When individuals ask for book recommendations that feature grandparents, picture books are often the first that come to mind. Recently though, I’ve read some great middle grade books that really highlight the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. Although the main storyline or plot may not be the grandparent relationship, they often provide some really great underlying themes and discussions about aging, as well as making relationships with grandparents a priority.
Ellie is a girl who loves to bake. The fact that she has cerebral palsy and lives her life in a wheelchair is not going to hold her back. Roll with It is a treasure for many reasons, but when Ellie’s mom makes the decision that they will temporarily move in with her grandparents to help them navigate her grandpa’s dementia, I appreciated the relationship portrayed between Ellie and her grandmother. This realistic fiction has the power to open the reader’s eyes to seeing the world through an entirely new lens and I LOVE that! Even more, kids in wheelchairs will find a wonderful and realistic role-model in Ellie.
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
Continuing on the theme of opening eyes to a new perspective, Song for a Whale does just that. Iris has an incredibly special relationship with her grandma and plays an integral role in helping her work through some of her grief after the loss of her grandpa. They also share a special bond because they are both deaf. You can read more about this amazing book here.
The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman
This book is a lovely blend of historical and modern fiction, interweaving Imani’s modern-day tale with the story of Anna, her great-grandmother who journeyed alone to New York from Luxembourg when the Nazi’s first began their occupation of her homeland. When Amani’s grandmother passes away and they are clearing out her home, Imani finds Anna’s old diary. Although Imani never knew her great-grandmother, there’s a common bond when she discovers her great-grandmother was adopted too and Anna’s journal (and experiences) help Imani navigate as she searches for her own identity.
Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Set on beautiful Cape Cod, Delsie lives with her grammy in a little neighbor as year-round residents. Delsie has never really thought of herself as an orphan until a friend asks her advice in preparing for her role as Annie in the summer playhouse production. Dealing with feelings of abandonment, Delsie tries to understand more of her past, while navigating the often tricky middle-grade relationships of the present. Through it all, she truly comes to understand the true meaning of family and acceptance.
Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Seaward Pines Academy is home to many students who have big homes and take extravagant vacations, but that’s not the case for all students. Some are on scholarship, like Merci Suárez. This alone often complicates things for her at school. Merci lives with her extended family in three little homes they lovingly refer to as “Las Casitas.” In this story, their close-knit family also deals with the tricky reality that many families navigate when Lolo, her grandfather, becomes forgetful and his episodes of confusion start putting himself (and others) in harm’s way. As Merci navigates changes and difficulties (and successes) at school, the theme of overcoming obstacles when supported by a loving family certainly persists.
Frankie helps her dad run a Bed and Breakfast, and just like Gram’s amazing cookies they make for their guests every morning, she knows every great recipe needs all the right ingredients. But her family is missing an important one – a mom. Although Frankie has taken on the personal mission of trying to help her dad find someone to complete their family, she’s also concerned about Gram’s locked shed and her need to keep buying what appears to be … junk. Their family ultimately has to come to terms with Gram’s OCD and her need for hording. At the end of the book Elly Swartz includes some helpful resources.
All reviews are completely my own and I only recommend books I truly believe are worthy of sharing with others. (Believe me, I read many books I do not recommend, which means you won’t see me writing about them!)
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