The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)
Twelve year old Nyla lives with her mum and her grandma. Grandma Farida sometimes goes ‘time-travelling’ due to her Alzheimer’s and with mum working two jobs, much of the caring falls to Nyla, but this is a house full of love so she doesn’t mind. Nyla has been told that her dad died when she was 4, but when her grandma insists she saw him at the supermarket, Nyla is left wondering whether this is Grandma’s ‘magic memory’ or whether there are secrets to be uncovered. As she tries to find the truth about her family, Nyla learns much about herself as the past catches up with the present.
Told in verse, this is such a powerful, emotive story. Nyla is a delightful character whose relationship with her grandmother is captured with such warmth and love. As with many children, Nyla plays a key role as carer, willingly looking after her grandmother whilst her mother has to work. Her love for the person her grandmother was, and is, shines through, creating some deeply poignant moments, encouraging empathy for their situation.
Nyla finds herself on a quest to find out about her father, partly due to the promise she makes to Grandma Farida and partly due to her own desire to discover more about who she is. She is supported in her search by her best friend, Jess, who has no filter and although very dear to Nyla and her family, can overstep boundaries and speak without thinking, highlighting how even the best intentioned people can make thoughtless, clumsy comments which are hurtful. Nyla also has to deal with the overtly offensive behaviour of Harry, another pupil at her school, who seems to single her out and target her for his bullying.
The story works so well as a verse novel, sensitively exploring Nyla’s emotions as events unfold. I don’t want to say too much more about the plot for fear of giving things away for those who have not read it yet- and I do recommend that everyone does! It is truly captivating!
The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)
Nadine Aisha Jassat, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
Orion ISBN: 978-1510111578