter today. Forged by Fire 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

As for Richard, he was a fine, upstanding person, as Mama and Cook were always saying. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

I tugged on one of the braids Mama put my hair in to sleep. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Word would get around that Block such and such had partitions now, and Mama and my older sisters would walk halfway across the camp to use them. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

But Jaimito can park on the road, and I can take a peek out my window— How can Mama tell our window looks out on the road? In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I know this because as we’re all yapping in the living room, Papi washes the dishes, cleans the kitchen, and comes back to offer Mama a glass of water while he takes her empty plate. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Miss Tynmore, the tiny, bright chirping old maid who gave Mama music lessons, was just like the canary whose cage hung in her kitchen. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

After dinner, Jaja said grace, and at the end he added a short prayer for Mama. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

He put his hands up at the sounds of Mama’s outrage. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Mama is out of breath when she gets to the top of the stairs, and I’m panting a bit myself. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

She told Mama on me for spitting at her. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama came in soon after with her broom and pail which she banged into a corner with that final bang which meant that they wouldn’t be touched again until Monday. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

On the third day, the evil day, Mama did not appear at the door to bring in the water Deydey fetched. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

I’ve been tuned in to The Guiding Light for twenty-six years, since I was ten years old and listening to it on Mama’s radio. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

“He got away, Mama! He got out of the oak grove and out of the water! He came looking for us!” Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Me and Lally hide from Mama and Eulalie much of the time. Taste of Salt: A Story of Modern Haiti 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

I peer into the dark, cramped guardhouse and wonder whether Mama was right to run away from Ma. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

“Mama, how long do you think we have?” Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

Mama, her hair wrapped in paper-bag curlers, and Papa, grabbing his shotgun from above the mantel, reached Jojo just as Stella did. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Soon they’d hear Mama calling them from the galena, a scold in her voice. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

So I told Mama where to find Spot and told her to leave Little Arliss with me, and watched her and Lisbeth head out, both mounted on Jumper. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Our fear must have held back Mama’s progress. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

And when the stupid doctor told us Mama didn't make it, I felt like nothing, too. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

I think of Mama’s pile of bills, and nod. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama also liked to read True Romance magazines and would let me sit on her lap as she read aloud. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

I whisper in her ear: “I loved being yours, Mama Ya-Ya.” Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

After my talk with Papa, I went to Mama. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

When she reined in, the horse prancing sideways and jerking the bit, she asked if I thought Papa and Mama would be willing to leave at daybreak. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“You, too,Tidings,” Mama said, making him look her in the eye. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

I know there ain’t no chance Mama named me for a poet who wrote pretty words, but it feels good to hear her say it. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Mama and Babulya could make the trees use their branches, but could they pull a tree from the earth and make it walk around? Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

Seems like just the other day he was calling Mama’s phone to say he’d be home for Christmas. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Mama had asked, and each of them had tried. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Mrs. Hawkins began wiping Mama’s brow with cold compresses. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

I know Mama Ya-Ya says the hurricane is not the problem. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Mama offered the man the small portion of rice remaining from our morning meal. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama pushes the hair off her forehead with the back of her rubber-gloved hand. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Mama was in no shape for public transportation, and I felt rather shaky myself. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

I watched superhero videos with them on my laptop in my room, closing the door so that Mama and Baba weren’t disturbed by their laughter. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

She believed Mama, yet her eyes kept going back to the tormented effigy. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I think it’s a gift from you, Mama. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

Francie, who knew Mama was always right, found out that she was wrong once in a while. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Look at me, Mama,” is all he can think of to say. Song of Solomon 1977-01-01T00:00:00Z

If Mama didn’t hear him right away, he’d start braying, and he’d keep it up till she went and loosened the drag. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Suddenly he knelt down beside Mama, put his hat on the floor, grabbed my right hand in both of his, and held on like he’d never let go. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Fear settles in my belly like one of Mama’s heavy meals. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

I still had a little niggle about Mama having a hissy fit when I brought him back to Raleigh with me, but I pushed that aside. Wish 2016-08-30T00:00:00Z

“They dug a hole when they wanted to beat a pregnant woman,” Mama said. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

“Mama is teaching me. And I’m almost six.” A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Anya picked up the flour bag and took the fish from Mama. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

After breakfast Saturday morning, when Mama wiped her mouth for him to kiss her good-bye, he kissed her twice and then came back and kissed her twice again. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

It was too much for Mama and the girls. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

If I were allowed to play with her, I would talk to her, I promise, Mama. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

Mama sat on deck looking very pretty in her jade-green straw hat and a yellow dotted-swiss dress that she had borrowed from Aunt Evy. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

It was no secret to Dede that Mama couldn’t read, though Mama still persisted in her story that her eyesight was bad. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama turned abruptly, as if to hide the worry on her face. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mabel Perry It made me sad that Mama had written to Peewee to say that she loved me. Fallen Angels 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

I traveled, mostly with Mama, to other parts of the city, but nothing matched Harlem. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

“After you,” Mrs. Priest says, and me and Mama walk into the room. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

And Mama was sitting in the middle of the floor, holding him up close and crying like she’d never stop. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama simply raised an eyebrow and continued to fasten her light blue pillbox hat into place. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Mama brushes the hair out of my face and fixes the collar of my shirt like she did when I was a little girl. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

“What kind of grades did you get on your last report card, Karen? Mama told me you did real well.” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

In my heart, I know Mama was holding my little brother’s hand as they died.” Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps 2001-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama came in holding a tray piled high with bottles of soft and malt drinks lying on their sides. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Then Little Arliss could come in and tell Mama a big fib about how he caught it himself. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama makes a few attempts at conversation, but they crumble. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

For me he was a conqueror, a sleeping knight, like in the stories Mama used to tell. Salt to the Sea 2016-02-02T00:00:00Z

Mama had been so patient with me, trying every night. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

When Mama asked if she would drink Fanta, she shook her head, still tugging at the ribbon. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama, despite her being half German, half Indian, knew a lot about slavery. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

From the beginning, I was so good, Mama said she’d forget I was there. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

They quite forgot to wash as Mama had told them to. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Isaiah, calm down. Let me finish,” Mama says. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Neither Mama nor I said much for a while. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

I did not know exactly what California was either, but Papa’s eyes sparkled whenever he talked about it with Mama and his friends. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama cried as the kids descended the staircase. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“You look beautiful, Mama,” Ben said, winking at her. The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

Finally, Mama gave in, but she told Daddy they had to spell my name the Bible way. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“I know, sweetie,” Mama said, stroking her hair. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

She glanced in the screen door to see where Mama was, then turned back to me. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama silenced her with a look that was the grownup equivalent of the old slipper on our butts. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

After they left, Mama and I did not talk about it. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

And, Mama argued, we needed the education to go along with our cash. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama said he’s too young to be thinking about girls. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was only a girl when she married. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was so happy to see me and my brothers and sisters would crowd around the wagon. Life Is So Good 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

She then slipped her feet into her soft, warm slippers, the ones Mama had handsewn for her. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Understanding my feelings, Mama said, “Billy, I wouldn’t worry. He’ll be back before long. It takes time for things like that.” Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

“What about harsh fists, Mama? What about when he hits you?” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama Killa, the moon, rested in the sky, round and heavy, but she was leaving even as I watched. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

“You can stay if you want,” Mama tells me. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

By eight thirty, Mama and Baba have gone into their room and shut the door firmly, after reminding me to keep the porch light off in the universal signal of party poopers. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Her father picked an apple out of the lunch pail Mama had fixed for them. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Who would ever believe that Mama scrubbed floors to make a living for the four of them? A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama Tataba would haggle with the women at the door, and finally turn to us with her scrawny arms raised up like a boxing champ, holding up our dinner. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

When I got my course schedule, Mama explained it’s a new, fancy name for home economics. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

When I look closer, I see what made Mama say it. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama shook her head and played with one of her diamond earrings. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Manny from down the block has offered his minivan to drive Mama and my sisters out to our new place. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Mama said they were nice and asked me to explain one of them, which I did. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

At the camp, Mama and Papa were told that the foreman had left for the day. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s got a full laundry basket tucked under one arm, but she reaches out with her free hand. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama thinks for a second, and shakes her head. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama immediately stood up, smoothed back her dark hair, and gave us quick kisses on the cheek. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

“Mama, come with me,” says Cesia, looking away from my startled face. The Light in Hidden Places 2020-03-03T00:00:00Z

“Nice to meet you,” I reply, using the good manners that Mama has drilled into us. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Mama made a big potful each morning and reheated it for dinner and supper and it got stronger as the day wore on. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

