
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to reconcile the person their grandparent used to be with the person they are becoming due to cognitive decline. It is an essential resource for families navigating the confusion, frustration, and grief that often accompany an Alzheimer's diagnosis. The story follows eleven year old Tim, who is convinced that a familiar fishing trip will bring his grandfather's memory back, only to realize that some things cannot be fixed through sheer willpower. Marion Dane Bauer handles this heavy subject with a gentle but honest hand, making it appropriate for middle grade readers. It validates a child's desire to be the hero or the 'cure' while providing a safe space to process the reality of loss. It is a poignant choice for teaching empathy and the difficult lesson of letting go with love.
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Sign in to write a reviewGrandfather and child are lost and exposed to cold weather during a fishing trip.
Deals with the loss of a loved one's memory and personality.
The book deals directly with Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. It is secular and grounded in realistic, sometimes harsh, consequences. The resolution is realistic: Grandpa does not get better, but Tim finds a new way to connect with him through acceptance rather than restoration.
A 10 or 11-year-old who is frustrated by a family member's illness and feels like they are the only one who truly understands or can help. It is for the child who is grieving someone who is still physically present.
Parents should be aware of the scene at the pond where the grandfather's confusion leads to a life-threatening situation. It is a high-stress moment that may require discussion about safety and adult supervision. A parent might see their child becoming angry or resentful toward a grandparent, or conversely, a child taking on too much responsibility for an elder's safety.
Younger readers (age 8-9) will focus on the survival aspect of the fishing trip. Older readers (11-12) will grasp the deeper tragedy of the identity loss and the shifting family dynamics.
Unlike many books that offer a soft-focus view of aging, Bauer captures the specific 'magical thinking' of a pre-teen who believes their love is enough to cure a medical condition.
Eleven-year-old Tim refuses to accept his grandfather's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Convinced that the 'old' Grandpa is just hidden under the surface, Tim secretly takes him on a fishing trip to their favorite pond, hoping the familiar setting will snap him back to reality. However, the plan goes awry when Grandpa becomes disoriented and a sudden cold snap puts them both in danger. Tim must transition from being the grandson who needs guidance to the caretaker who provides it.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.