Motherly Models and Mentors- Best Books on Motherhood
Motherly Models and Mentors- Best Books on Motherhood
An RA booklist
We hope you enjoy these books full of women modeling healthy motherhood and standing as mentors for those desperate for one.
“I will look after you and I will look after anybody you say needs to be looked after, any way you say. I am here. I brought my whole self to you. I am your mother.”
—Maya Angelou, Mom & Me & Mom
All of the following titles can also be found on our Free Literary Database and on a lovely printable at the bottom of this list.
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Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr- I love this book because I, also, have two kids with a death wish, and I love the patience and understanding both parents show in all the misadventures.
All-of-A-Kind-Family by Sydney Taylor- In my childhood, I marveled at the ingenious way a mother could inspire her daughters to clean without resorting to punishment. That memory lay dormant for two decades until I found myself wielding the “dusting dimes” with finesse!
Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery- Oh, Marilla. As a girl, I thought Marilla was cold and a real bummer. But as a mom, I love Marilla’s personal growth story arc. It could be especially encouraging to women who may not have necessarily wanted motherhood, yet here they are, making the most of their life and trying to love their kids the best they can. I also am raising an Anne and feel so much more solidarity with Marilla, living with someone with her head in the clouds!
Anne, herself, becomes an incredible mother as you venture further into the series.
Bright April by Marguerite de Angeli- I was contemplating Bright April for this list and was convinced when my 13-year-old advocated for it: “I thought she was a good mom. She makes dresses and quotes the Bible!”.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White- Have you ever found yourself concerned about your child’s mental health to the point of seeking medical opinion, only to be encouraged to open your own mind? I love Fern’s mom and her care for Fern, and willingness to accept the wise counsel to just chill out.
Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B Gilbreth Jr & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey- Lillian Gilbreth was my hero as a kid. Not only did she manage twelve kids with grace, but she worked alongside her husband as an equal, had an amazing sense of humor, and felt zero shame in living her life the way she and her husband chose to, as eccentric as it may have been.
Different: The Story of an Outside-The-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him by Sally & Nathan Clarkson- In Different, we hear from both Sally and her son Nathan about the challenges and joys they've experienced over the years with Nathan’s anxiety, learning difficulties, OCD, and other challenging needs. Hearing from both perspectives adds valuable insight to their journey.
An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo- Who brings an elephant home to live? This mama did—and it ended up saving their lives. A powerful, based-on-true-events story set in Germany during WW2 showcases a mother’s resilience, courage, and ability to make strategic choices under pressure.
The Fairchild Family Stories Series by Rebecca Caudill- In the rugged terrain of a mountainous family life, this mother embodies a free-range approach, recognizing the importance of fostering independence in her youngest while understanding the unique capabilities of her older children.
Give and Take by Elly Swartz- This middle grade fiction beautifully portrays the journey of advocating for a child struggling with mental health challenges and the importance of seeking therapy for both the individual and the family.
Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman by Gladys Aylward with Christine Hunter- This is a beautiful true story of mothering orphans, trusting God in impossible situations, and being encouraged and ministered to by the faith of your children.
The Good Master by Kate Seredy- Every time the FB group gets a request for books with good moms, this title gets recommended. I haven’t read it again since becoming a mother, but I look forward to it!
Little Men by Louisa May Alcott - This book beautifully portrays a mother figure's intentional nurturing of her young boys' and young men's character and personhood, highlighting the profound impact of maternal guidance and care.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott- Marmee serves as a remarkable example of self-control and temperance, imparting valuable lessons to her daughters through her own actions and faith.
Mary Emma and Company by Ralph Moody- Mary Emma's story exemplifies frontier resilience and unwavering faith amidst profound adversity and sorrow.
The Moffats by Eleanor Estes- Enter the charming world of this vintage family series, where a single mother leads her family through life's adventures with love and laughter, making it a perfect choice for a heartwarming read-aloud experience.
Mother Carey’s Chickens by Kate Douglas Wiggin- In this book, upon which the Disney movie Summer Magic is based, we find a mother of many making a good life in impoverished surroundings.
Once Upon a Saturday by Edward Fenton- It is my goal in life for this unicorn to come back into print. This mother shows an incredibly strong backbone in a town of small minded bigots. I love watching her children observe how differently she saw things from the neighbors and pushed back with dignity and humor. As they grew in the warmth of her light, I hope my children grow in mine. If you stumble across a copy- buy it! This book can be read for free on Archive.
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus- This book depicts a woman's journey into motherhood as she cares for a group of orphaned siblings. Her response upon learning that one of the children has been mistreated by a foster parent left me cheering and grateful for the caring adults in my children's lives.
The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit- Amidst false accusations, a mother and her children face the upheaval of separation from their father. As I witness more families enduring similar trials, the eventual vindication and restoration experienced by this loving family offer a beacon of hope and encouragement amidst the storm.
“It's an odd thing—the softer and more easily hurt a woman is the better she can screw herself up to do what has to be done. I've seen some brave women—your Mother's one.”
Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary- Oh, sweet neurodivergency! Ramona is so much of the “extra” that so many moms today are faced with: extra energy, extra inquisitiveness, extra calamity, extra joy. Ramona’s mom handling her with love and grace really struck me as a kid and has inspired me as a parent as I take my millionth deep breath of the day.
Sarah, Plain and Tall series by Patricia MacLachlan- Sarah embodies the essence of a "found mother," radiating love, tenderness, and nurturing care that beautifully captures the heartwarming essence of a Patricia MacLachlan tale.
