Illustrated by Nicole Wong. 48 p., Magination, 2007. When someone close to a child has Alzheimer's disease, the child may experience disbelief, worry, confusion, anger, and embarrassment. Such is the case for Daniel, who has always enjoyed spending the summers with Grandpa at the shore. On their way to a visit with Grandpa, Daniel's mother explains that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and Daniel can't believe that things will be different - and at first, it seems as if they aren't. Grandpa still tells the same stories that Daniel has always loved, and they play catch as they always have. But soon it becomes clear that Grandpa has difficulty keeping track of his belongings, his memories, and his words. During a lucid moment, he tells Daniel that he's sorry this is happening, and even when he behaves in strange or confusing ways, he still loves Daniel. One day, after a walk on the beach during Grandpa's nap, Daniel and Mom return to his house to find a burning pan on the stove. Grandpa doesn't know who they are, which frightens Daniel. But they remind him of who they are, and he seems reassured. Daniel and Mom talk about their feelings, and he's able to verbalize some of his biggest fears: is Grandpa going to die? Are his parents? Mom responds with honesty and caring, and Daniel feels better. But then, when Daniel plays catch with a friend whom Grandpa has known for a long time, Grandpa asks who the friend is - three times during a short period. Embarrassed, Daniel asks his friend to play with him somewhere else, and then gets angry at his friend. His mother explains that Grandpa's behavior can be confusing to others, and she acknowledges Daniel's feelings. They agree to talk with the friend and his mother about Grandpa's diagnosis. For the rest of the summer, some days are better than others. Daniel seems discouraged about the changes in Grandpa - he's truly experienced them now. At the end of the story, Grandpa is coming to live with Daniel and his family. Having said at the beginning of the story that he won't allow Grandpa to forget him and Mom, on the way home, he tells Grandpa the stories that Grandpa has told him. Illustrated in ink and warm-toned watercolors, this story shows kids what Alzheimer's disease is like and offers them empathy and reassurance. Ages 6-10
Showing posts with label serious illness of another person. Show all posts
Showing posts with label serious illness of another person. Show all posts
Grandpa's Music by Alison Acheson
Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. 32 p., Whitman, 2009. Alzheimer's disease can challenge children to find new ways to connect with people they've always known. As this story begins, Callie's Grandpa, who has Alzheimer's disease, moves into her home. Callie participates in his care, along with her parents and older brother, in very age-appropriate ways: she not only commits to playiing catch with Grandpa and helping him remember his hat, but also, she steps in to welcome him in special ways, inviting him into a new role in the family that helps him to structure his days, and especially, making music with him. As time goes on, he forgets how to do several things, but he always remembers how to play the piano, and he and Callie continue to sing together. When he forgets song lyrics, Callie encourages him to invent new ones with her, and he's happy. Toward the end of the story, he moves into a nursing home, and brings with him his ability to play music, his enjoyment of making up lyrics, and his connection with Callie. Illustrated with oil paintings, this story offers hope of connection in spite of the helplessness than children can feel when a relative has dementia. Ages 6-9
The Peanut-Free Cafe by Gloria Koster
Illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler.32 p., Whitman, 2006. When a fussy eater comes into contact with a serious food allergy, problems can result. Simon will only eat four foods: peanut butter - his favorite - bagels, green grapes, and purple lollipops. He brings peanut butter on a bagel to school for lunch every day. Many of his friends eat peanut butter frequently, too. Grant, who is new to Simon's school, has a severe peanut allergy. Simon likes Grant very much, and finds that they have a lot in common. He feels terrible knowing that his favorite food could make someone sick, but also worries that peanuts will be prohibited at school. The principal establishes a peanut-free table, but Grant is alone there. Simon suggests making it a more fun place - which attracts a lot of students, but not Simon. He isn't ready to give up his peanut butter sandwiches. When the Peanut-Free Cafe shows his favorite movies, it becomes very difficult for him to stay away. He's so distressed that he loses his appetite. So the next morning, he asks his mother for a lunch that isn't peanut butter - "anything at all." All she can find is chili - but this is enough to let Simon eat lunch with his friends. As the story ends, Simon now eats five foods, and enjoys peanut butter on the weekends. An afterword by a pediatrician explains peanut allergies to adults. With its colorful, energetic illustrations, this story shows children that it's both possible and desirable for even a fussy eater to adjust to another person's food allergy, and offers reassurance that they need not give up the foods they love in order to do this. Ages 4-7
Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears
Illustrated by Karen Ritz. 32p., Whitman, 2006. Siblings of children who have disabilities have challenges of their own. Julie's younger brother, Ian, has autistic disorder. As she, her older sister, Tara, and Ian walk to the park, she explains some of the ways that his sensory experiences differ from most people's, and in the process, expresses the impatience, embarrassment, and worry that she sometimes feels as a result. At the park, Ian wanders off when Julie isn't looking. To find him, she tries to think like Ian, and her understanding leads her to him. Relieved to find him, she is more patient and empathic on their way home, doing things the way he wants to and helping to keep him safe. He rewards her with a rare, brief smile. Illustrated with expressive, light-filled watercolors, this story offers empathy and acceptance to children who have an autistic sibling. Ages 6-9
Sachiko Means Happiness by Kimiko Sakai
Illustrated by Tomie Arai. 32 p., Children's Book Press, 1990. When someone is ill, sometimes our empathy is what's needed most. Sachiko describes how her once-loving grandmother has changed and no longer seems to notice her. She feels angry and exhausted in her attempts to talk with Grandmother. She describes feeling overwhelmed in the face of Grandmother's tears, and then understanding empathically how frightened and alone Grandmother must feel. As she finds a way to enter into Grandmother's experience, she feels a sense of peace in the world. A postscript explains that the author had an experience similar to Sachiko's as a child. Children will understand how their empathy can be helpful even when it seems hopeless. Ages 6-9
Losing Uncle Tim by MaryKate Jordan
Illustrated by Judith Friedman. 32 p., Whitman, 1989. Daniel recalls the fun he'd had with his Uncle Tim. When Uncle Tim begins to get very tired, Daniel's mom explains that he has AIDS. Daniel is sad, angry, confused, and afraid he will catch AIDS from his uncle; his father reassures him that this won't happen. Daniel talks to Uncle Tim when Tim is in a coma, and Tim dies soon afterward. Daniel attends the funeral, which is conducted by a minister. Daniel begins to resolve his grief in part by seeing himself as being like Uncle Tim. This story encourages acceptance of all the feelings children may have when someone dies; gives information about AIDS, and helps children understand some ways to keep someone they love with them after the person dies. Ages 4-8
Little Mamá Forgets by Robin Cruise
Illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen.40 p., Farrar/Kroupa, 2006. When someone has dementia and forgets many things, we can still appreciate the things she remembers. Although Lucy's grandmother sometimes forgets to wake up in the morning, Lucy reminds her by tickling her awake, and Little Mamá remembers to tickle her back. Although Little Mamá forgets how to tie her shoes, Lucy reminds her - and Little Mamá remembers how to button her dancing shoes and remembers dancing with Papi, she and Lucy enjoy dancing together. Little Mamá may forget to wait for a green light to cross the street, but she remembers how to skip, and the whole family enjoys skipping together. In spite of her forgetting, Little Mamá recreates the warmth and family closeness that she remembers from Mexico. With its lively illustrations, this story shows children that even when someone forgets important things, closeness and joy are still possible. Ages 4-8