Just Like Jackie

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.