The Space Between Lost and Found by Sandy Stark-Mcginnis

What if you were still a child and your mother got Alzheimer's?  That's the main story line and it tugs at your heartstrings...

Bloomsbury Children's Books and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published April 28th.

Cassie remembers how her mother was and it makes her sad to see her forget things and get confused.  She does unusual things, like eat three potato chips at a time.  She didn't do that before.

Cassie's father has made new rules about what her mother can do.  He doesn't want her to go outside because she might not find her way home again or she might act funny and draw attention they don't need.  But when Cassie goes in the kitchen to get her a root beer, she finds the front door open.  She rushes out after her and they go for a walk.  It's not too bad.  It's so pleasant, Cassie falls asleep where they were admiring the clouds.  Her mother is gone again but this time she's sitting in a lawn chair a ways away.  Cassie sits with her a bit and then they wander home.  She better understands her father's point now.

More than anything she wants to take her mother to see some dolphins.  Her mother might not be able to remember her name but she'll never forget swimming withe dolphins in the ocean.  She has some money she saved and after her dad goes to work, Cassie sneaks her mom down to the bus depot and they head for San Diego to take in a dolphin show  It doesn't turn out like she planned.  Her mom swims with the dolphins and then wants to do it again when they put on their performance for the audience.  It takes both Cassie and the trainer to keep her out of the pool.

If your child is around anyone with Alzheimer's or Dementia, this story will give them an idea of what happens and what to expect.  It's harder to understand when you're young.

This is a good honest story but you can feel the sadness of the situation.  All you can do is love them and protect them as best you can.