Sticky Notes by Dianne Touchell

How I Heard About It:  This novel came to via the publisher.  I had not seen it before nor had I read any comments about the story from any of my fellow readers.  It is exciting to read a new book you know nothing about.  

What It Is About:   Foster and his dad.  His dad and Foster.  That is the way it has been for the first ten years of Foster's life.  He loves his mother, but he has a special bond with his dad.  They share a love of "stories" and creating them together.  During Foster's tenth year, he and his mother begin to notice different behavior from his father.  At first they think it may be a period of depression, but as the days unfold, they begin to worry more and more.  Foster's father is finally diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  Foster isn't sure exactly what this disease is or how it will affect his father, but he wants his father to stay and same.  This becomes more and more difficult as his father spirals down into the harsh reality of Alzheimer's.  Foster, his mother, and an aunt all work together to provide the care and safety his father needs.  

What I Thought Of It:  My mother has had Alzheimer's Disease for the last ten years or so.  She is currently in memory care.  She doesn't talk.  She doesn't walk.  It is no way to live a life.  As I read Foster and his dad's story, I was reminded so much of my own journey with my mother.  Dianne Touchell did an accurate and intimate portrait of what it is like for someone to suffer from this awful disease.  I liked the fact that it was the father who was diagnosed.  It seems like most middle-grade stories center around the mother character and her illness.  It is important for young readers to see that "life" can happen to either parent.  This will be an important novel to put into the hands of readers that have a family member and/or friend dealing with this crippling disease.  

Who Should Read It:   In my opinion, this particular novel could be used in grades four, five, and six.  There are some mature themes/words/concepts strewn throughout the pages.  It is nothing major, but may require a discussion on why certain words/language were used.  These instances were accurate and true to the disease.  This would be the perfect novel for a reader who has had or is having an experience with Alzheimer's Disease.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars!