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)