About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to look past a person's outer shell or when they are curious about how older adults process their life stories. It is an excellent choice for a pre-teen who might be intimidated by a stern relative or a neighbor with a disability, as it models how patience and genuine interest can break down even the tallest emotional walls. The story follows fourteen-year-old Jerry, an aspiring student reporter who manages to get an interview with Paul Bernard, a world-famous novelist who has become a legless recluse. As Jerry probes for answers, he unintentionally helps the writer confront long-suppressed memories and writer's block. This chapter book gently explores the power of storytelling and the importance of intergenerational friendship. It is ideal for ages 10 to 14, providing a realistic look at physical disability and the emotional weight of the past without being overly dark.