On the street Neeley said, “No wonder Mama waits five years to buy a new hat if it’s all that trouble.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

So instead of thinking about ideas to save their home like Isa had asked, Laney put all her attention on getting double chocolate pecan cookies from Mama. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“Morning, Henry,” Mama said, then dropped her voice so low that Ophie could barely make out the words. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

When I got out onto the porch early that morning, I heard Mama at the chicken coop talking with one of her customers. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

On and on, Mama listened, spoke her mind, Mama who had always said that all this talking of Minerva’s was unhealthy. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama waves to the box of labels on the table. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“And how can you even say something like that, being married to Mama?” The Parker Inheritance 2018-03-27T00:00:00Z

Mama dabbed at the perspiration on her neck and spoke in an even voice. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama got a fifty-cent piece from the cracked cup and gave it to Francie. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Behind me, Mama rattles the lunch tray, setting food down on our small table, so I kiss Papa’s other cheek and take my place. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

Mama was settling Merry in her high chair, and Merry spotted me first. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

And while Mama mended Papa’s shirt, he drove in our Carcachita to the nearest gas station to fill the gallon bottle with drinking water and to get more kerosene for the stove. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” I wail, weeping, trying to rescue Maya. Paradise on Fire 2021-09-14T00:00:00Z

Mama Oji shrugged and then told her that all the neighbors were accomplished thieves. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

“It took me nearly an hour to do a style she liked,” Mama murmured. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

“We must stay together,” Mama said urgently, her eyes wide with fear. Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps 2001-03-01T00:00:00Z

She heard Mama shout her name, but that didn’t slow her down. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

Jus doesn’t know much about watches, but he’s about eighty-seven percent sure this one is vintage and worth more money than Mama’s ever had in her bank account at once. Dear Martin 2017-10-17T00:00:00Z

Mama said she didn’t want anything except a cup of hot tea. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama put her arm around me and leaned her head toward mine. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama placed the fresh palm fronds, which were wet with holy water, on the dining table and then went upstairs to change. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Not a one of us but Mama will eat them, and the only reason is she can remember how they tasted back home from the Piggly Wiggly with salt and Hellman’s mayonnaise. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama and I were asked to sit in the hallway. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama was usually still eating, so he’d bend down and wait while she wiped her mouth, then smack her one, and that’s all there was to it. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“I own a construction company,” Mr. Heller continues, addressing Mama. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

I put it on and it feels like a cool thread, tying me forever to Mama Ya-Ya. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Mama left the dinner to warm while Father and I washed up, and we all waited for Stick. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

“That’ll be like a code word to remind yourself to simmer down. Mama taught my little brother Cotton to say ‘rutabaga’ every time he gets the urge to draw on the wall.” Wish 2016-08-30T00:00:00Z

I watched intently, remembering Mama’s words: If you observe carefully, dear, you won’t have to ask. Salt to the Sea 2016-02-02T00:00:00Z

If Mama knew I could get twenty a week, maybe she wouldn’t send me back to school and I couldn’t blame her. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama sat on the sofa holding Frankie, his eyes wide with fear. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

He was unforgivably a foreigner then, foreign to them, foreign to me, foreign to everyone but Mama, who sat next to him smiling with pleased modesty. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama sits on the porch fanning away flies. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

In my admiration for Cradle, I hadn’t paid attention for a while to what people were saying about Mama. Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I could expand my business. Make more cakes and macarons...or something,” Mama said, her mind already working out how to manufacture more hours in her day. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“She brought the collar to the house last night,” said Mama. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

That was so he could go back to China if he wanted to, Mama said. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I ready to put a towel on her eggs to keep them warm, when Mama Duck come flying home. Girls Like Us 2014-05-27T00:00:00Z

Sisi came into the room, smelling of food and spices, to tell Mama that the Igwe had arrived, that Papa wanted us all to come down and greet him. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

At dinner, when Mama asked how Sunday school was, he said “fine” in his usual monosyllabic way but gave me a warning look that I knew meant I should keep my mouth shut. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

I spec we about to get a shower. “... government knows best and if Skeeter thinks she’s going to get away with this colored non—” “Mama! Mama! Look at me!” holler Heather from the pool. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

Mama says their skin bears scars different from ours because their skin is a map of all the sorrows in their lives. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

I take out my birthday gift, a package of sparkly pens Mama Ya-Ya has given me. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

On the way, Mama noticed some blood on my shirt. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

I was thinking about Biddy and that Mama Duck. Girls Like Us 2014-05-27T00:00:00Z

"And jeans. Mama was wearing her yellow pajamas, the ones with toasters on them. Remember those?" Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

Oh, how Mama would have loved this! she thought. Copper Sun 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mr. Johnson put Peach in one bed and Mama put me in the other. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

I sniffed a great sniff, and Mama said, “Do you want to tell me what happened between you and Declaration?” Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

And at that moment I realize how close Mama is to me. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Mama Joe shouted after the woman, “People who have bad stomachs should not spread their bad will to others! You will not find snails this size anywhere else in the market!” Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

While everybody laughed, Mary Toy peeped out from behind Mama’s skirt. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama tells us about this place called Sunrise Recovery Center, where she’ll be for the first part of the summer. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I squeezed my eyes shut and willed Mama and Aunt Goldie to decide that this was a bad idea. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

"Of course, Mama. Have you heard from Ivette? I need to talk to her ... to apologize." The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

After Mama saw that there were no broken bones, or legs chopped off, she smiled and said, “I never know any more. I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.” Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Francie knew that Mama wouldn’t move just because she felt like going to another school. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

She never had to look after him unless she was in a mood to, because if he wasn’t toddling around after me, he was with Mary Toy, unless he was with Mama or Queenie. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” I whined hungrily, envious of all those people eating, “may I have something to eat too?” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

He wanted to cry, like a child: “But, Mama, it’s my birthday!” Go Tell It on the Mountain 1953-05-18T00:00:00Z

She told Mama that sometimes Grandpa’s lamp was still on in his bedroom at two and three in the morning. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“I says to her, ‘But, Mama, if I’d left I might not never see you no more!’ Elijah of Buxton 2007-08-06T00:00:00Z

“Mama says you missed your piano practice today.” The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate 2009-05-12T00:00:00Z

When the birds were ready to roast, Mama packed them close together along with wild onion bulbs and then pressed rich, streambed muck carefully around them. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Mama smoothed my hair away from my face with her hand. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

I wondered how come Mama never showed me how to make yarn bracelets. Wish 2016-08-30T00:00:00Z

Vince had invited me to a party, but of course Grandma and Mama said no. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama, I don’t think I can deal with another thing happening right now. Can we go?” Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

The investigators tore this place apart looking for clues about what might’ve happened to him, but me and Mama made sure to put everything back exactly like it was. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

I had always had a small war with Mama. Fallen Angels 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z

They both turn, and Mama’s eyes go wide. Odd One Out 2018-08-09T00:00:00Z

Mama pulls back and examines me from head to toe. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

After Oliver’s conversation with Jimmy L, he came back inside, swiped three of the double chocolate pecan cookies Mama had baked earlier, then retreated to his bedroom for some Beiderman brainstorming time. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

He said for Mama to remember that if the least little thing went wrong, she was to get in touch with him right away. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was wearing her jade green hat which made her skin look like cream off the top of the bottle. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Just making it from day to day,” Mama said. Slam! 1996-11-01T00:00:00Z

When I was four, Mama was the moon and the stars. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

“Don’t you get it? This would be perfect for my mama. If we win, we could get aprons like Stephanie’s and advertise Mama’s catering business to the entire city.” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama only said not to let her find out. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Mama had told us two days earlier that a “case” was coming—a girl who had no place to go. The Bluest Eye 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s doing a lot better by the time Sunday comes around. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Mama pats his back and tries to reassure him. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

But even though she never said so, I knew Mama dreaded that possibility. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama came in with a basket of freshly ironed and folded handkerchiefs and put them on the table by the door. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

By this time, I could hear Mama coming down the path, telling Jay’s head a mess about what she was gonna do if this was some kinda joke. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

I help Elizabeth grind spices, then hang back as the rest of the group gathers to watch Mama. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mrs. Wright just say to Mama right out the blue that she was taking me. Elijah of Buxton 2007-08-06T00:00:00Z

I look at Mama, trying to will her to control my father. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

Taking a needle she’d threaded, Mama showed them how to pull it through each piece of popcorn. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

As we eat, Mama starts telling stories, and Mustafa and I jump in and fill in the gaps. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Mama was using her very angry voice now, and Pinch felt so terrible that his brain raced and he seized suddenly upon a blaming lie. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

“You didn’t even eat the yam Mama boiled.” Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

