
Reach for this book if your child is struggling with explosive anger or is beginning to witness a beloved grandparent's memory and personality fade due to dementia. It is a deeply moving story for middle-grade readers about Robinson, a girl who feels like she is constantly in trouble at school because she cannot control her 'volcano' emotions. As she navigates her temper, she is also trying to protect a painful secret: her grandfather, the only family she has ever known, is becoming increasingly forgetful and confused. This story is an excellent choice for families navigating the 'sandwich' of behavioral issues and aging relatives. It offers a realistic yet hopeful look at how community and honesty can help carry the weight of big life changes. It is most appropriate for children ages 8 to 12 who are ready for a story that is both gritty and tender.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewCharacters use insults like 'stupid' and there are descriptions of school-yard bullying.
The protagonist fears being taken away by Social Services if her grandfather's health is found out.
The book deals directly and secularly with Alzheimer's disease and the fear of the foster care system. The resolution is realistic: Grandpa cannot stay home alone, but a support system is built so Robbie remains safe and connected to her community. It is hopeful but doesn't offer a 'miracle cure.'
A 10-year-old girl who loves sports and 'getting her hands dirty' but feels like she is 'the bad kid' because of her temper. Also, any child acting as a young caregiver or witnessing a grandparent's decline.
Parents should be prepared for scenes of Grandpa being found in compromising or confused states, which can be upsetting for children who have similar experiences. No specific pages need to be skipped, but be ready to discuss what happens when a guardian can no longer take care of a child. A parent might see their child lashing out at school or siblings, or notice the child withdrawing as they witness a grandparent become a 'stranger' due to memory loss.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'mean girl' school dynamics and Robbie's anger. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the existential fear of losing one's home and the nuance of the family-tree mystery.
Unlike many 'sick grandparent' books, this one ties the emotional struggle directly to the protagonist's behavioral issues at school, making it a powerful tool for discussing the 'why' behind a child's anger.
Robinson (Robbie) lives in Vermont with her grandfather, a woodworker who named her after Jackie Robinson. They share a bond over baseball and their workshop. However, Robbie has a 'volcano' temper that gets her into trouble at school, and Grandpa is starting to show clear signs of dementia. Fearing the foster care system, Robbie tries to hide Grandpa's decline while struggling with a school project about her family tree, a tree that feels empty because she doesn't know anything about her parents.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.