Azheimer's and dementia are devastating to most families. This book is told from a grandson's point of view.
If you have a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia, then you know the pain these dreadful diseases cause everyone in the family. This story, told from the point of view of a young grandson, helps adults start a conversation with their young readers about these two diseases and about the aging of their grandparents. This is a story of love.
Excerpt
Grandpa Joe lives with us;
he’s almost eighty-two.
He used to like to play with me;
I guess those days are through.
Grandpa doesn’t know me now;
he doesn’t know my name.
He looks at me like I’m strange;
it’s been like this since he came.
Professional Reviews
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Grandpa Doesn't Know Me Anymore by Terri Kelley is a beautiful and heart rending story about a young boy who realizes that his grandfather's feelings for him are not the same anymore. The boy tries to connect with his grandfather and he is unable to do so. But he decides to love his grandfather, no matter what.
The story is beautiful and the author has managed to successfully speak about Alzheimer's which affects many families. I liked the way the author describes the disease, thereby enabling the child to understand the concept. The bonding between a grandchild and a grandfather is expressed so beautifully that it actually makes you cry. The illustrations are bright, large, and very expressive. They give life to the characters in the story and to the story itself.
The theme of the book is educational and it makes the child aware of illnesses that can happen. It is a kind of exposure to a child and the author has done it in a subtle manner. I would recommend all school libraries to have a copy of this book so that it can be read out to children during their story-telling hour, opening their eyes to a different world. Grandpa Doesn't Know Me Anymore is a must-read for all children. This book also speaks about the importance of relationships, love, and devotion between adults and children.
