Trudy (Milkweed Prize for Children's Literature)

By Jessica Lee Anderson

Book Overview

Trudy's having a hard time at school: math class isn't going well, and her best friend, the one she pinky-swore she would always be friends with, has found a new group to hang out with. To top things off, her parents are old -- really old -- and while she loves them with all her heart, she dislikes it when other people mistake them for her grandparents. When Trudy's father starts acting strangely, Trudy and her mother can't figure out what the problem is. But when he forgets to pick Trudy up from school and starts to put groceries away in the wrong place, they decide to take him to the doctor. Once Trudy's father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Trudy and her mother are faced with some tough decisions. This is a touching, beautifully told story that young people relate to, particularly those who have parents or grandparents dealing with an illness. Trudy's challenges and her strength in dealing with them make her a heroine with whom young readers identify.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1571316604
• ISBN13: 9781571316608
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: Milkweed Editions
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 4.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.5" x 5.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 8

Customer Reviews

Trudy

A thoughtful first novel about a young girl who has problems at school and is also coping with elderly parents, one of whom develops altzheimers. Good material for PHSE in school - and chapters can be isolated to discuss different issues. A favourite read with mature 5th grade girls.

Wonderful family story!

I bought this book for my daughter since her grandmother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She and I both read Trudy together and fell in love with the story-especially the main character. I felt that the portrayal of Alzheimer's was accurate and honest. I'd definitely recommend Trudy to children and adults who are dealing with illness or who are looking for a beautiful written story.