Heather Has Two Mommies Review

Heather Has Two Mommies, written by Leslea Newman, is the story of a little girl whose favorite number is two. She has two pets, a cat named Gingersnap, and a dog named Midnight.

She and her two pets live with her two mommies, Mama Jane and Mama Kate, in a little house with an apple tree in the front yard, and tall grass in the back yard.

Heather has lots of fun with her mommies. They play in the park, and have have picnics. On rainy days, they stay in the house and bake cookies.

When Heather starts to school, she has fun there, too. There are lots of things to play with.

She hears some of the other kids talking about their daddies. When a little boy asks her what her daddy does, she says she doesn’t have one. She wonders if she’s the only one there who doesn’t.

The teacher, Ms. Molly, suggests that they all draw pictures of their families. When Heather looks at all the pictures, she sees that there are all kinds of families.

Ms. Molly tells the children that it doesn’t matter how many mommies or daddies a family has, or if your family has
brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas or grandpas. She says the important thing is that all the people in it love each other.

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Heather Has Two Mommies
  • Newman, Leslea (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages - 08/09/2016 (Publication Date) - Candlewick (Publisher)

Heather Has Two Mommies Summary

“Heather Has Two Mommies” is a children’s book written by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Diana Souza. The book, first published in 1989, tells the story of a young girl named Heather who has two mothers, and how she goes about explaining this to her classmates.

“Heather Has Two Mommies” is a groundbreaking children’s book that explores the themes of diversity and inclusivity in a unique and relatable way. The book, written by Leslea Newman, was first published in 1989 and has since become a classic in the children’s literature. The story follows Heather, a young girl with two moms, as she navigates her everyday life and the unique challenges that come with having same-sex parents.

The book’s plot is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on readers. The characters, including Heather and her two moms, are well-developed and likable, making the story relatable to readers of all ages. The book’s writing style is innovative and refreshing, making it easy for young readers to understand while still being profound. The book is also well-paced, making it a quick and enjoyable read.

“Heather Has Two Mommies” has received numerous awards and recognition for its innovative and thought-provoking themes. The book has won the Lambda Literary Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature and has been included in the American Library Association’s list of “Notable Children’s Books.” The book has also been banned in some places due to its depiction of a same-sex family, but it continues to be celebrated for its representation of diversity and inclusivity.

The book’s themes of diversity and inclusivity are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the book both entertaining and educational. The book’s main message is that love knows no boundaries and that all families, regardless of their structure, are valid and worthy of respect. This message is important for children of all ages to learn and understand.

In addition to its themes and messages, “Heather Has Two Mommies” is also notable for its representation of same-sex families in children’s literature. Prior to the book’s publication, there were very few children’s books that depicted same-sex families in a positive light. As a result, “Heather Has Two Mommies” helped pave the way for more diverse and inclusive representation in children’s literature.

Overall, “Heather Has Two Mommies” is a must-read for children of all ages. The book is well-written, well-paced, and well-drawn, making it a quick and enjoyable read. The book’s themes of diversity and inclusivity are explored in a relatable way, making the book both entertaining and educational. The book’s characters are well-developed and likable, and the writing style is innovative and refreshing.

Heather Has Two Mommies Reading Level

“Heather Has Two Mommies” is a children’s book that’s not just for kids.

One of the most striking things about this book is its depiction of same-sex parenting, which was a relatively taboo topic at the time of its publication. But, “Heather Has Two Mommies” doesn’t shy away from tackling the topic head-on and promotes the message of diversity and acceptance, showing that families come in all shapes and sizes and that love is love.

The writing style of the book is simple and easy to understand, making it appropriate for children of all ages. Even if you’re not a child, you’ll appreciate the charming illustrations by Diana Souza that add a sense of warmth and tenderness to the story.

The book’s target audience is children, but it’s a great read for everyone. It’s a perfect way to introduce the topic of same-sex parenting and LGBTQ+ families to children, but it also offers a valuable perspective for adults. It helps to break down stereotypes and prejudices, and it encourages empathy and understanding.

“Heather Has Two Mommies” has received widespread critical acclaim and has won several awards, including the Stonewall Book Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and the American Library Association’s Gay and Lesbian Book Award. So, it’s not just us saying it’s good, it’s been recognized by the literary community too.

When comparing “Heather Has Two Mommies” to other children’s books that tackle similar themes, it stands out for its bold and unapologetic approach. It’s a trailblazer that paved the way for other LGBTQ+ children’s books, such as “And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell and “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings.

