Top 10: Mother's Day Special

Welcome to my first-ever Top 10! Every second Thursday, I will post an original Top 10 list or "if you like this, try this." This week's post features a Mother's Day special to celerate the holiday this Sunday. Below are some of the best and most interesting mothers in YA literature, some who even defy normal tropes, in no particular order.



Lily Potter

Though she isn't center-stage in the Harry Potter novels, Lily is the reason Harry lives and saves the world. She sacrificed everything for Harry and will always be remembered.

Molly Weasley

While we're on the topic of Harry Potter, Molly Weasley is a feisty, absolutely adorable momma who wouldn't hesitate to whip your booty if you touch one little hair on one of her kids' heads. Nothing else to say.

Natalie Prior

Natalie, Tris' mother in Divergent, is another classic YA example of a mom who loves her children so much she would sacrifice everything for them... and she does, allowing her children to become the people they were meant to be.

Queen Amberly Schreave

Y'all probably know by now how much I absolutely love the Selection series, so it probably doesn't come as a surprise that I LOVE Maxon's mom! She's regal yet personable, and she has a story kind of like America's, which is great in itself. She was an underdog, and she's amazing!

Rose Mary Walls

This mom from The Glass Castle... isn't the first mom one might think of for the "best mom" trophy. She is definitely neglectful, and arguable mentally unstable, but Jeannette Walls claims in many interviews that her mom is full of love for her children and that because of her mom, Walls is who she is today. Walls also states that she wrote her novel to honor her parents, not to destroy their dignity. All in all, perception is reality, and Walls absolutely loves her mom, so I believe her.

The Ocean 

This is another weird one, but I honestly think the Ocean from The Siren is an interesting mother figure. She seems to have an almost oppressive hold on her "daughters" at first but sacrifices a lot in the end so that Kahlen can pursue the love of her life.

Bella Swan/Cullen

Bella annoys me SO MUCH... until she becomes a mom. Honestly! When I was in her mind for the first 3 1/4 books, I felt like I was losing brain cells. But when she became a mom, she instantly matured and became a character I could admire and love. Plus, at the end of Breaking Dawn, she is willing to give up everything so that her daughter can live and live happy with Jacob.

Jocelyn Fairchild

It would be a shame if I didn't mention this mom from The Mortal Instruments. She is strong to the end and provides a model for Clary... and possibly for us, too. Not to mention she kicks serious demon butt.

Paradise the Lost

WARNING! Don't read this unless you've read Legendary by Stephanie Garber!

Paradise the Lost is Tella and Scarlett's mother. She protected illegal and dangerous items with her life, even leaving her children in the process in order to protect them, too. Unfortunately, she makes mistakes as a mom, but she also kicks butt as a criminal, and I think she might grow into her momma shoes.

Sally Jackson

Last, but definitely not least, Percy's freaking awesome mom. No other mortal measures up to her, and the way she can be kidnapped by Hades himself and not even flinch is astounding. Love her!

These are just some of the first moms that I thought of (that weren't evil 😉), so feel free to comment more that I may have forgotten. Oh, and happy Mother's Day, all you moms out there. You're even more important than you think!

Thanks, bookworms, and au revoir!