Sisterland

Sisterland is a powerful young adult novel exploring how the past impacts the present. When Hilly's German grandmother, HeidiGran, moves in due to Alzheimer's, her confused memories begin to expose long-buried secrets from her life during World War II. Hilly is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about her family's history, including potential involvement in or exposure to prejudice. Simultaneously, Hilly experiences the harsh reality of modern racism when her friend, Ruben, becomes a victim of an unprovoked attack. This book offers a nuanced look at prejudice across generations, encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and discussions about difficult historical and social issues. It's suitable for mature young readers ready to engage with complex themes.

When Hilly’s grandmother becomes ill with Alzheimer’s disease, her family is turned upside down by revelations from her life during World War II. Hilly’s German grandmother, HeidiGran, comes to live with her family after she gets Alzheimer’s disease. As her mind becomes more muddled, secrets buried in her past start to emerge. Why does HeidiGran keep talking about a girl named Rachel? And why does she make racist remarks about Hilly’s friend, Ruben? As Hilly struggles to cope with revelations about her family’s past, she encounters racism and prejudice for herself when a friend becomes the victim of a mindless attack. This evocative and deftly told novel explores prejudice and its effects on multiple generations in one family.