In conclusion, “Heather Has Two Mommies” is a must-read for children and adults alike. It’s an important book that promotes diversity, acceptance, and understanding, and it’s a great tool for starting conversations about same-sex parenting and LGBTQ+ families. So, don’t be like your conservative grandma and give it a read.

10 Key Themes in “Heather Has Two Mommies”: A Groundbreaking Children’s Book on Same-Sex Parenting

  1. The representation of diverse family structures, including same-sex parenting.
  2. The normalization of same-sex parenting and the rejection of societal stereotypes.
  3. The importance of acceptance and understanding towards all types of families.
  4. The idea that children can thrive in loving and stable homes regardless of the gender of their parents.
  5. The theme of family and the bonds that connect people.
  6. The theme of self-acceptance and being comfortable with who you are.
  7. The importance of education and exposure to different perspectives to increase acceptance and understanding.
  8. The concept of love as the foundation of a family.
  9. The theme of equality, and the idea that all families should be treated with respect and dignity.
  10. The message that all children should be able to see themselves and their families reflected in the stories they read.

Explore the Most Compelling Aspects of “Heather Has Two Mommies”

Some of the most interesting aspects of “Heather Has Two Mommies” include:

  • The book’s representation of same-sex parenting and diverse family structures, which was groundbreaking at the time of its publication.
  • The normalization of same-sex parenting and rejection of societal stereotypes, which helps to promote acceptance and understanding towards all types of families.
  • The theme of family and the bonds that connect people, which is universally relatable and helps to promote empathy and understanding.
  • The theme of self-acceptance and being comfortable with who you are, which is an important message for children to learn.
  • The importance of education and exposure to different perspectives in increasing acceptance and understanding.
  • The concept of love as the foundation of a family, which is a universal and fundamental message.
  • The theme of equality, and the idea that all families should be treated with respect and dignity, which is an important message for children to learn.
  • The message that all children should be able to see themselves and their families reflected in the stories they read, which helps to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance.
  • The story is simple, easy to understand and relatable for children.
  • The book’s ability to spark conversation and critical thinking about diversity and acceptance, and its role in promoting an inclusive and accepting society.

Heather Has Two Mommies Awards

Aside from being a groundbreaking and important book, “Heather Has Two Mommies” has also racked up quite the collection of awards. It has won several awards, including the Stonewall Book Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and the American Library Association’s Gay and Lesbian Book Award. It’s like the Michael Jordan of children’s books, it’s a champion, a winner, and a Hall of Famer.

The Stonewall Book Award is a prestigious prize given to books with exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience. The Lambda Literary Award is a literary prize that recognizes and celebrates the best LGBTQ+ books of the year. The American Library Association’s Gay and Lesbian Book Award is a yearly literary award that recognizes outstanding literature related to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.

Winning these awards is no small feat and it’s a testament to the book’s power and relevance. It’s not just us saying the book is good, it’s been recognized by the literary community too.

In conclusion, “Heather Has Two Mommies” is not only an important and groundbreaking book but also a prize-winning one. It’s a must-read for children and adults alike, it promotes diversity, acceptance, and understanding, and it’s a great tool for starting conversations about same-sex parenting and LGBTQ+ families. So, don’t just take our word for it, the awards speak for themselves.

Reasons Why Heather Has Two Mommies Was Banned

Despite its positive message and widespread critical acclaim, “Heather Has Two Mommies” has faced controversy and has been banned in some places. The book has been banned from libraries and schools because it depicts same-sex parenting and some people just can’t handle the idea of families that don’t look like the traditional nuclear family.

The book has been banned because it was seen as promoting a gay lifestyle, which is ridiculous. The book promotes the idea that families come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s a great tool for starting conversations about same-sex parenting and LGBTQ+ families. It’s not promoting a gay lifestyle, it’s promoting acceptance and understanding.

It’s not just “Heather Has Two Mommies” that has faced these issues. Many other books that depict diverse families and perspectives have faced similar challenges and bans, unfortunately, it’s a reflection of the lack of acceptance and understanding that still exists in our society.

In conclusion, “Heather Has Two Mommies” has been banned in some places because it depicts same-sex parenting, and some people just can’t handle the idea of families that don’t look like the traditional nuclear family. It’s a shame that such a positive and important book has faced these challenges but it’s important to remember that books like these help to promote acceptance and understanding, and it’s important to fight against censorship.