Mama’s head snapped up, and she swatted the words away like tsetse flies. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

They had spent much of that while Papa was in Bismarck, and Mama was working only part-time for a low salary. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Mama looked at me the way she would when I did or said something she didn’t expect. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

This is the most I can do right now without calling him everything but a child of God, as Mama would say. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Mama Joe’s shed in Ogige market just barely fit the high stool where she sat and the smaller stool in front of her. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama Brunelle was closest, legs splayed, her corpse sprawled halfway into a ditch. Endangered 2012-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Now you look a here, Eugenia”—because Constantine was the only one who’d occasionally follow Mama’s rule. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

“I thought I heard yelling . . Mama put her hand against her cheek. “I guess my ears are playing tricks. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

Since the summer of coconuts, Milagro and I have had a pact to ignore Mama, to stay as far away from her as possible. Dreaming in Cuban 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

The switch hovered in the air while Mama blinked. The Bluest Eye 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z

Will Rashid Uncle be kind to us when we arrive there, Mama? The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

Far away from those men carrying Mama down the stairs while Miss Roberts held me and cried. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

“I didn’t mean to scare Mama,” I sniffed. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

I follow Rabiya upstairs, trying not to trip over the deep-pink shalwar kameez Mama forced me to wear. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

“Of course they did. Mama would have been furious if she’d found my bedroom floor covered in paint.” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama ran across the street to the church door and pounded on it. March Forward, Girl 2018-01-02T00:00:00Z

Mama and Jakob were with his uncle back in the village, and his sister had managed to join them. Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps 2001-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama came home at six with Aunt Sissy. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I ignored them, helping Mama into the backseat. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Through the door, I can see straight into Mama Ya-Ya’s bedroom. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

I get a little nervous a what Miss Leefolt gone do if she hear this Mama stuff. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

Vanessa and Mama look one and the same. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Mama did not speak until we were in my room. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“I think I did, at that,” said Mama, delighted. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

“Right. So, I basically had her look it up so that she could know what was really wrong with her. I told her yesterday, ‘It’s not glaucoma, Mama. As Brave As You 2016-05-03T00:00:00Z

I stood right next to one man who was directing a particularly abusive string of epithets toward Mama. Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

“First thing I’m gonna make is some real banana pudding,” Mama says. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

She was trying to figure out a time during the day when it would be safe to sneak up to the attic and ask, while Mama dozed beside her. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Mama took all of Gran’s clothes and things. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

When I walked in the door, Mama smiled and handed me a brand-new notebook. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“I love you, baby, and I’m so proud of you. You’ve been so brave with everything that’s going on,” Mama says. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama said, “Love is too used to town life and dressin’ fashionable. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama hung a calendar on the wall of our bedroom and circled the date September 13, 1999. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama raced from the kitchen and flung open the door. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama found the pills I stuck on the wall. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” I said, “a trip would do you good, too. Why don’t you go on to New York with Papa?” Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

I keep my head down, the way I used to before Mama’s cooking club started. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Instead, he would go into the backroom hideaway, where he would polish and load his gun as though he were going to shoot the insurance man to protect Mama. March Forward, Girl 2018-01-02T00:00:00Z

Mama stirs the food in the pot hard, and her spoon hits the sides. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

I pulled away from the grip Mama had on my arms, moved and stumbled, almost falling on my backside. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“But, Mama,” Oliver protested, pointing the tip of his sword at the blue T-shirt poking out the top of the bag. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“It’s Mr. Beiderman, and he’s not evicting us. He’s not renewing our lease,” Mama said. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“He took me there once,” Mama tells me in a strange, sad voice. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

He was quietly squawking a tune Mama liked to hum while she prepared the evening meal. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

He asked Mama if Grandfather would look like these men. Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps 2001-03-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama’s got her mind made up. I don’t blame her either. I wish I’d never come to New York.” The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama and Aunt Loma went to sobbing out loud, their arms around each other. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

He embraces Mama, who breaks down, sobbing in his arms. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Even Mama, who once refused to receive him, now buttered him up whenever he was over. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Can I, Mama? Can I have it, please? Oh please, Mama. I’ll do all my chores for a month without complaining even once.” Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

The voices grew too distant, as if Mama and Aunty Ifeoma were on a boat moving quickly to sea and the waves had swallowed their voices. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

For a moment Mama looked as though she did not know what Sisi had said. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

When Thaya Jaan came to visit last year, we didn’t understand why Mama went overboard cooking elaborate Pakistani feasts for him, including the dishes usually reserved for dinner parties. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

She couldn’t tell anybody about the things she did at night, and when her Mama asked her questions she would answer with any little tale that sounded reasonable. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter 1940-07-29T00:00:00Z

“You know,” mused Neeley, “Mama found that blouse and sewed a patch over the hole and she never asked me about it.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama thought it would be a mistake to send Mate her good black towel she had made the week she was home—to save her nerves. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

From the way they keep throwing suspicious looks at Mama, it’s clear they don’t think anyone can replace their teacher, especially not some foreign lady in a hijab. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama’s speech was slurred as she told me to say hello to Jean, Louise’s granddaughter, who was in the living room. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Papa was not home, and so she spoke to Mama. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

For Mama, a precious dress length of calico cloth, deep red with blue and pink flower sprigs all over it. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Mama was sure that the man who tried to steal the bell had come back and kidnapped him. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mrs. Kluck and Mama are standing side by side near the Poland table, trying to chat. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama wailed that she could never show her face in Cold Sassy again, she was so embarrassed. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama carries the kitchen things to the car, and I don’t help at all. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama: I did not say you could talk to these people, Justyce! Dear Martin 2017-10-17T00:00:00Z

Maybe if I hurried home, I could get Mama to come back and help me. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama could feel when rain was coming on, when something was wrong with me or Jay, when someone was trying to fake her out at the market charging a higher price than was right. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

It didn’t seem fair, and I made up my mind to ask Mama what the trouble was with being a woman. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“No, please. I can look out for you and Mama Ya-Ya.” Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Mama says the Lord knows all, and that He in His infinite wisdom knows the reason for all things. Tears of a Tiger 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama also made sure the entrance to our tent was always closed to keep out the smoke and odor from the camp’s garbage dump located directly in front of our tent, twenty yards away. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

I sat feeling nothing but Mama’s fingers pressing my palm, and my own pulse thumping beneath them. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

I glanced over at Mama, who stood by the sink picking imaginary crumbs from her apron. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

As time slips by, as the water rises, I try to think about what’s next, about what Mama Ya-Ya would want me to do. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Then Mama and I cooked six tuna casseroles six different ways, and we baked four chocolate cakes and dusted them with confectioners’ sugar. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

When we got home, we asked Mama, who went through a whole family tree of Viftas, only to declare she didn’t know this particular one. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

When Mama was still pregnant with me, our daddy was sitting in Central Park reading the paper. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

At the door, Mama informs the guards that if I go, she goes, too. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Laney, don’t you dare take anything out of that box without telling me,” Mama warned. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Go somewhere with a house big enough for all of us: TJ, Pop Pop, Daddy, and even Mama. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Ophie jumped to her feet, and next to her Mama startled fully awake. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Telling Mama, “Here he is,” I grabbed my jumper and cap, and ran out to the gate and waited. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

On my third day at Mama’s, instead of a resurrection, I got another crucifixion. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Very gently Mama worked the entrails out and in a pan of warm soapy water, washed them clean of the pine needles, leaves, and grit. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

She knew Mama had helped Baachan once, but she hadn’t realized she was still working in the fields. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Mama Ya-Ya is touching the TV screen as if her palm can stop the storm. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

My soul was gathered with sinners and bloody men, and all I was thinking of was how to get Mama Tataba to come back, or what we should have brought from Georgia. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

The tale Uncle Jack told me during the fourteen minutes Mama was gone. Fast Pitch 2021-08-31T00:00:00Z

Mama filled him in on the last couple of days of our trip while Mustafa dozed, and I stared out the window. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Mama, Daddy, Tidings, Merry, and I stood at the open casket one last time, staring at the glory that had been Great-great-aunt Florentine. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama seemed a little self-conscious, but then shouted fiercely, “Please, fields, feed my children!” A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

He once suggested to me that we take Mama to a dibia in his hometown, a man who is an expert in “these things.” Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama made a very fine bread pudding from slices of stale bread, sugar, cinnamon and a penny apple sliced thin. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I get Mama’s iPad from the family room, where she charges it, take a deep breath, and try to connect with Zohra. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

She had the bag for it, too, and Mama was certain this time that she’d get a milk cow to replace Rose. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama balled her hands up into fists at her side. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Then he fiddled with his apron pocket and said, “I saw a black cat yesterday night, after Mama and Amala left.” Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

