The Gift of Goodbye: A story for kids of all ages who love someone with Alzheimer’s Disease
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Author: Louise Cypress
Publisher: Independently published
Paperback:
ISBN 10: 1983041998
ISBN 13: 978-1983041990
How do you explain Alzheimer's Disease to kids? Start with a bedtime story that will help them process what's happening to Grandma.
"This heartfelt exploration of Alzheimer's Disease is the perfect read to help your children develop an understanding of the effects of the illness on your loved ones." E.M. Fitch
Caleb will do anything to protect the people he loves--and his grandma is top of that list, especially now that she has Alzheimer's disease.
After Emma accidentally insults Grams, Caleb lashes out and makes fun of Emma's dyslexia. Emma's best friend Sydney rushes to her defense, starting a girls versus boys cartoon war that involves the whole sixth grade. Pencils ready, students of Whitman Elementary, prepare to battle!
When Sydney starts taking art lessons from Grams, she connects with Grams in a way that Caleb can't. Love, lost memories, and new friendships enable powerful conversations to happen, especially about the toughest topic of all--Alzheimer's disease.
Review
- "This heartfelt exploration of Alzheimer's Disease is the perfect read to help your children develop an understanding of the effects of the illness on your loved ones. Not only does it delve into Alzheimer's Disease, the story explores the everyday problems that all young kids face: feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, finding yourself, friendships and even the stirrings of young love. I especially appreciated that one of the main characters struggled with dyslexia, also one of my own children struggles in a similar way. And the ending was beyond perfect, not just because it helped to resolve the story that had unfolded within its pages, but because it shoots forward five years, giving us a glimpse into what Alzheimer's Disease looks like down the road. As an author myself, and as a nurse who has worked with aging populations in the past, I highly recommend THE GIFT OF GOODBYE as a way to instate a conversation about Alzheimer's disease with your entire family." E.M. Fitch, author of OF THE TREES
- "THE GIFT OF GOODBYE is engaging and kid friendly. I really liked how the characters come to realize their mistakes about each other." Darlene Beck Jacobson, author of WHEELS OF CHANGE, winner of the 2015 Notable Social Studies Trade Book award.
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"I finished THE GIFT OF GOODBYE and enjoyed it greatly. I think it is a good middle grade novel and that kids will find it entertaining." Erika Hazlett, 2014-2015 Scholastic News Press Corps reporter.
- "I read aloud to my three kids every night and this book was one they never wanted me to stop reading. Sometimes it's hard to find a book they all will enjoy (9 year old boy and two girls ages 11 and 13), but THE GIFT OF GOODBYE was different. They loved it!" Mary Mohagen, teacher and mother of three.
- "THE GIFT OF GOODBYE is a touching middle grade tale told through four points of view. Each student propels the story forward with their own unique perceptions teaching us the ultimate lesson that no matter how hard we think we might have it, there are always others around us who can use our help." Melanie McFarlane, author of THE MISSING GUARDIAN
From the Author
Watching a loved one progress through the stages of Alzheimer's disease is difficult, and talking about it is even harder. That's why I wrote THE GIFT OF GOODBYE. It's a story for kids, about kids, not about Alzheimer's disease. A book that was primarily focused on dementia would have been too sad for children to read. But I know that there are lots of kids in America right now who are witnessing Alzheimer's change their grandma or grandpa. If THE GIFT OF GOODBYE helps one reader feel less alone, then my effort was worth it.