The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp- This is one of the most re-read books of my teen years. Maria was such an incredible woman! She stepped into a marriage she didn’t want out of trust in her spiritual leaders (basically an arranged marriage) and became the heart and soul of an ever enlarging family. This book tells of her arrival as a nanny, marriage, motherhood, flight from the Nazis, journey to America, learning a new language- all while managing a huge household in a foreign land, starting and running a camp, singing, and so much more! The world needs more Marias.
Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome- If you are a helicopter parent by nature looking for a mentor in free range parenting- this book is for you!
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss- Mama Robinson's love and resourcefulness are truly inspiring. In the face of a shipwreck, she displays remarkable courage and resilience, wasting no time in creating a home for her family amidst challenging circumstances. Her unwavering determination and quick thinking embody the essence of maternal strength and ingenuity.
The Tall Woman by Wilma Dykeman- This is not an easy book but it’s such a good one! Set in and post-Civil War, we get to watch a young woman marry and face much adversity over the following decades with a firmness of conviction I find inspiring. There aren’t many vintage books that include mothering a severely special needs child- let alone parenting one with so much tenderness and grace. I appreciate the contrast between the visible physical wounds of war and the invisible wounds that afflict a person's soul, often causing more profound damage. The patience required from spouses as they navigate life with a partner who may not be the same person they once knew, especially after making vows to love and cherish in sickness and in health, is truly remarkable. It's a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and commitment in the face of adversity. Whew. Liddy is a rock.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee- It's heartwarming to see the women, regardless of race, who step into the role of mother figure for Scout and Jem, filling the gap with love and guidance.
Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë - Helen, a mother trapped in an abusive marriage, bravely escapes with her young son, demonstrating the incredible strength and resilience that mothers possess when it comes to protecting their children. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths a mother will go to ensure the safety and well-being of her child, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Three Knocks on the Wall by Evelyn Sibley Lampman- Marty’s mom was a mom to me too. I loved how she stood up to racism, even in her own family, and how she navigated challenging family members and neighbors in this WWI era story. I hung on every word as she read aloud to Marty and walked her through sensitive topics (ie children born outside of wedlock- like me) with so much love and grace in a time full of judgement and spiritual abuse. This book being brought back into print is a dream come true and I’m so grateful to Jill at Purple House Press for taking a chance on it!.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith- Here we encounter an Irish immigrant mother striving to raise her children while shielding them from the harsh reality of their father's alcoholism and abuse.
Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield- This beautiful story, which every child should have read to them, offers a wonderful opportunity to compare and contrast different parenting styles and their impact on a child's growth. Despite not having read this book for almost thirty years, my three sisters still reference it regularly, attesting to its lasting impact.
White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan- This quick read is brimming with heart. I adored the mother's profound understanding of the healing power of human and animal relationships, especially in overcoming trauma. The emotional intelligence displayed by the girls in this story is a testament to the invaluable lessons they learned at their mother's knee.
Wolf Hollow and the sequel My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk-
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God? -Micah 6:8 NKJV
Sarah McBride resonates Micah 6:8. Her unconditional love, pure goodness and humble servanthood demands respect and she courageously uses this respect to support those in her live. Her calming and loving presence along with humors brings a balance to the hard and difficult times of the WWII era.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle- As a child growing up in an environment where women with doctorates were expected to stop working and keep house upon marriage, this book was a revelation. It opened my eyes to the possibility of highly intelligent and educated women working alongside their husbands as equals while still being devoted mothers.
Motherly Models and Mentors- An RA Picture Book List
All in One Piece by Jill Murphy- In this humorous portrayal, we're taken on a familiar journey of the comical chaos that often ensues when parents attempt to leave the house without their kids, offering a light-hearted yet relatable perspective on the everyday challenges of parenthood.
Andy and Mr Cunningham by Jane Thayer- Once more, we're immersed in the charming world of a mother guiding her young child through the realms of imaginative play and pretend alter egos, demonstrating the timeless qualities of patience and understanding that define the essence of motherhood.
At the Beach by Huy Voun Lee- A heartwarming tale of a mother sharing cultural wisdom and language skills with her child during a day spent at the beach.
Being Edie is Hard Today by Ben Brashares and Elizabeth Bergeland- This book offers a heartfelt portrayal of the experiences of mothering a highly sensitive child, resonating with readers who may find themselves in similar circumstances. (sensory processing disorder, autism, anxiety, social anxiety, etc)
Building Our House by Jonathan Bean- This heartwarming picture book captures the essence of motherhood—a devoted, hands-on mother actively participating in the construction of the family home, symbolizing her dedication, resilience, and unwavering support for her loved ones.
Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans- This poignant picture book, based on a true story, celebrates the remarkable qualities of a mother—her patience, courage, and unwavering strength—as she navigates life's challenges with grace and determination.
Five Minutes’ Peace by Jill Murphy- This book offers a humorous and relatable portrayal of the chaotic yet rewarding experience of motherhood, resonating with mothers who find solace in shared laughter and the feeling of being seen.
Here Come the Bears! by Alice Goudey- This heartwarming nature story provides a glimpse into the journey of motherhood through the changing seasons, tenderly capturing the nurturing bond between a mother bear and her cubs.
Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler- A widow in the Great Depression era ventures into the wilderness to survive, ultimately building a new life with her family amidst the challenges of the time.
Little Critter Series by Mercer Mayer- The mom in Little Critter books embodies patience, understanding, and good humor, offering a reassuring presence and a reminder not to sweat the small stuff. Her portrayal serves as a model of perspective, highlighting that many challenges are merely little things in the grand scheme of life.
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown- This classic tale reassures us of a mother's unwavering love, depicting her willingness to go to great lengths to remain by her child's side, no matter the obstacles.
Love this list! I’ll be adding the ones I haven’t read to my own list. I really loved Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins.