Money is tight in André's family and, because Mama's paycheck comes on Friday, Thursday is always a particularly tough day. They just have to make due, something that seems to come easily to André's upbeat and creative mom. In this African American family of four, education is a priority; Mama has made it clear that whenever any of her three kids makes the honor roll at school, they'll drop everything and have a party. But when André accomplishes this, there's a problem: his report card arrives on a Thursday. Mama's solution for throwing a great party, even on a Thursday, will please readers as much as it pleased André. Realistic paintings rendered in watercolor and colored pencil illustrate a heartwarming story of a family that pulls together in good times and bad. (Ages 6-8)

Andre dreads Thursdays. Thursday is the day before Mama gets paid at work each week -- it's the day when money is tight and spirits are low for Andre and his older brother and sister. As report card day approaches, Andre anticipates making the honor roll, and Mama said she'd throw a royal party for just such an event. But Andre can't believe his eyes when he looks at the calendar and sees that report card day falls on the worst possible day of the week -- a Thursday. Andre's predicament -- and the loving solution that his family offers -- will strike a chord with readers of all backgrounds. Melrose Cooper and Nneka Bennett present a warm and touching portrait of a child who experiences a celebration he'll never forget.

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