Authors work in solitary, and when we hear from readers, their words have tremendous impact. So, I want to share an email I received from Lynda-Marie Trifilette, an educator in Canada with a degree in Psychology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Autism and Behavioural Science.

Hello Sue,

Wow. Not what I expected.  I like to read a book without any hints of what to expect besides the basic story.  Because of the graphics on the cover of the book, I thought it was to catch the attention of young children. A book that an adult could cuddle up and read with a young person trying to understand the changes that may happen in their grandparent’s personality as they develop dementia. 

I was wrong. It turned out to be a wonderful book for young teens that may be witnessing the change in their grandparents as they start experiencing dementia.  The book was even more. It highlights the family dynamics of a multigenerational family, mother, daughter and grandmother, all living together and sharing the responsibilities for caring for her grandmother experiencing dementia. Like all real mothers and teens, no one is perfect, and relationships are messy.

I loved the character and the attitude of the cat and enjoyed every time Jack showed up in the story.  I feel that Pinkie is a great role model for empathy and determination.  Pinkie does not give up and wants to be a better person after realizing the mistakes of her past. 

I loved the story and feel that this book would be a good read for middle school students. I have a friend who is a teacher in a middle school and will talk to her about your book.  Thank you for writing this wonder story and please let me know if you decide to write a follow-up story.  I will be purchasing this book for my bookshelf because it is a keeper.

Take care,

Lynda-Marie