About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling to connect with an aging relative or feeling disconnected from their own cultural heritage. It is a powerful tool for families navigating the complexities of dementia, helping children see the person behind the diagnosis. Through the lens of twelve-year-old Carol, the story explores the tension between a modern, polished life and the messy, magical history of one's ancestors. Set in the New Mexico desert, the narrative follows Carol as she helps her parents move her grandfather, Serge, into an assisted living facility. While her parents see Serge's stories as symptoms of decline, Carol begins to see them as a bridge to her roots. The book beautifully handles themes of grief, identity, and the power of oral tradition, making it an ideal choice for 10 to 14 year olds who are starting to define themselves apart from their peer groups.
