SHARING OUR STORIES 98
MY MOMMY IS A SCHOOLTEACHER
By Nasra Noor
One of the biggest changes in children’s books since I was a child is the increase in diversity. With many new avenues to publishing, we are seeing modern families and ethnic and cultural diversity represented, where more children can see themselves and their unique family dynamics in said books. Though the publishing process may take longer for a children’s book, the end result is well worth it. That being said, I bring to you Nasra Noor’s My Mommy is a Schoolteacher, wonderfully illustrated by Victoria Medi.
Our story opens with a young Somali girl describing her home life, in particular her Hooyo (mother). She shares the many ways Hooyo takes cares of her and her sisters; most important, she always lets them know they are “her greatest treasure and her complete joy.” In addition, Hooyo attends graduate school in the evening in order to get her degree. While Hooyo is at school, her Aabo (father) tells them stories and tucks them in at night.
The big day comes when all Hooyo’s hard work pays off and she graduates, to the joy of her family, and her daughter thinks of all the wonderful qualities Hooyo possesses. Her success as a schoolteacher is inspiring and empowering to her daughter: “If Mom can do it all, so can I,” and she speaks with love and great pride about Hooyo.
This book speaks beautifully about Somali culture, Islam, and a loving family. Through the daughter’s point of view, we see that Hooyo is a devoted mother and still achieves her personal dreams, with the unwavering support of her family.
I had the honor of meeting Ms. Noor at the Minnesota Black Authors Expo last month. She has an energy and passion for her work and pride in her culture that draws you in with a desire to learn more. When I finished reading her book, I was smiling from ear to ear. As a second-grade teacher with four daughters, Noor not only writes about her dream; she lives it every day.
My Mommy is a Schoolteacher is available through Diverse Voices Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, the Minnesota Black Authors Expo website (www.mnblackauthorsexpo.com) and her personal website (www.authornasranoor.com).
Thank you, Nasra, for creating such an amazing book. May it find a “happy place” in many, many homes.
W.D. Foster-Graham
W.D. Foster-Graham is a native son of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received a B.A. in psychology from Luther College, and he was an original member of the multi-Grammy-Award-winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness. He has also been recognized by the International Society of Poets as one of its “Best New Poets of 2003,” is a guest writer for journalist/author/entertainer Wyatt O’Brian Evans.
