Anti-Bias Book Review: Saturday by Oge Mora


 Review by Cassidy Wallace

Saturday by Oge Mora describes the adventures of a single mother and her daughter on Saturday, the one day of the week that they are free to spend together. Despite several mishaps that upset their plans and threaten to ruin this special day, the duo nevertheless find joy in being at each other’s side. In representing the largely overlooked demographic of single mother-led families of color, Saturday aims to normalize their experience and acknowledge the universal reality that life doesn’t always go as expected—and that’s okay.

Anti-Bias Elements:

  • Positive & Representative Illustrations: Mora’s collage-based art style is unique and engaging, while her representations of the characters avoid stereotypes commonly associated with Black women. She also incorporates distinctive aspects of Black culture, as shown through hairstyles and clothing, that help to create a mirror for young Black girls.
  • Empowering Relationships & Different Lifestyles: Ava and her mother, the main characters of Saturday, are shown to be optimistic, adaptable, and capable of relying on each other—not White and/or male “hero” figures—for support. Their relationship is remarkably balanced and illustrates how parents, too, have feelings and benefit from the comfort of their children. Moreover, they disrupt the deficit-oriented, one-dimensional narrative of single parent-led families promoted by popular media, allowing children of differently structured families to build empathy, rather than pity, as they resonate with Ava’s emotions and experiences.
  • Appeal & Relevance to Young Readers: Mora’s straightforward, relatable plot and use of familiar language makes this story interesting and digestible for its target audience (3- to 6-year-olds). The colorful illustrations serve to increase understanding and engagement, particularly for young Black girls, while the overall message is important and applicable to children of all backgrounds.

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