Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry

Type of emotional/crisis issues addressed: Mental illness of a Parent/Gardian

Author/authors: Bebe Moore Campell

Year of Publication: 2003

Book Title: Sometimes My Mommy Gets Mad

ISBN #: 0399239723

Age level: Lower Elementary

# of pages: 28

Quality of illustrations: Very good

Brief summary: A little girl struggles because one day her mommy is cheerful and makes her pancakes and other days she locks herself away and yells at the neighbors. She talks to her grandma about it who tries to help her understand what is going on. She deals with the difficulty by talking to her grandma on the phone everyday and learning to be a big, brave girl.

Personal thoughts: This was a very realistic story with beautiful pictures. Although it was very sad, it was a realistic way for someone to deal with something so difficult. This book is probably best with children who have parents with depression or bipolar disorder.

Activity: Have the child draw a picture of another family member who can be a support for them. With the child, talk about how that person can help them.