Kids Books About Dementia and Alzheimer’s
If you've known a loved one with dementia, you know how tough it can be or perhaps understand the mixed emotions kids could feel from having a loved one with dementia. I compiled this list to be an excellent resource for those with kids who know someone who has dementia. The picture books in this list help explain the disease in kid-friendly terms and provide ideas of great ways for kids to interact with loved ones. If you know a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's, check out the books on this list. Be sure to share these books to help kids navigate the changing relationship with someone they love.
As always, books grow more complex and lengthy as the list goes on. So if you are looking for a shorter and simpler read, choose books towards the top of the list, or if you're looking for a more complex read to share, scroll towards the bottom of the list.
Picture Books
The Tide
by Clare Helen Walsh, illustrated by Ashling Lindsay
A girl, her mother, and her grandpa spend a day at the beach together. The girl and her grandpa have fun playing together, but once and a while, Grandpa forgets things. The girl is concerned about the differences in Grandpa and wonders if he will forget her. Her mommy uses the tide as a metaphor to describe how Grandpa's memory works and gives her reminders that she's loved. A more straightforward story for younger kids.
The Remember Balloons
by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
Everyone in the family has balloons filled with memories; Grandpa has the most since he's lived the longest. Gradually, Grandpa's balloons start having problems, floating away, and he has fewer and fewer. Eventually, when the silver balloon shared between Grandpa and grandchild is let go, the grandchild becomes frustrated, asking why he had to let it go. One day, all of Grandpa's balloons are gone, and the grandchild finds he's gained some of Grandpa's balloons and shares stories with Grandpa. Realistic, relatable, and moving, I love the metaphor for this book to help kids understand more about memory loss with aging and diseases like Alzheimer's.
Holding On
by Sophia N. Lee, illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Lola always says: "If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs." Singing always happens at Lola's house until Lola becomes more silent and still. Lola's granddaughter remembers Lola's words and uses songs to reconnect with Lola to help her hold on. Sweet and moving, a story full of love.
Grandma
by Jessica Shepherd
Grandma is becoming forgetful and needs to transition to a nursing home. Her grandson makes a memory box to share with her to help her remember. When grandma is angry or he can't visit, the boy is upset but relies on other loved ones for support. A love and admiration between the two remain, even after experiencing difficult times. I like this one for showing realistic situations and coping ideas for this new challenge.
Grandpa's Music: A Story About Alzheimer's
by Alison Acheson, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth
When Grandpa moves in, life is a little different, so the family decides to make a schedule of who will help with what. They even include activities for Grandpa to do every day. Even though he is forgetful, they make the most of their time together. Piano playing brings them together. When it comes time for Grandpa to move to an assisted living facility, he is happy to recognize a piano there. His granddaughter joins him, and together they make up the lyrics to a favorite song. Intro note on Alzheimer's at the beginning. Helpful to spark conversations about what might be experienced living with someone with Alzheimer's, as well as some ideas on making the most of your time together.
Forget Me Not
by Nancy Van Laan, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
Julia can remember when Grandma used to remember everything and did things the way she always had done them. First names started getting mixed up, then treasured memories with Julia, and then slowly, other things began changing. Eventually, Grandma needs to move into an assisted living center, where Julia visits her and brings her to forget-me-nots to bring back Grandma's twinkling smile. This book gives real examples of what dementia can look like to kids who are interacting with a loved one with dementia might notice. Great for a potential conversation starter.
A Doll for Grandma: A Story About Alzheimer's Disease
by Paulette Bochnig Sharkey, illustrated by Samantha Woo
Kiera and Grandma have so much fun spending time together. Slowly, Grandma starts calling Kiera by the wrong name and misplacing items until she eventually goes to live at a memory-care home. Kiera finds a way to continue enjoying spending time with Grandma even though she's different now. I love the back matter to help reach out to families of a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Hundred Years of Happiness
by Thanhhà Lai, illustrated by Nguyen Quang and Kim Lien
Every day, An visits her Vietnamese grandparents, singing songs, spending time with Ba, her grandmother, and helping Ong, her grandfather. Ong has been trying to help Ba remember through food, photographs, and stories. Finally, gac seeds arrive, and An is ready to help Ong recreate Ba's favorite dish from their wedding. Will they be able to grow the special seeds? Will the special dish help Ba to remember? Super sweet and tender, it shows the family enjoying time in the present while reminiscing.
Coffee Rabbit Snowdrop Lost
by Betina Birkjaer, illustrated by Anna Margrethe Kjaergaard
A grandchild spends days with their grandpa, who knows all 123 different flowers in his sunroom by name in Latin, calling the child Stump. Stump, grandma, and grandpa enjoy doing crossword puzzles and other puzzles and telling stories. Soon Stump notices Grandpa is losing his words and acting differently. A book about dementia, memory, and bonds with loved ones. Extra information on dementia and memory is in the back.
A Kids Book About Alzheimer's
by Tanya Iovino and Kiki Kouris
This book is a nonfiction look at Alzheimer's. I love this series that helps explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand way to readers. There are no illustrations in this series, but rather different words are emphasized and form designs. In this specific book, the authors' yiayia, grandmother, had Alzheimer's and writes about their experiences and what they learned about Alzheimer's. Such a validating read for readers who love someone with Alzheimer's. The authors talk about what Alzheimer's is and what it can look like.
Chapter Books
Walking With Miss Millie
by Tamara Bundy
This chapter book is mainly about friendship and how a good friend can impact your life. When Alice is forced to move to a run-down town called Rainbow with her mother and her deaf brother so her mother can help take care of Alice's grandma, who has Alzheimer's, she is angry. After getting in trouble, having to help walk the neighbor's dog is one of the best things that have ever happened to her. Alzheimer's is not the book's focus, but several moments are connected inside the pages. Alice reflects on her feelings about different situations she's exposed to or learns about, which is helpful for kids reading and doing their reflecting. There are plenty of spots to pause and reflect on reading this with your child. I recommend reading this one together, as many complex topics pop up throughout to talk through. Topics in this book besides Alzheimer's include: discrimination, racism, abandonment, abuse, death, bullying, illness, and disability. Some of the characters don't respond the best to these topics, so it would be good to have some follow-up input to go with it. My nine-year-old daughter and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this book. The recommended listening age for this book is 10 to 14.
