The Stickleback Catchers
by Lisette Auton, illustrated by Valentina Toro
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Puffin, 2023
About this book
Mimi lives with her gran and grandad above the bowls club. One day, after Gran forgets a few basic things, cracks start appearing in the walls – and only Mimi can see them. Then a crow starts following Mimi everywhere. Something is going on that Gran and Grandad aren’t telling her, involving secret talks with a strange man, and Mimi is scared. She must work out how to stop the cracks from spreading. Luckily, she has a new friend Titch, and together they are the Stickleback Catchers. In their den by the river, they realise they’ll need the help of the Puzzler – a mysterious figure who’s good at unravelling mysteries. But can they save Gran?
This is a moving story about a grandparent with dementia, with original and often scary magical realism touches. Auton explores friendship – Mimi is still working out how to be a good friend and not always succeeding – and community. There’s a real sense of community among the bowls regulars, and both grandparents are strong characters. Another plus is the inclusive portrayal of disability and illness – Mimi uses crutches as she’s wobbly without them, and another new friend, Nus, hardly leaves her bed. They are accepted as they are by each other and by Titch. A thought-provoking read.
More books like this
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The Secret of Haven Point
by Lisette Auton
9 to 14 years
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The Starlight Rebel
by Lisette Auton
9 to 14 years
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Lights Up
by Lisette Auton, illustrated by Valentina Toro
9 to 14 years
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Skulkmoor
by Hana Tooke
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Books on dementia
Dementia is a difficult thing to deal with and it can be hard to talk about with your loved ones. If you're looking for some books for children and young teens to help start a difficult conversation, check out these books, which look at dementia and its impact on families in different ways.
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Books with family and friends looking after children
It's important that books reflect contemporary society, and that children see a variety of family situations in the stories they read. Some families don't have a mum or dad in the carer or parental role. Sometimes grandparents or uncles or aunts are looking after the children. This can be called 'kinship care' or 'family and friends care'. This selection of fantastic books show children living with family members who aren't their parents, although that is usually only the background setting, not the plot.
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