A young African American boy experiences the love and support of his family as they try to make ends meet each week. André 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 André and his older brother and sister. As report card day approaches, André anticipates making the honor roll, and Mama said she'd throw a royal party for just such an event. But André 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. André'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. Melrose Cooper is the author of several books for children and young adults, including I Got Family and Life Riddles . She lives in upstate New York with her family. Nneka Bennett was praised for her illustrations for Juma and the Honey Guide as "powerfully modeled and distinctive" by Kirkus Reviews. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she lives in Boston with her husband.