Tamika dreads visiting her grandmother, Momma Lou, at the nursing home. Momma Lou's Alzheimer's makes her forget who Tamika is. But when Tamika's father shows her Momma Lou's scrapbooks, the young girl gets the idea of jogging Momma Lou's memory. Full-color illustrations. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Getting to the Heart of the Matter Two titles teach life lessons. "I still don't see why we have to do this every week," says nine-year-old Tamika Louella Jordan about Sunday visits to the nursing home. "Half the time Momma Lou doesn't even know who we are." In Singing with Momma Lou by Linda Jacobs Altman, illus. by Larry Johnson, Tamika searches for a way to help her grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, access her memories. Back matter includes information about the disease and provides the names of three related organizations. (May) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 2-5-It's Sunday, and the rainy sky is as gray as Tamika's mood as she and her family set off for their weekly visit to the nursing home. The Jordans are going to see Momma Lou, who has Alzheimer's disease. The nine-year-old must reintroduce herself to this aged lady every week, and the whole situation makes her resentful and uncomfortable. Later, poring over old photo albums with her father, she sees Momma Lou dressed for her wedding in an African bridal robe, cuddling her newborn namesake, and dressing Tamika like an angel for her first Christmas pageant. Seeing these pictures makes the girl try to give Momma Lou her memories back by showing her the photos. Sometimes they seem to trigger a response in the old woman's eyes, especially the shot of her in jail following a protest march. "My secret life of crime," says Momma Lou, before bursting into laughter and song. Soon people in the nursing home are singing "We Shall Overcome" along with her. This is the last time that Tamika really talks with her grandmother, who declines rapidly after this visit, leaving the child sad, yet happy to have her memories. The book concludes with a brief description of the disease and a list of resources for further information. This bibliotherapeutic title will help to serve a need, and the story is straightforward and inspirational. Johnson's acrylic paintings are done in somber and institutional hues, which prove a suitable backdrop for this thoughtful story.-Anna DeWind Walls, Milwaukee Public Library Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Ages 3Sunday afternoon at the nursing home. Momma Lou usually does not recognize her nine-year-old granddaughter, because she suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Frustrated by Momma Lou's inability to remember their special times together, Tamika feels as if she's lost her best friend. But after discovering Momma Lou's old scrapbook with pictures of her singing with choirs and marching in civil rights demonstrations, Tamika decides to "give Momma Lou her memories back." The next visits to the home are filled with pictures, newspaper clippings, and stories that Tamika hopes will trigger Momma Lou's memory. This delicate story, with a bittersweet conclusion, gives children a realistic but softened look at a devastating illness. Johnson's illustrations, in broad brush strokes and deep colors, depict the setting in a dignified manner and successfully reflect the deep attachment between grandparent and grandchild. A helpful endnote provides a bit of additional information on the disease. --Cynthia Turnquest From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.