A Young Man's Dance

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to connect with a grandparent who is experiencing memory loss or living in a care facility. It is a gentle tool for navigating the confusion and sadness that arises when a loved one no longer recognizes their family or acts like the person they used to be. The story follows a young boy visiting his grandmother, Ronnie, in a nursing home. While he is initially unsettled by her wheelchair and her forgetfulness, he discovers that their shared love of dance provides a bridge across the gaps in her memory. This book is particularly appropriate for elementary-aged children who need permission to feel sad while also being shown how to find joy in new, adapted versions of their relationships. Parents will appreciate how the swirling, impressionistic illustrations reflect the internal emotional experience of the characters, making the abstract concept of Alzheimer's more accessible.