But some days, when it's raining and Mama won’t let me go outside, I see them on the block, their fingers laced together, heading around the corner to the bodega for candy. Brown Girl Dreaming 2014-08-28T00:00:00Z

Mama, Doc, and Jay were looking at me so closely, I had to look down at my hands. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

I need to go back home first, to change clothes and come up with a story to tell Mama. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

His eyes were closed, his fingers wrapped around Mama’s hand, stroking her knuckles with his thumb. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

She pressed the bell button three times before she entered the hallway so that Mama could be on the alert and make sure that Francie wouldn’t be attacked by someone lurking in the hallways. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

It turns out Mama was in the women’s state prison and Dusty was in another jail in Florida. Three Little Words: A Memoir 2007-12-27T00:00:00Z

I was going away from Mama is all I knew. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama Ya-Ya and Spot are going to have a good day. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

She was dying to know the baby’s name but Mama seemed like such a stranger now that she didn’t like to ask outright. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Will they take me away too, Mama? Like they do Papa?” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

“For now,” Mama says, “but I still have to go back to court next week.” Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

I overheard Mama say something in the background. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Me and Mama laugh, cuz Charlie’s started this thing where she hears a big word and then repeats it as much as she can. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

When he got home, Mama would need to tell him that the debils had left us with no crop to sell, no rice to eat, and no seed for next year’s planting. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama keeps repeating that the Lord knows what he does and Patria nods like she doesn’t half believe it. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama shot him that how dare you? look, but he just grinned sheepishly and stood with the rest of the children. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama, if you were here, would you have sat next to me and held me? The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

Koffi closed her eyes and searched until she found a memory, a lesson Mama had taught her once at the Night Zoo. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

“I’m sorry to surprise you so bad! Mama says you are grieving, too!” Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama called her again and didn’t seem mad anymore. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Sept. 18.1 asked Mama could I get a Castle Clip and she said no that hair was a woman’s crowning beauty. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s parents were terrified when they saw him coming. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I can strap it on top of the car, Mama.” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

On occasion she pawed at Mama’s feet and was rewarded with a carrot. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

“But Daddy would want me to help Mama,” I tell Rock. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Suddenly, it struck me, too, that this plump little nun with a bit of her gray hair showing under her headdress wasn’t Mama or Papa I could argue things with. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Then Mama hit him with a broom and told him to keep the Lord’s name out of his mouth, but he wouldn’t stop, and Daddy was cussing, and everybody was screaming.” The Bluest Eye 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z

Once we’re in the living room and Mama Ya-Ya is settled in her favorite chair—all soft with a blue lap shawl—I say, “I memorized some Shakespeare. Want to hear?” Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Our apartment is busy with Mama finishing up Janae's Welcome Back dinner. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

“I know that, Mama. Bad things happen, and sometimes there’s nothing we can do. But this time, there is something I can do. I want to help Ma return the last dragon.” Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

She had so many questions, but the one that came out first was “How come Mama can see you?” Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

The one good thing about Mama being tired all the time is that I get to go to the library almost every day. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“I think,” begins Mama, spreading butter on slices of bread, “I think I’m ready to go back to work.” Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama pours me a glass, and then takes a package of cookies from the pantry, the ones we brought back from Pakistan, and hands it to me. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Several minutes later, through the wall, came muffled sounds of him talking with Mama. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

I can hear both Quinton’s and Mama’s voices in my head telling me to come back to where it’s safer. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

The sounds of Mama weeping came through the wall. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

That the woman back at the prison were a ghost, and the real Mama were here in the flesh. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Mama’s death had taken something from her too. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

“Go up and change,” Mama said, holding Jaja and me around the shoulders. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Behind me, I could hear Mama’s slippers shuffling around on the hardwood floor, and she was humming. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

My mother says: When Mama tried to teach me to make collards and potato salad I didn't want to learn. Brown Girl Dreaming 2014-08-28T00:00:00Z

Mama, who had decorated the restaurant, did not believe in fake plants. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

At the sound of the first notes, the faces of Mama and Papa and Mario broke into smiles. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

That was one reason I didn’t like the way Mama was carrying on so about Grandpa getting engaged. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Ever since Daddy had died she had tried to be strong and helpful, but she wasn’t, not like Mama. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

We never did figure out why the snake hadn’t bitten him, but Mama took no more chances on snakes. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

We have epic snowball fights, Mama and I go cross-country skiing, and Mustafa makes tons of money shoveling driveways. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

A symbol of when Mama was whole, complete, and living her dreams. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

When I look down, my stomach starts doing its karate-chopping, and I glare at Mama, who’s still bundled up under the covers on her side of the bed. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Old Yeller, lying ’way off out there in the hills, about to die if he didn’t get help, and Mama telling me I couldn’t walk. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

I usually loved all of Mama’s cooking, and most of Doc’s when Mama let him use the kitchen. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

While Mama filled out the money order and figured out how to pay some of the other bills, Ty'ree made grocery lists and school supply lists and added and re-added the cost of everything. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

Mama has joked that my curves have finally kicked in at seventeen—not that I was waiting for them. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Mama’s stacks of packaged food containers pop into my mind. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Papa, Mama, and now Teacher Sarah...how could I go on? Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Two Terminal Island women about Mama’s age were leaving just as we walked in. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

Happily, she brought the meat to Mama and Grandma to prepare. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Mama held still, a proud smile on her lips the entire time. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

“Mama, I think Blanca’s pregnant,” he said without beating around the bush. The House of the Spirits: A Novel 1982-01-01T00:00:00Z

That’s when I hear Mama’s voice through the phone, and it’s not pretty. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

We make it to the bathroom and Mama Ya-Ya wants to slump down, over the toilet. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

If I were younger, I would curl up with the chocolate and tell Mama about my hard day. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

“Yes, and then he wouldn’t have to come home. I could feed him here, and leave him here, and you’d never have to see him,” he said to Mama. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama would always give him some answer, and sometimes, loud enough for me to hear him, he would say that it wasn’t right for anybody to stay in his room as much as I did. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama would kill me if she knew I was headed to a boy’s house in the middle of the night. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Mama tucked the celosia stalk under her arm. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

“It’s cool. No sword. See? No sword. Calm thoughts. Sea grass. Mama cows. Vegetarianism.” The Titan's Curse 2007-05-11T00:00:00Z

She drew a picture of me, her, Mama, and Daddy. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

In fact, it looked like she and Mama and Little Arliss had a real good time gathering corn. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Now, of course, Mama doesn’t look like she’s ever joked in her life. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

She stops to check out the photos of me and Quinton that Mama has all over the front room. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Mama finds us one old shoe- shine kit, so we can earn money polishing people's shoes. Taste of Salt: A Story of Modern Haiti 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama yelled something to him about a snake. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama, why don’t you stop working? You don’t have to work anymore. Do you? Do you really have to work like that? Scabbing in the tomato fields?” The Woman Warrior 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

Me and Mama hold hands as we walk the halls to his room. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Mama will keep some of these papers to light fires; others will be used to wash windows or line our shoes. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

“Careful, Mama, or those pieces will cut your fingers,” he said. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

On the third ring, Mama lifted the receiver off the dining room wall. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Just when I've settled on that plan, I hear a noise, under the sounds of Mama's playing. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

Mama’s standing behind the gate, waving, smiling, snapping Polaroids. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Ah, ah, how I loved you, Mama—dead these many years! Grendel 1971-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama put some cane chairs out there along with a crate with an ashtray so they’d stop littering her yard. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

In the kitchen Stella hardly knew where to begin—Mama was already a whirlwind of activity. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama pulled me loose, and then smacked me for being careless. Tears of a Tiger 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

She laughed for the first time since Papa had died and Mama opened her eyes and smiled. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I’m sick over the whole thing,” Mama muttered. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

By the little wrinkles that bunched up on her forehead, I could tell that Mama wasn’t satisfied. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was so desolate, her oldest brother Charlie couldn’t stand it. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama and Baba have sacrificed so much for me to be here; I have no right to be ashamed. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

While they talked, I felt Mama sit down beside me and I laid my head against her shoulder. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

“Mama, please,” I say, rummaging through a basket where she keeps her keys. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

Mama asked after Mrs. Spencer was out the door. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Once Mama had said to me that time is like a movie—something you watch real close wanting to catch every line, every action, every moment. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

Have you ever heard a grown man scream, Mama? The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

I had promised Mama I would be home early, but I needed someone to talk to in a bad way. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Then one day, after meandering home from school, the house was completely empty—Mama and Akira weren’t there like they usually were. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

