GRANDPA’S MUSIC
A Story About Alzheimer’s
by Alison Acheson & illustrated by Bill Farnsworth
This emotional look at a family living with Alzheimer’s disappoints with its lack of depth.
The story begins with Grandpa moving in with narrator Callie and her family in the spring. While the interactions among family members are sweetly portrayed, readers may be confused as to why Grandpa needs taking care of—Alzheimer’s is mentioned only in the subtitle and author’s note and never truly explained. Callie is almost preternaturally in tune with Grandpa’s changing needs, given her age (perhaps eight or ten). With her calm and reassuring manner, Callie helps Grandpa find the piano and make up words to the songs he has forgotten. Her memories of the time she has spent with her grandfather are lovingly rendered. As the year progresses, Grandpa forgets more and more things, but his fingers still remember how to play the piano. Farnsworth masterfully portrays the emotions and activities that pass between Callie and Grandpa. The love within this family is quite evident. This may comfort families in similar situations, but as an educational tool about Alzheimer’s, it falls flat. (Picture book. 4-7)