A Chair For My Mother – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A Chair For My Mother

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book1982

91%

WISE Score

A masterclass in resilience, saving pennies, and the simple dignity of a really good armchair.

A Chair For My Mother

book

1982

91%

WISE Score

A masterclass in resilience, saving pennies, and the simple dignity of a really good armchair.

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Amazon

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Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a classic for a reason. In a world of instant gratification and 1-click ordering, A Chair For My Mother is a necessary antidote. It tells a story about a family that loses everything in a fire and spends a long time saving every spare penny in a glass jar just to buy one comfortable chair for the hardworking mom to rest in.

It’s not just a 'lesson' book; it’s genuinely beautiful to look at and read. It manages to be about poverty and loss without being depressing, focusing instead on the warmth of a kitchen, the grit of a waitress mother, and the joy of a shiny new piece of furniture. If you’re looking for a book that builds empathy and financial literacy without feeling like a lecture, this is it.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4 to 8. It’s a staple for early elementary kids because the language is simple but the emotional depth is real.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a beautiful depiction of a multi-generational family (daughter, mother, grandmother) working together toward a common goal with patience and love.

Imaginative

The folk-art-inspired watercolor illustrations are vibrant and unique, though the story itself is a grounded, realistic narrative.

Safe

100

Completely safe. It deals with the aftermath of a house fire, but the focus is entirely on recovery, community support, and resilience.

Enriching

Provides a fantastic, age-appropriate lesson on delayed gratification, the value of money, and how communities show up for each other during hard times.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Delayed gratification is the core theme here, showing kids that saving up for something special makes the reward even sweeter.
The community support shown—neighbors bringing over a table, a rug, and even a pizza—is a heartwarming look at how people help after a tragedy.
Vera B. Williams' vibrant artwork uses gouache and watercolor with decorative borders that make every page feel like a framed painting.
It handles economic hardship with total dignity, never making the family feel like 'victims' but rather like a team.

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What to Watch For

The book briefly recounts the house fire that destroyed their belongings. It's handled gently, but very sensitive kids might want to talk about how the family got out safely.

Conversation Starters

"Why was it so important for them to save specifically for a chair rather than just buying toys or candy?"
"How did the neighbors and family members help them after the fire?"
"If we were going to save up our change in a big jar, what should our family save for?"
"How do you think the mom felt when she finally got to sit in the new chair after a long day at work?"

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