“No, we have a little money left. But not enough. Not enough,” Mama murmured. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

For the next months I hardly spoke to Mama, or she to me. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama fiddled with her fingers and said nothing for a while. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“I don’t think I’ll ever be required to use them, Mama.” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

She ran through the kitchen, ignoring Mama’s and Cook’s yelps of surprise and shouted censure, grabbed the saltshaker off the prep table, and climbed the stairs, her short legs pumping hard up the grand staircase. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

On every available inch of counter space, and on every available inch of the kitchen floor, lay Mama’s baking supplies, ready for packing. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

Behind Lyddie’s back, the ladder creaked, as two by two, first Charles and Agnes, then Mama and Rachel, climbed up into the loft. Lyddie 1991-02-01T00:00:00Z

Mama looked right into my eyes and smiled a genuine smile that showed all the sadness around her mouth and behind her eyes. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

“The weddin’ beads that Pa gave her,” Mama said, her voice choking a little. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

But there is some question of school fee, so Mama says, “Let your sister be teacher for you boys.” Taste of Salt: A Story of Modern Haiti 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s little girl wasn’t here, but would she like the new me? The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

When Mama reached Anya, she pulled her into a surprisingly solid hug. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

Mama stands in the front pew, taller than anyone, her shoulders square and proud. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Through the screen door, I holler back at Mama Ya-Ya, “It’s just a girl from school.” Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

I never told Mama Ya-Ya but I used to try and speak with her all the time. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Guess what was in one of the nests, Mama? Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

She was probably as old as Mama, wearing a festive green kerchief over light brown hair. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

I walk on home thinking about poetry and Mama and Clem. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

Mama is beaming so proudly, I think her jaw might break. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

He put his hand on his hip and squealed in a lisping falsetto: “Oh, Mama! Will I have a baby if a man just kisses me? Will I, Mama? Will I?” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I waited there in the corn, expecting Mama or Jay to come looking for me and tell me to come back home. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

When I told Mama, she said, “I’d rather get worn out twice a year than stay worn out all the time.” Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

I started to shake and moan, and call out to Mama to take me home. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama looked at the wall clock, a gift from a charity Papa donated to, oval shaped and embossed with his name in gold lettering. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s lipstick was a creamy rose color; it outlined her lips perfectly, and it matched the color of her fingernails. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

She cried out "Mama" when I laid her down and wet her diaper after she drank a bottle through a little hole in her mouth. How the García Girls Lost Their Accents 1991-01-04T00:00:00Z

When I needed reassurance I would get it from Woody or Chizu, or from Mama, who had more of herself to give by this time. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

I watch as Mama sits upright in her chair, and Baba tenses. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

After traveling for a couple of hours, Mama suggested we stop to have lunch, which she had prepared that morning. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

“They weren’t much good, Mama, and I know you never had the time.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

I just couldn’t see why Mama and Aunt Loma were having a fit about it. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

He and Mama dressed up for the dinner. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

When we run out of polish, I hopefully suggest that I could go borrow some from a neighbor, but Mama triumphantly produces another jar. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

Seems Mama got tired of fighting after a while. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

It will be even harder with Mama sitting next to me. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

But Auntie texted Mama saying they were delayed at the dentist, and that they’ll meet us for lunch afterward. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

I heard her and Mama whispering in the other room. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama made a big to-do about how weak and hurt I was, but I didn’t mind. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Then I counted the redbrick squares on the floor and thought about my life with Mama Lessie and all the wonderful things I’d done with her and learned from her. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

“So, Mama,” he said, “why don’t you let me put some money into fixin’ up this place? As Brave As You 2016-05-03T00:00:00Z

I lay in bed after Mama left and let my mind rake through the past, through the years when Jaja and Mama and I spoke more with our spirits than with our lips. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

It was that sort of thing, I guess, that always made Mama so afraid of wild hogs. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Don’t be pious, Mama. You’re beautiful and beautiful women get everything they want.” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

Then, late one afternoon while I was studying the messages of the spiders with my teacher, Mama herself came to his wasi in need of healing. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

When we returned to the waiting area, Mama wrapped her arms around both of us, and we snuggled in close. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

“You don’t have to do any of this, you know. I don’t need to know everything between you and Mama.” Song of Solomon 1977-01-01T00:00:00Z

That night, the children went upstairs and slept in the loft, and Nokomis slept there, too, instead of downstairs beside Mama. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

“There were twelve courses, for the twelve apostles, so half of them were usually desserts. But I loved the gingerbread. Mama would always make one into the shape of a star for each of us.” The Light in Hidden Places 2020-03-03T00:00:00Z

“Mama busy in the kitchen, Mama not noticing nothing! Whisper said I can show my new tricks after dinner, I going to practice now.” Pet 2019-09-10T00:00:00Z

Mama had known him since he was a kindred swelling of her first cousin’s belly. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I nodded, Mama, but I don’t really understand. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

Mary Toy was curled up in Papa’s lap in the swing, and Mama sat content beside them. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“I dunno, sis. I’m still reeling from the fact that Mama Carmen was a part of this all along and no one told me.” Shadowshaper 2015-06-30T00:00:00Z

“Please get me a witch doctor to cure me, Mama,” the words spilled out of my mouth unpremeditatedly. Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

It wasn’t just Mama and Papa that I expected to see. Life Is So Good 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama said the baby looks like her mother. It is her mother come back.” Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

I evidently dozed off at some point, because Mama came and woke me up in the middle of the night. Odd One Out 2018-08-09T00:00:00Z

Father and Mama were expecting me to speak. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

“Never mind, Hana, I’m not in the mood for fighting,” Mama said tiredly. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Their stomachs were empty since the porridge had been ruined, and Mama would not hear of fixing more. Lyddie 1991-02-01T00:00:00Z

I touched my back pocket where the pictures of Mama were and didn't say anything. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

Mama’s low voice floated across the phone line and quickly quelled my shaking hand. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama said I just had the wind knocked out of me, and I would feel better soon. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama came out and announced that Akira was running a fever. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

But Mama being Mama—and possibly psychic?—she pulled it right outta me. Dear Martin 2017-10-17T00:00:00Z

He fears that Mama may find out and then he’ll never be able to go home. Dreaming in Cuban 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama didn’t want to lose her youngest child. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

Mama kept squinting into her face—Hanako sometimes felt like her mother was physically trying to get into her brain. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Mama kept glancing at Mary Toy and finally dabbed at her face with a lace handkerchief. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

They looked as though if you pressed them they might say Mama in empty battery voices. The God of Small Things 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z

People like Mama Mwanza never knew the house was there at all. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

We’ve been driving around for almost an hour, and Mama keeps making weird turns, swerving, and muttering to herself. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I’m so dead when Mama gets home from work. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Mama reached out again, this time to tap Papa’s hand. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

If there was an animal she thought would kill our chickens, Mama would kill that animal first. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama said, Since when did he start to care about protecting young ladies. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

It was all things she’d heard before, after all; Mama was repeating it because she was nervous. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Though we watch Mama Tataba vanish that way and return again, intact, with her water buckets full, our mother did not yet trust the path to swallow and deliver her children. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

I’ve prayed to have Mama back in my life every night, only to have my heart broken every Halloween, every Christmas, every motherless birthday. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

I threw my arms around Mama’s waist and hugged her. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

In the living room, Mama and Papi are laid out on the couch watching TV. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

Mama quickly pulled the sizzling pan away from the open flame. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

She began immediately haggling with Mama and Papa about the price of the cakes, even though they hadn’t said a word about even buying them. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

She remembered how white and tired Mama had looked. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“That was no doll in the water,” Mama said. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama examined the report cards for the last time. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

The apartment door crashed open, and Baba barged in, wild-eyed and waving the fire extinguisher, with Mama beside him. City of the Plague God 2021-01-12T00:00:00Z

I’m leaning forward again, too close to Mama’s ear. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Elizabeth is right beside me, using prepackaged naan Mama heated on the stove to soak up the curry. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama’s mouth twitched over the rim of her mug. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

“Dad has blue eyes, too, Mama,” Karen said. The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

While Mama tells the class the correct and incorrect ways of cooking vegetables—the microwave makes them soft but also wrinkles their skin—I zone out. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“Cuz,” she says, shrugging and bouncing off to the bed she shares with Mama. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Some evenings he'd sit clipping coupons for the cereals we liked and the laundry detergent Mama used. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

“But sometimes he’s...in a different place,” Mama continues. Fast Pitch 2021-08-31T00:00:00Z

Mama reached over Hyacinth’s head and clicked the door closed, then shuffled back to the kitchen to cook dinner while Hyacinth watched out the window until she couldn’t see Mr. Jones anymore. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

