78. Meatballs for Grandpa

Meatballs for Grandpa. Jeanette Fazzari Jones. Illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On the days we make meatballs for Grandpa, my feet fly up my grandparents' driveway. 

Premise/plot: Felicia enjoys cooking with her Grandma; together they cook spaghetti and meatballs the favorite meal of Felicia's Grandpa. His memory--he has Alzheimer's disease--isn't the best but he definitely remembers LOVING spaghetti and meatballs. These small, scattered moments of recollection bring joy with a tinge of sadness. Felicia loves spending time with both her grandparents. Cooking and eating are definitely something the family loves doing together. Changes may come through the years, but family is forever.

My thoughts: This picture book is a celebration of family, of family memories, of cooking. It also highlights special relationships and bonds between grandparents and grandchildren. This one hits as bittersweet, but I'm not sure younger readers will immediately feel that. Older readers who have experienced more of life may relate to the story more. This is a picture book that may effect readers differently based on age and life experiences. Grandparents are to be cherished even if there are changes along the way.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers