"This is a beautifully written story about an African-American family dealing with cancer. Eight-year-old Marcus is concerned for his mother, who has lost her hair because of chemotherapy and doesn't want to be in their traditional October family picture.... A simple, sensative, and articulate look at an illness through the eyes of a child, the book should be comforting to any youngster facing a similar situation, or as a general introduction to the subject."
(HORN BOOK MAGAZINE - July-August 2007, Robin Smith)
"Who is affected when a family member gets sick? Everyone....Tinkham, writing from personal experience, gets all the little details right but does not bathe her story in sadness. Careful watercolor-and -pencil illustrations in warm hues capture the heart of this uplifting story. And whether Mama is wearing braids or a gele wraped around her head (as she waits for her hair to grow back in), she is still the same Mama."
(BOOKLIST - GraceAnne A. DeCandido)
"Without sentimentality, both text and art capture the fear, pain and hope that come with chemotherapy for a family member."
(KIRKUS)
"A realistic look at a strong family facing cancer."
