Coming on Home Soon
By Jacqueline Woodson
The Story
During World War II, a young girl stays behind with her grandma when her mama leaves for Chicago to fill a wartime job, and the two wait together through winter for word that Mama is coming home.
Why It's Special
For the child who feels every goodbye deeply, this is a story that sits with the ache of missing someone instead of rushing past it.
- Big idea: Waiting and hoping are their own kind of love, and family can hold the space someone leaves behind until they return.
- Vibes: Quiet, tender, wintry — more hush than hurry.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working through a parent or loved one being away
- respond well to quiet, slower-paced stories
- like to talk about feelings of missing someone
- enjoy stories about grandparents and family bonds
Ask Your Little Reader
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Ada Ruth felt when her mama left for Chicago?
- Story details: What do Ada Ruth and Grandma do together while they wait for Mama's letter?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever missed someone who was far away? What helped you feel better?
- Imagination: If a kitten showed up at your house one day, what would you name it?
- Looking closer: What do you notice about the seasons in the pictures as the story moves along?
