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There’s no time like Mother’s Day to read books about the important maternal figures in our lives. Whether a heartwarming memoir, a children’s book that you can read with your little ones to cherish time together, or a classic novel, there’s a book for everyone to delve into.
Below are PEOPLE’s staff favorite reads to enjoy this holiday that offer a diverse look at motherhood, and all of its complexities. Pick up a copy for yourself, one for your own mom, or another special person you know.
‘The Mother Act’ by Heidi Reimer
Jude spent her childhood traveling with her father’s Shakespearian theater company and searching for approval from her mom — actress Sadie Jones, who abandoned her family and rose to fame with a seething show about motherhood. When Jude and Sadie reunite twenty years later at the opening night of Sadie’s new play, the two must grapple with their treacherous past, in this novel about a complex mother-daughter relationship.
‘The School for Good Mothers’ by Jessamine Chan
Frida is balancing a lot. She has doubts about her career, and co-parenting her daughter with her ex-husband, who ran off with a younger woman, is difficult. After a particularly tough day, however, Frida finds herself thrust into a government reform program that tests a mother’s devotion — and which may have consequences too drastic to comprehend, in this dystopian literary thriller.
‘Listen to Your Mother’ edited by Ann Imig
Motherhood contains multitudes, as editor Ann Imig knows. In this hilarious, and heartfelt, collection of essays, writers like Jenny Lawson and Jennifer Weiner write of parenting in all its glory. The book also covers a wide range of experiences, including foster parenting, single parenting, LGBTQ+ parenting, and surrogacy, so there’s something for everyone in these pages.
‘River Sing Me Home’ by Eleanor Shearer
Following the Emancipation Act of 1834, Rachel, an enslaved person on a Barbados plantation, leaves after learning that she is to continue working there as an apprentice. Rachel then embarks on a harrowing journey in search of the five children she was separated from in this gripping novel about the resilience of a mother’s love.
‘Ella Enchanted’ by Gail Carson Levine
Ella of Frell is on a quest to break the “gift” of obedience set upon her by a fairy in this Newbery Honor-winning book. It’s a middle grade staple, but it’s sure to be entertaining for readers of all ages.
‘Love You Forever’ by Robert Munsch
Munsch’s childhood staple — a picture book about a mother’s love for her son over the years — shows that that admiration never stops, no matter what age you are. A heartwarming read that has had more than a few staff members sob through reading time (more than once).
‘Black Cake’ by Charmaine Wilkerson
When Benny and Byron’s mother Eleanor dies, she leaves behind two items: a Caribbean black cake and a voice recording. Over the course of this riveting novel, Benny and Byron will learn of their mother’s past — and secrets— in her own words, and come to see how her legacy has affected their family as they know it.
‘Fi’ by Alexandra Fuller
In this moving portrait of grief, Alexandra Fuller writes of how she coped with losing her son, Fi, when he was just 21-years-old. From a New Mexico grief sanctuary to a silent meditation retreat in Canada, to finding solace in poetry and ritual, Fuller paints a full portrait of resilience in the face of the unimaginable.
‘Tom Lake’ by Ann Patchett
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lara’s three adult daughters come back to their childhood home — an orchard in Northern Michigan — seemingly with one mission: to learn more about their mother’s early days as an actress, and her relationship with the renowned actor, Peter Duke. Patchett paints a moving portrait of mothers and daughters, and reminds us that our parents lived full lives before we came along.
‘Mama’s Coming Home’ by Kate Banks
A father must get his household in gear when the family’s matriarch is on the way home from a trip. As Mama crosses the city, her family – Papa, two sons, a baby and a handful of pets — all prepare to welcome her back in this charming tale about the happiness of having our mothers around.
‘Family Begins with a Wish’ by Matthew Cordell
Dubbed an ode to the “anticipatory joy” of parenthood, this picture book follows an elephant couple raising their child, and the challenges that led to their arrival into their family. Though a simple story, it packs a sentimental punch, especially for the caretakers in our lives.
‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen
The classic story of fiery spirit Elizabeth Bennett and troubled bachelor Mr. Darcy has withstood the test of time for good reason. Aside from the romance, the complex Mrs. Bennett, Elizabeth’s mother, has given readers much to talk about over the years. Read it with your own mother and sisters (or found family) for a timeworn family book club.
‘The Joy Luck Club’ by Amy Tan
In 1948, four women who recently immigrated from China to San Francisco form a group where they eat, talk and play mahjong together. Years later, their daughters continue the tradition in this bestselling novel about the lasting connection between mothers and daughters.
‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott
The misadventures of the March sisters have been endearing readers for years, whether they relate more to Meg, Jo, Beth or Amy. At the core of their story, however, is Marmee, the loving mother who is always ready to lend a listening ear and teach of the triumphs and hardships of womanhood. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to revisit this classic.
‘The Chain’ by Adrian McKinty
This thriller asks a big question: what would you risk for your child? Rachel Klein asks herself this when she unexpectedly becomes a part of The Chain, a group of parents who must commit crimes in order to save their kidnapped children.
‘On the Night You Were Born’ by Nancy Tillman
Another classic board book, this sweet story about celebrating birth is a favorite for both parents and children. It also makes an excellent gift for expecting parents.
‘Anne of Green Gables’ by L.M. Montgomery
This classic novel about orphan Anne Shirley, who moves in with middle-aged siblings on a Canadian farm, has been charming readers of all ages, and is a beloved look at the beauty of found family.
‘The Runaway Bunny’ by Margaret Wise Brown
This beloved childhood classic about a bunny on the run from his mother has been a favorite of readers for decades. Be sure to check out the Max animated special, which will make for a perfect Mother’s Day viewing, as well.
‘A Yellow Raft in Blue Water’ by Michael Dorris
Three generations of Native American women come together in this multi-generational saga: 15-year-old Rayona, her mother Christine, and her grandmother, Ida. Told in a nonlinear timeline, Dorris’ ambitious novel highlights the importance of lineage, and the bonds of a family’s history.
‘Fifty-Seven Fridays’ by Myra Sack
What do you do if you’re the mom of a beautiful 15-month-old girl and you’re told you have to watch her die? In 2019, Myra Sack and Matt Goldstein’s daughter Havi was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, an incurable, genetic disease. Robbed of seeing her grow up, they chose to celebrate her life every Shabbat for the next 57 Fridays instead. Heartbreakingly fearless, Sack demonstrates that grief is boundless, and you can love, cherish and mourn all at once. – Marissa Charles
‘Operating Instructions’ by Anne Lamott
It takes a village to raise a child, as acclaimed novelist Anne Lamott knows all too well. In this heartfelt account of a pivotal period, she details the first year raising her son as a single mother, along with the help of friends, neighbors and community.
‘Family Family’ by Laurie Frankel
Movie star India Allwood finds herself under fire when she speaks out against the portrayal of adoption in her latest film. If that isn’t complicated enough, India’s own children are going to drastic measures to clear their mother’s name, in this humorous and poignant novel about the multitudes of motherhood.
‘How to Baby’ by Liana Finck
They say that motherhood doesn’t come with a manual, but New Yorker cartoonist Finck’s book comes close. Paired with her original illustrations, the author’s graphic memoir tells of her experience in early motherhood, and all of the challenges and joys that come with it.
‘I Love You to the Moon and Back’ by Amelia Hepworth
The heartwarming story of a bear and their cub who spend the day together, this picture book is the perfect read to share with someone special in your life.
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