An Early Winter

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.