Hour of the Bees

In "Hour of the Bees," twelve-year-old Carol faces a summer she'd rather avoid, helping her parents relocate her grandfather, who is struggling with cognition disorders, to an assisted living facility. Initially resistant, Carol finds herself increasingly captivated by her grandfather's fantastical tales of a magical desert, a healing tree, and a mysterious hour when bees appear. These stories not only reveal a rich family history but also help Carol navigate her own feelings about change, loss, and the complex bonds of family. This poignant chapter book explores themes of aging, memory, empathy, and the power of storytelling, making it ideal for readers aged 8-12. It offers a gentle yet profound look at intergenerational relationships and finding wonder in unexpected places.