Heather From Heather Has Two Mommies Quotes

The book is filled with wise and thoughtful quotes from Heather, the main character. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • “Some kids have one mommy, some kids have two mommies, some kids have one daddy, some kids have two daddies. Some kids have a mommy and a daddy. My family is special because I have two mommies.”
  • “It doesn’t matter how many mommies or daddies you have. What matters is that you have someone who loves you.”
  • “I love my mommies the way they are, and I don’t want them to be any different.”
  • “Just because my family is different doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”
  • “My mommies love me just as much as any other mommy and daddy love their children. And that’s all that matters”
  • “It doesn’t matter if you have one mommy or two mommies or one daddy or no mommy or daddy at all. What matters is that you have someone who loves you”
  • “I have two mommies and that makes my family special. It’s not better or worse, just different”
  • “Sometimes people don’t understand my family, but that’s okay. I know my mommies love me and that’s all that matters”
  • “My mommies are just like anyone else’s mommies. They kiss my boo-boos and tuck me in at night”

These quotes from “Heather Has Two Mommies” reinforces the idea that love and acceptance are what matters, not the number of parents or their gender. They encourage children to be proud of their families, no matter how they look like and to understand that different is okay.

“Heather Has Two Mommies” versus other children’s books that depict same-sex families

Book TitleAuthorYear PublishedAwardsRepresentation of Same-sex Families
Heather Has Two MommiesLeslea Newman1989Lambda Literary AwardPositive
And Tango Makes ThreeJustin Richardson and Peter Parnell2005ALA Notable Children’s BookPositive
The Family BookTodd Parr2003ALA Notable Children’s BookPositive
King & KingLinda de Haan and Stern Nijland2000N/APositive

“Heather Has Two Mommies” versus other children’s books that explore similar themes of diversity and inclusivity

Book TitleAuthorYear PublishedAwardsThemes
Heather Has Two MommiesLeslea Newman1989Lambda Literary AwardDiversity, Inclusivity
The Giving TreeShel Silverstein1964N/AGenerosity, Selflessness
We’re Different, We’re the SameBobbi Kates1992N/ADiversity, Acceptance
The Colors of UsKaren Katz1997N/ADiversity, Self-Acceptance

“Heather Has Two Mommies” reception upon its initial publication versus its reception today

YearReception
1989Banned in some places due to its depiction of a same-sex family
TodayCelebrated for its representation of diversity and inclusivity

F.A.Q.

What is “Heather Has Two Mommies” about?

"Heather Has Two Mommies" is a children's book about a young girl named Heather who has two mothers, addressing the issue of non-traditional families and promoting diversity and inclusiveness.

Why has “Heather Has Two Mommies” been banned?

"Heather Has Two Mommies" has been banned in some communities due to objections to its depiction of a non-traditional family structure, as well as concerns that it may promote a homosexual lifestyle.

Why is “Heather Has Two Mommies” considered controversial?

"Heather Has Two Mommies" is considered controversial because it depicts a non-traditional family structure and challenges traditional ideas about family and parenting, which can be seen as inappropriate or offensive by some individuals or groups.

What are the reasons for banning “Heather Has Two Mommies”?

The reasons for banning "Heather Has Two Mommies" include objections to its depiction of a non-traditional family structure and concerns that it may promote a homosexual lifestyle or be considered inappropriate for minors.

What are the arguments for keeping “Heather Has Two Mommies” in libraries?

Arguments for keeping "Heather Has Two Mommies" in libraries include promoting diversity, freedom of speech and access to information, and creating safe spaces for individuals to explore their experiences and identities.

What are the arguments against keeping “Heather Has Two Mommies” in libraries?

Arguments against keeping "Heather Has Two Mommies" in libraries include objections to its depiction of a non-traditional family structure and concerns that it may promote a homosexual lifestyle or be considered inappropriate for minors.

Why has “Heather Has Two Mommies” been challenged in schools?

"Heather Has Two Mommies" has been challenged in schools because some individuals or groups object to its depiction of a non-traditional family structure and feel that it is inappropriate for students.

What is the impact of “Heather Has Two Mommies” being banned?

The impact of "Heather Has Two Mommies" being banned is that it restricts access to information, stifles diversity and free speech, and sends a message that non-traditional families and lifestyles are not acceptable or deserving of representation.

What is the message of “Heather Has Two Mommies”?

The message of "Heather Has Two Mommies" is about the importance of promoting diversity and inclusiveness, and recognizing that families come in many different forms and structures.

Why is “Heather Has Two Mommies” an important book?

"Heather Has Two Mommies" is an important book because it provides representation and a voice to individuals from non-traditional families, and promotes understanding and acceptance of diverse family structures.

What is the significance of “Heather Has Two Mommies”?

The significance of "Heather Has Two Mommies" is that it shows that families come in all different forms and structures, and that all families are deserving of love and respect.

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