Don't Miss Honora Lee

I interrupt the dress business to return to a favorite topic, books, or a book to be specific.  I have no question where my daughter got gets her distractability. 

I have found a great inter-generational book group title.  ACB With Honora Lee by Kate DeGoldi a charming book that can name feelings and frustrations for many kids but I am afraid they won't pick this one up by themselves.  So it might be one to foist on your children during a car ride, but you need to have a copy of the real book on hand as well so you don't miss the pictures.  For your artsy ones the pictures give much to explore and to think about, a little insight into how Perry's brain might work.
Perry is the young lady with well intentioned busy parents, and a mother whose mission is to make sure her only child doesn't miss a learning opportunity.  Perry is saved when a scheduled class is cancelled and convinces her parents that she can use the time to weekly visit her grandmother Honora Lee, who has pretty severe dementia, at the Santa Lucia nursing home.  Grandma cannot remember her son, calls Perry a boy, bullys other patients, and because of a history teaching special education and reading, has a love for all things alphabet.  Perry decides to write and illustrate an alphabet book for her grandmother, through which we meet all the wonderful residents, and workers at Santa Lucia.
No real conversations seem to occur between Perry and Honora, yet real connection takes place.  Perry is a struggling student she offers grandma another chance to teach, though neither seem to be aware of this delightful happenstance.   Perry is a bright and quirky kid, looking to build her family bonds, as life at home is a bit too much about structure and not enough about relationships her well intentioned parents often miss the mark. The book is touching, funny, informational, with lessons in kindness, patience and the dignity of all folks. You will love Perry's gentle indomitable spirit, ever forgiving nature, and most of all her compassionate heart.