That would only make Mama worry, and she already looks exhausted from the extra shifts she’s been working. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

Once I see that everything’s there, I walk over to where Mama’s standing. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Chills danced up my spine as I sat in the big green living room chair with Mama and Grandma nearby. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama lifted the ears of corn from my skirt and looked at them all over. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“You heard her, Mama. You heard her call me a midget.” The Great Santini 1976-01-01T00:00:00Z

I’ve been watching Mama cook since I was tall enough to stand by myself in the kitchen. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

I didn’t want to do this in front of Mama, but there was no good way to ask her to leave. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama’s told them they can have this house as she wants to build a more convenient “modem” one on the main road. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I shouldn’t have to come inside looking for you, Isaiah,”Mama says loudly. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

“Don’t worry about it, Mama,” he said, walking back to the dining room table. Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

Unlike Mama, he didn’t worry about folks thinking bad of him, but he always made sure they thought well of him. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

He must miss you, Mama, in a different way than I do. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

Mama reached into the basket and pulled out a bag labeled “OLIVER.” The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

And we were so tired when we finished, Mama didn’t even have to ask us to go to bed. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama looked tired, and more worried than I think I’d ever seen her. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

“I guess I waited too long,” Mama tells me. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

In fact, this afternoon with Don Antonio was the first time I ever saw Mama stand up for herself, or actually, for me and Papa. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Hanako ran back into the bedroom and grabbed Mama’s pajamas—the purple coat was in the living room. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Mama told me that evening that I would be discharged in two days. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama, what if...well...what if the Klan decides to burn down our house? Or...do something worse?” Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama caught a giant magenta clump that tumbled from the wagon. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

My daddy jumped up out of his chair, came around the table with his arms outstretched, grabbed Mama out of her chair, and kissed her hard. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

I told Mama I had gotten my feet wet. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

“No, you eat. I will wait,” Mama said. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama thinks Nazis are beasts, but she wouldn't care as much if they stayed in Germany. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

“Look, Mama! It’s my whole name!” she says. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

I knew what Mama and Doc would do. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

After all the times Mama and Doc had told me and Jay to look out for each other, after the poppet in the marsh had almost got me...I stood there, frozen. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Aunt Loma, Mary Toy, and Mama stood around the bed, crying. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama literally dragged me to this detestable cooking club because she thinks I’m not old enough to stay home alone. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Baba pushes Mustafa over on the sofa and starts pounding him on the shoulder, while Mama laughs and throws balled socks at them. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

Mama asked as she browsed through the piles of videos that cost only ninety-nine cents each. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

There is Beautiful Round Face, me as a young girl, sitting on Mama’s lap giggling. The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

“Mama! The other goslings didn’t know that warm air rises. So I found an updraft and we spent the afternoon circling around and around and hardly flapped our wings at all!” The Wild Robot 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

After a quiet eternity of the Trojan War, Mama Tataba burst in and threw her apron on a chair. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

"Did you get to see Mama and Baba?" City of the Plague God 2021-01-12T00:00:00Z

Mama quickly rolls and then unrolls her lips. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

Zola’s eyes flash from ceiling to floor, from Mama to Papa, from villager to villager. The Unfinished Angel 2009-09-22T00:00:00Z

When Jay and I got outside, Doc was stacking heavy boxes of empty jam jars as well as the crates he and Mama would fill with fresh-picked vegetables and fruit in the morning. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

We both sat at the kitchen table and waited while Mama paced. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

When Mama went out to visit some friend of hers, she took me with her, to make sure Charlie and me didn't fight while she was gone. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

“I didn’t ask Mama to make you help,” I said, but she didn’t comment on that. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

“I was down on the floor. You stroked my hair like I was a doll, but you didn’t have any dolls. No toys. You said, ‘Don’t cry, Mama. One Crazy Summer 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama, please don’t worry about me,” I said. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Even sadder this time. as a child, i smelled the air Mama takes her coffee out to the front porch sips it slow. Brown Girl Dreaming 2014-08-28T00:00:00Z

As they came out, Mama was nodding in agreement. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

He knows that’s the one thing I can’t stand after nursing my drunk daddy for ten years, me and Mama working ourselves to death so he had a full bottle. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

When Charlie hands me that paper and moves on to draw a pointy butterfly, I take it and put it right by Mama’s bed so she’ll see it when she wakes up. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

He rose to his full height, as if she, about the size of Mama, were the general of some invading army, and said, “Too young!” Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

His words are still sharp, but his eyes have a softness I haven’t seen since he sat helpless as a baby by Mama’s bedside. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

As soon as I close the window, Mama stands, the piano bench scraping across the floor. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

After Mama had left and Baba had been killed, it had been Kamau who’d found them a new home at the temple. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

Mama slept, also covered with sores, unconscious and still in the depth of her danger. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

Since the Internet was disconnected, Mama and Papa had gone to the library to use the computer to look up apartment listings. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

The sheriff edged his way closer to Mama and sat across from her. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mrs. Kluck might as well be saying Go back to where you belong to Mama right now. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

He was snarling as he came, and Mama just barely had time to come to her feet and grab up a dead chinaberry pole before he sprang. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama said no 'cause me and her had allergies, and even if we didn't, our building didn't allow pets. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

There are only two boys, even though the flyer Mama spent so much time on specifically said everyone was welcome. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

The garlic stalks, which Mama hated and Doc loved, had recently blossomed into fat flowers, adding their sharp, stinging scent to the air. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Father and I sat quietly the whole way, listening to Mama chatter on about anything she could think of. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

“Yes,” Mama’s sad voice said from the kitchen. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

I knew he was waiting for Mama to leave us alone. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama would laugh and rub cocoa butter on our skin to keep it from drying out. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“Well, we have been focusing more on their Arabic study than Urdu,” Mama says. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

When Mama nursed him, he closed his eyes and played with her hair. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Now here,” Mama said, going over, “you girls get back in bed. You’ll take a death of cold being up like this in your bare feet.” Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Least till the thought of even passing by one isn't enough to make me choke up and start bawling about Mama. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” I said as I yawned and stretched. Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

One day when we hadn’t seen his mother for almost a month, Manolito reached up to me from his crib and said, “Mama, Mama.” In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was going to rip into me for sure. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

I wipe a hand over my eyes, wishing I’d asked Mama for some Tylenol at breakfast. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Things had been going so well between Mama and him—but that was all ruined now. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama turned me by the shoulders so I’d look at her instead of the cake. The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

Francie stepped back to stand with Mama while they closed the lid. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

And they were: Mama, Doc, and Jay were staring at me so close, I pressed my back into the pillow. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Long as I could remember, Mama and Papa had gone to their room every Sunday after dinner and shut the door, and we knew better than to wake them up. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

I slip Mama Ya-Ya’s black clodhopper shoes off her tiny feet. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

I remembered asking Mama from my sunny perch in our kitchen. Salt to the Sea 2016-02-02T00:00:00Z

Why were they acting so normal, Jaja and Mama, as if they did not know what had just happened? Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Get dressed and meet me downstairs once you’ve used the privy,” Mama said, picking up a hand mirror and double-checking her own hair, which was as neat and tight as Ophie’s. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

And somewhere deep down inside, even though it may seem hopeless now, I know I’ll still long for a day when Mama and I could do pedicures and facials and manicures together. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

She pulled out a long spool of bright-red knitting yarn from Mama’s sewing basket. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama hustled us in there almost before they’d snapped their suitcases shut. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

I held her head while Mama cleaned her wounds with peroxide. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

“It’s my fault, Mama. I did a really mean thing to Emily, and I’m a backbiter, and I’m going to be punished...” Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

“Ma’am,” Mama said, her shoulders rounded and her eyes downcast. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

“What if you’re wrong? What if you wake up different? What if you never wake up? Mama, I don’t want to shut you down!” The Wild Robot 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

Elizabeth’s broom knocks Mama’s tote bag with a loud thump, and I jump. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“Mama, should I chop the door down and let you out?” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama turned to look at me, but she didn’t have to tell me it was my turn this time. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Proof positive of our vulnerability would come when I observed white people saying insulting things to Papa, Mama, and Grandma. March Forward, Girl 2018-01-02T00:00:00Z

I told Mama that I’d get a haircut next time they had a cutting. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

Let them burn our gardens and the hospital and your picture, Mama, like it was never there at all. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

There were a frosted cake and homemade cone hats, and Mama wore a satiny cape and sparkles on her face and did magic tricks. Dreaming in Cuban 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

But Mama wasn’t the only protector in the family. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

But that day, after we'd put Aunt Cecile on a bus heading back down south, we stood in Mama's room that was now Ty'ree's watching the sun coming in through the window. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

Slowly, carefully, she told him, “Go get Dr. Hawkins and tell him Mama’s got a snakebite. It’s bad. Then go find Papa—fast. You know where the apple orchard is. Run!” Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

As we sat mulling over our fate, I realized that the segregationists had taken away the one thing we couldn’t do without—Mama’s job. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Whenever the police came other children would scamper homeward shouting, “Mama, Papa, the police are coming! The police are coming!” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

Never did I think of Mama as getting root lessons from Gran. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

I heard Mama’s soft, weary voice from 1945 say, “It’s all starting over.” Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

I want to tell him how the stewardess gave us wings to pin to our blouses and shirts and told Mama we were beautiful and well behaved. Brown Girl Dreaming 2014-08-28T00:00:00Z

“I can’t sit here any longer and let Mama suffer like she is.” Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

Then, to Jessie’s horror, she saw a tear roll down Mama’s face. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

It was the nearest thing to a complaint she had ever heard from Mama. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

In my daydream I see Daddy seeing Mama for the first time reading a book under a tree. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

The silent treatment would be Ophie’s punishment, but for now Mama seemed more intent on getting them out of the attic than anything else. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

“Hugo found this book. It told us about his movies. Monsieur Tabard wrote the book, and Etienne is his student. Please, Mama Jeanne. They want to help. They love Papa Georges’ films.” The Invention of Hugo Cabret 2007-01-30T00:00:00Z

But I knew in my heart that Mama still didn’t have her feet on the ground. Wish 2016-08-30T00:00:00Z

“I guess not,” Stella said, thinking back to what Mama had said about her grandmother not sleeping for twenty years. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

“Don’t worry, Mama, I’ve already had it once a month for the past year,” her daughter said, laughing. The House of the Spirits: A Novel 1982-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Where in the world are your keys, Mama? I’m late for Hilly’s. I’m staying there tonight.” The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

Also, it would take Mama and Papa a month to convince folks that, no, I wasn’t at the trestle with a mill girl. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama spoke quickly as we walked to the boarding area. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

When Mr. Ortiz took me to a family visit, I asked, “Will Mama be there?” Three Little Words: A Memoir 2007-12-27T00:00:00Z

“You throw one more thing at me and I swear I’ll tell Mama!” Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

“Then why didn’t Mama have it? Why did Mama get sick, too, this time?” The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

“Please, Jezebel, just go. Under the big live oak. Maybe you can do something before I can get Mama.” Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

When the song is over, Mama and Daddy melt away like snowflakes falling on wet ground. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

“Come on, Mama,” the boy said, tugging on his mom’s arm. The Serpent King 2016-03-08T00:00:00Z

“But she tries to understand who I am, and that we’re all different in our own ways, right, Mama?” The First Rule of Punk 2017-08-22T00:00:00Z

But Mama sat glumly on the stool with a gray, determined look on her face. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama slams the lid down on the piano, creating a sickening wooden crack. Girl in the Blue Coat 2016-04-05T00:00:00Z

The night Mama and I came back from the latrine with this newest bit of gossip, he had been drinking all day. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

“But you too have worries, Mama, don’t you?” Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

I leave him behind and lead Mama to the entrance of the school, where my poster hangs by black rope, waving a gentle welcome in the cool night air. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Maybe Grandpa didn’t care what folks said or thought about him, but he cared a lot about Mama and Papa and Aunt Loma. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama dropped us over here, like, an hour ago, and might be back already. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Now, laid up in the basement of Princeton Hospital, Mama Lessie’s expression held neither hope nor accomplishment. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

Then I realized: while Mama didn’t work roots, she thought keeping the story about Daddy a secret was protecting us. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

The house that Daddy bragged about building with his own two hands after he married Mama. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

I don’t want Mama to get in trouble because of me. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

“This is enough,” I tell Mama, pointing to the pile of items we have. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

I heard her tell Mama she’s carrying it in the back. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“This is where the help goes in and out. Don’t let me catch you trying to go in the front door,” Mama said. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Even if I didn’t have catfish to carry home, Mama Coal always put some milk in the pail for me and the little ones. Life Is So Good 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z

“What do you tell Mama when you race out of the house every morning?” The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

“You don’t talk to me about the money Mama owes, or the awful things people say to you in the street sometimes.” A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama is wiping the counters down with a rag, even though they are already gleaming. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

I finally asked Mama why couldn’t Aunt Loma make herself more useful. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“My name is not in the paper, Mama,” I said. Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama tugged at her ear and touched her diamond stud earring. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Mama had come in too late from the corn gathering to go look for her before dark, and the next morning she didn’t need to. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

The loss of Mama’s teaching position had upset all the members of our family. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

I couldn’t go to sleep that night for wondering would it put Mama in the bed when she heard about Miss Love’s baby. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama gave him a quick peck on the cheek. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Mama Sweetie was still a big part of my life. Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice 2009-01-20T00:00:00Z

Mama smiles again, her eyes crinkling at the corners. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

I nearly jumped—I did not know the basket was full of live snails that Mama Joe sold. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

I spotted where Mama Brunelle had died, the mussed dirt and clawed tracks grown over with weeds, but didn’t point it out to my mother. Endangered 2012-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama would have slapped me for not having any sense, and so, I think, would Mrs. Diamant. The Light in Hidden Places 2020-03-03T00:00:00Z

“Lucy, it’s just so complicated ...” “It's complicated because you and Mama don’t understand that I’ve grown up!” The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

I must’ve fallen asleep, because when I wake, Mama Ya-Ya has her hands thrown over her head and she is sleeping deeply. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

Before the kids could start in with the questions again, Mama’s cell phone pinged. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street 2017-10-03T00:00:00Z

"This is all we got left of Mama." Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

Mama and I and the rest of the children ran outside. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

Tears streamed down Mama’s cheeks as she wrung her hands together to stop their shaking. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Mama liked it. Liked the name. Said it was new and would wipe out the past. Wipe it all out.” Song of Solomon 1977-01-01T00:00:00Z

Then he was all seriousness again when he talked to Mama. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama was a magnet like that, you know. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

Mama is very fair in all things but this money might make her see things in a different way and it wouldn’t be her fault. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

He thought he heard a kind of softness in Mama Bellini’s voice. The Cricket in Times Square 1960-01-01T00:00:00Z

I know I’m safe at home and that Mama is at work, but it still feels like having this book is wrong. Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

We sat in silence for a while, and then Declaration said, “I can’t remember what Mama looked like anymore, until I see a picture of her.” Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

“I came to tell you Mama needs our help preparing dinner. Uncle Turu is telling stories tonight, and we don’t want to be late.” The Ugly One 2013-06-11T00:00:00Z

“Mr. Hughes!” snapped Mama, who came out on the porch in time to hear that. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama was watching me through the door as I returned to the table. The Rock and the River 2009-01-06T00:00:00Z

Mama raised her hand to end the discussion. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Taking a sip of lemonade, Mama looked right at Miss Love. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Mama believed her instead of me, and Papa whipped me good. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

It was getting late; I didn’t know how long we’d been out here, but the sun was dipping lower and Mama would want us home for dinner before sunfall. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama sighs, and I swallow up the words I was about to say—that I’m starving. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

After everyone went on home and all the food was put away, Mama stayed with me in that house. Finding Langston 2018-08-14T00:00:00Z

“I was just to say hello and how much Mama thought of him.” In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama beat me on the heels with a stick? Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

“Oh, sweetie, you won’t need to wear that hot leotard,” Mama said. Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

When Papa and Mama returned from the hospital, Mama’s arms were empty. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama would die if she saw me here! Copper Sun 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z

Clara vanished, and not a moment before Mama emerged from the stairway, her dark brows drawn together and her mouth turned down. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

He wanted Mama out of the way too, but she got hip to his game of throwing things out behind her back. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

“Oh,” I said, because I did not know what Mama Joe expected me to say. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama was happy for me, and Dad, as usual, didn’t acknowledge it. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

I watched as Mama gently stroked the side of Papa’s face. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

Everybody is talking about it and Mama heard. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

I tried to give my brother the same stare that Mama used on us when she expected us to fall in line, but it didn’t work. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

It may be, though, that the medicine worked on women and Mama would have to protect herself and Amala to make sure that only Olanna died or became barren or went mad. Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

“She has support right now,” he said as he led us away, nodding to the older woman rocking Mama back and forth like a baby. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“Only time I’m ma’am instead of Mama is when you’re up to something.” Amari and the Night Brothers 2021-01-19T00:00:00Z

“Sit back,” Mama says, and this time her voice is much more serious. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

