Top Ten Tuesday: Mothers that actually show up in YA

Happy Tuesday everyone!

As always, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted over at The Broke and The Bookish, and this week’s theme is:

May 16:  Mother’s Day related Freebie: favorite moms in literature, books about motherhood, best mother/daughter or son relationships, books to buy your mom, worst moms in literature, etc. etc

Since it’s a well-known fact that there’s a distinct lack of parental presence in YA, I thought I’d round up some mothers that actually show up!

1. The Raven Boys

Maura Sergeant is both firm and fair and it’s abundantly clear throughout all four novels that she cares infinitely about Blue. Their relationships is one of understanding and friendship, and I loved reading about it.

2. The Hate U Give

Starr’s mother is one of the most powerful I’ve ever comes across in YA. Her love for her daughter is present in her every action throughout the novel, and at times it feels like she’d take on the universe just to give Starr a fair shot at life.

3. The Book Thief

Although I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a YA novel, the relationship between Liesel and her parents is something special. Hans and Rosa Huberman are parents to Liesel in every respect but biology and teach her much about the world. Hans teaches her to read and shows her how the smallest kindness to others can go a long way. Rosa appears strict and tough most of the time, but in her softer moments we see that she’d do anything for Liesel.

4. The Mortal Instruments

I spent most the books being apathetic towards Clary’s mother Jocelyn, but I can’t deny that she cares for her daughter, even if she doesn’t always go about showing it in the best way.

5. When Dimple Met Rishi

Although Dimple finds her mother’s ideas traditional and somewhat restrictive, it’s easy to see that she cares about her deeply. Throughout the novel Dimple complains about her mother’s constant phone calls and desire to make her wear kajal, but when she needs emotional support, her mother is immediately there to offer it, and she realises that she only ever wants her to be happy.

6. The Fault in Our Stars

I read The Fault in Our Stars quite a few years ago now, and one thing that really sticks with me is how strong Hazel’s parents were throughout her illness. Her mother constantly supported her and tried to be a positive influence, even in the darkest moments.

7. Lorali

Rory and his mother have an unsteady relationship at the beginning of the book and he finds it difficult to deal with his mother’s mental health disorder (something which I thought the book could have done better). But despite the difficult time she’s going through, his mother is there for him when he needs her the most.

8. Life on the Refrigerator Door

Clare and her mother don’t see much of each other because of school and her mum’s job, but there’s love in the notes they leave on the refrigerator door and also the longing to spend more time together, which they eventually do.

9. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Both Dante and Ari’s mom’s always support them throughout the novel and encourage them to make the choices that will make them happy.

10. Between Shades of Gray

OK, confession time. I haven’t actually read this book yet, but I’ve read a lot of reviews about it and they all seem to talk about two things: the story is incredibly sad and intense, and the relationship between mother, daughter, and son is highly poignant.

Are there any other mothers in YA you think deserve recognition? Are there any books where it’s so obvious the mother isn’t present? Let me know in the comments!