The Memory Cage
by Ruth Eastham
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+
Published by Scholastic, 2011
About this book
Alex needs to act fast or his family will be torn apart. His grandfather William, with whom he shares a special bond, is becoming increasingly forgetful. Alex knows he must do something, or see William sent away to a care home, and as his brother Leonard delights in telling him, Alex could be next.
Adopted from a Bosnian orphanage, Alex must battle both his insecurities about his place in the family and his own traumatic past. But as he creates a scrapbook in an attempt to keep his grandfather’s memories safe, he uncovers family secrets that have lain hidden for decades.
This debut novel handles the issues of Alzheimer’s, adoption and bereavement with sensitivity, and creates a story that is both gripping and moving in equal parts.
About the author
More books like this
-
Artichoke Hearts
by Sita Brahmachari
9 to 12+ years
-
The Messenger Bird
by Ruth Eastham
9 to 12 years
-
Shadow Thieves
by Peter Burns
9 to 12 years
-
Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer
by Lucy Edwards and Katy Birchall, illustrated by Caroline Garcia
9 to 12 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books about adopted characters
Every family is different, and it's always wonderful to see part of your own experience reflected in a book. This is a selection of fantastic books – some funny, some exciting, some magical – where the main character is adopted.
-
10 brilliant books that celebrate grandparents
Last Girl In author Cheryl Diane Parkinson shares her favourite stories about brilliant grandparents.