After the girls were born and Mama Lessie passed age thirty, she was able to fulfill her long-held dream: to go back to school. While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement 2011-02-01T00:00:00Z

“I will do whatever I have to do to protect our town. Your lead, Mama.” The Help 2009-02-10T00:00:00Z

I read until midnight, stopping only to eat some spaghetti Mama had made. Bad Boy 2001-05-08T00:00:00Z

Mama placed her scissors back in her sewing box. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

She rubbed her lips together like Mama did when she put on lipstick. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

I knew I would remember this forever, pack it away in my mind like I brought Kazi’s mortar and pestle, and the dirt, and your jewelry, Mama. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

“Janae, are you serious? Come on! What about your grades, focusing on getting a job right after you graduate? And us? Mama and Papi?” Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

I heard Mama’s voice lifted high and sharp. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama lifted the corner of one muslin cloth and stuck a spoon into the jam. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Angeline and Mama spent one morning lining the earth of the hole with birchbark. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

“Of course not, Mama,” Dede said with annoyance in her voice. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

He gnawed around on some of the deer’s leg bones that Mama threw away; but not once did he ever even act like he could smell the meat we’d hung up. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

I had such a wild hot fever that Mama nearly ran herself to death, packing fresh cold water from the spring, which she used to bathe me all over, trying to run my fever down. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama’s flight was due to arrive in about five minutes. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

I was wondering how I could tell Mama I wasn’t ever going back to Little Rock. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

That he was gonna cook up a fancy supper for Mama with candles on the table and Willie Nelson on the radio and maybe she’d wear that red dress he loved so much. Wish 2016-08-30T00:00:00Z

“Mama and I barely made it out of there!” Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Like Mama always said, I guess some folks just can’t be satisfied. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

After Mama went to bed, I explained to Dedd who had brought the note over. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

Too soon, Mama stuck her head out of the front door. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama went next, and the door remained open a crack, but I could not hear her. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“It’s beautiful,” Mama said, gently placing her hand on the woman’s fragile shoulder. The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child 1997-10-01T00:00:00Z

“I’ll wear my black armband all the way, Mama,” I said, eager to comfort her, but she left the table and ran upstairs. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

“No. Mama said I must wait until next year till Neeley’s old enough so we can start together.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 1943-01-01T00:00:00Z

“It’s too hot out here to argue,” Mama was saying to Doc. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“Well, I’m glad you put it up,” Mama said. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

Mama smiles and reaches over to push the hair out of my face. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Hanako fingered her braid to make sure it felt like it did when Mama braided it. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

Mama came out of the house, glanced at the clean chicken area, and told Stella she’d done a nice job. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Although food was scarce, Mama often brought Neewo a little something saved from her own bowl and placed it on the shelf with tobacco. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

The woman was older than Mama, closer to the age Gran was when she died. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

I grit my teeth and look away from Stephanie’s superior smile, away from Mama’s flustered face. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

There was so much mud and so many twigs in my hair, Mama said, “Oh, if Aunt Florentine could only see this!” Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Mama tilted her head to the side like she was considering. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

It was just as well not to say about Mama and Aunt Loma. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

We didn’t have someone who stayed at home all the time to make sure we were safe when Mama was at work anymore. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama knew a little about what had happened because Dobrynya had told her all those months ago. Anya and the Nightingale 2020-11-10T00:00:00Z

When she passed away, Mama and Doc went through her things, deciding what to keep, what to place on her grave, and what to give away. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama doesn’t respond and seems to be considering what he’s saying. Amina's Song 2021-03-09T00:00:00Z

Spoon Man, Stella noticed, simply sat there and watched the activity around him, sipping from a cup of sweet tea, nibbling Mama’s sugar cookies, and burping occasionally. Stella by Starlight 2015-01-06T00:00:00Z

Sometimes Mama hides things from me—or that’s what I let her believe. Dragons in a Bag 2018-10-23T00:00:00Z

I watched Mama wash dishes and let the words sink in. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

“She found it. She was looking for Dismay with her daddy, and she found the collar near…” Mama’s voice faltered just a little, then she gathered it together again. Each Little Bird That Sings 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Each of the flanking booths had a small pile of onions on it, and two thick packages wrapped in cloth sat on Mama’s cart, probably fish she had traded onions for. Anya and the Dragon 2019-09-24T00:00:00Z

It was the way Mama did with her apron. The Bluest Eye 1970-01-01T00:00:00Z

“A cocktail party,” Mama repeats with an even worse British accent. Pride 2018-09-18T00:00:00Z

That Mama sat on the living-room floor laughing and banging on the walls with metal tongs. Dreaming in Cuban 1992-01-01T00:00:00Z

“Oh, now you remember your homework after sitting on that sofa all day? No, get up,” Mama commands. Amina's Voice 2017-03-14T00:00:00Z

Mama, of course, noticed the tightening in my face. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

If Mama wanted Little Arliss to grow up to be the biggest liar in Texas, I guessed it wasn’t any of my business. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama had plaited it in the hospital, but because of my raging headaches, she did not make the braids tight. Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Good morning, Hanako,” Mama called out, exactly as she might have on any other day. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

When Mama got her mind set a certain way, there was no use in arguing with her. Old Yeller 1956-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama kept pouring him little trickles of tea. Farewell to Manzanar 1973-01-01T00:00:00Z

Mama does let us play with little children and boys, even if they are mostly naked, but not those ones in the red hankies. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

She blinked hard and found Mama staring down at her. Beasts of Prey 2021-09-28T00:00:00Z

I’m sure you liked to cook, Mama, even just a little bit. The Night Diary 2018-03-06T00:00:00Z

I get up, glance back at Mama Ya-Ya on the bed. Ninth Ward 2010-08-16T00:00:00Z

I think she was frightened, but she frequently brought up her vexation with Mama Mwanza, who had spoken so matter-of-factly about having a strong husband at home. The Poisonwood Bible 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z

Light pours in, and Mama appears before me. Like Vanessa 2018-03-13T00:00:00Z

“I’m sorry, Mama, I didn’t want to upset you.” Anger Is a Gift 2018-05-22T00:00:00Z

“Mama,” I said, “if we don’t open up, they’ll shoot us!” Prisoner B-3087 2013-03-01T00:00:00Z

“Why can’t you use something from the cat, but not hurt it and let it go after? Like, the fur, instead of bones? Mama does substitutions for recipes all the time.” Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

“At least let me help you, Mama. I’ll go and change.” Half of a Yellow Sun 2006-09-12T00:00:00Z

After Lio had left, Mama would say, “What a refined young man.” In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

When I closed them, Mama was there again, holding the leaf out to me. Miracle's Boys 2000-04-23T00:00:00Z

The baby had settled on one of Mama’s shoulders as Mama sang to it. A Place to Belong 2019-05-14T00:00:00Z

She turns to Mama next, so I don’t have to talk right away. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

The Joy lady asks Mama if she had an appointment time, and since Mama doesn’t, we have to sit down and wait for a little bit. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero 2020-08-18T00:00:00Z

Mama is standing behind us, looking highly interested. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Doc brought in a large chicken for Mama to season and put in the oven. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Mama laid her head back on Ophie’s shoulder and fell back asleep, but Ophie whipped her head around, and sure enough, standing behind her was Aunt Rose. Ophie's Ghosts 2021-05-18T00:00:00Z

Now it was time to harvest the wild rice that grew across from the island in the great sloughs of Kakagon, where Mama’s brother and one of her sisters lived. The Birchbark House 1999-07-21T00:00:00Z

I lift chairs up on the tables while Mama stands at the sink, washing pans. A Place at the Table 2020-08-11T00:00:00Z

Mama brought us Easter baskets, stuffed animals, and new clothes. Three Little Words: A Memoir 2007-12-27T00:00:00Z

Mama sat on the foot of the bed, holding a wet washrag to her forehead. Cold Sassy Tree 1984-11-02T00:00:00Z

Papa put his hands under my arms to carry me out, but I heard Mama say, “Let me, please.” Purple Hibiscus 2003-10-01T00:00:00Z

Mama ground the name out from between her teeth. Root Magic 2021-01-05T00:00:00Z

Now Mama, who had stood by accepting their shrugs for answers, levelled her gaze at each of them. In the Time of the Butterflies 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z

After a good breakfast, we kissed Mama good-bye and started for the store. Where the Red Fern Grows 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z

On our third cup of tea, Mama began to tell me about her husband and his role as a freedom fighter during apartheid. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates 2010-04-27T00:00:00Z

Mama hung up and placed a hand over her heart. The Red Umbrella 2010-04-25T00:00:00Z

And Mama sounds like a little girl when she says, I won't. Brown Girl Dreaming 2014-08-28T00:00:00Z