How do you teach children about alzheimers?

The Memory Key

Written and Illustrated by: Nigel Baines @NigelBaines

Published by: Hachette Children’s Books @HachetteKids

Published on: 20th June 2024

Price: £7.99

First line: Grandad, can you remember what the trains were like in Hungary?

Genre: Time travel, Memory, Family

Thanks to the UKLA’s 4-11 magazine for the review copy. The full review will be found in there!

What’s it all about? A graphic book about time travel. Lily has a deep relationship with her Grandad who lives at home with the family. Gradually, she starts to realise that his dementia is getting worse, and even though her friends make fun of her and him, she is determined to help him get better. With the magical 11.35 train, they both travel deep back into Grandad’s memories.

Why should I read it? A sensitively explained introduction to the destruction that dementia can cause, but also with clear explanations of what to do and why to do it, Lily’s journey I’m sure will help many children to understand a situation that sadly may be becoming more common.