An Early Winter - Softcover

Bauer, Marion Dane

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0440416949 ISBN 13: 9780440416944

Publisher: Yearling, 2001

Synopsis

When Tim's beloved grandfather develops Alzheimer's disease, Tim tries to restore him by taking him on an adventure that may be too much for both of them to handle.

Tim idolizes his beloved grandfather, the strong outdoorsman who helped raise him. When he and his mother and stepfather visit his grandfather, Tim refuses to believe Granddad has Alzheimer's disease. Tim decides to prove to the family that Granddad is fine and that his confusion just comes from getting older. All seems well when Tim and Granddad sneak off together on a fishing trip, but Granddad has forgotten supplies and equipment. One mistake leads to the next and, suddenly, Tim realizes that they're far from shore headed for trouble that he can't handle.

About this title

About the Author:

Marion Dane Bauer has written numerous award-winning books, among them On My Honor, a Newbery Honor Book.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-7-Swiftly moving but somewhat cliched, this novel's chief strengths are its fairly fresh subject matter (a beloved grandfather's "descent" into Alzheimer's), its clear delineations of the trials of the disease, and its sharp depiction of 11-year-old Tim. The relationship between the boy and his grandfather is also clearly drawn-their shared camaraderie and love of fishing. On the other hand, Bauer has structured the plot so seamlessly, with Tim's father's disappearance years earlier as the only element that is not neatly resolved, that the book seems almost designed to be a television movie of the week. We have 1) introduction of problem; 2) Tim's denial of problem; 3) Tim's "crazy" attempt to prove problem does not exist; 4) near-disaster following that attempt; and 5) resolution that tidily acknowledges that problem must be dealt with, but will be dealt with in a positive and loving manner. Young readers, however, are unlikely to be bothered by these literary issues. Though the boy's behavior may occasionally seem too childish for a sixth grader, readers will most likely sympathize with his feelings of betrayal as the other adults discuss plans for dealing with his grandfather, and will cheer his attempts to take matters into his own hands and "save" the old man.
Coop Renner, Moreno Elementary School, El Paso, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Yearling
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0440416949
• ISBN 13: 9780440416944
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128