A timely and moving picture book from the celebrated writer of Eight Days and My Mommy Medicine. When Saya’s mother is sent to jail as an undocumented immigrant, she sends her daughter a cassette tape with a bedtime story, which inspires Saya to write a story of her own—one that just might bring her mother home.

ORDER NOW

Reviews

“Skillfully written with Creole words sprinkled into the English, Mama’s Nightingale is richly illuminated by Leslie Staub’s oil paintings evoking Haitian folk art.”—New York Times

"Children of parents who are being detained will be comforted by knowing they are not the only ones facing this challenge and might even be inspired to take action the way Saya does."—The Horn Book

"Danticat’s immigration story is compelling...The inclusion of Haitian phrases adds to the personal nature of the story, whose happy ending is deserved by all."—Booklist

“Reflecting Danticat’s own childhood, this picture book sheds light on an important reality rarely portrayed in children’s books…A must-read.”—Kirkus Review, Starred Review

“Danticat…beautifully conveys a story about loss and grief and hope and joy. This richly illustrated picture book is a first purchase, especially in communities with a large immigrant population.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review

"A serious yet hopeful story...readers similarly separated from a loved one may well find solace in Danticat’s honest storytelling."—Publisher’s Weekly

"Children of parents who are being detained will be comforted by knowing they are not the only ones facing this challenge and might even be inspired to take action the way Saya does."—The Horn Book