The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)

The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them) is a poignant verse novel that follows twelve-year-old Nyla as she navigates the complexities of memory and identity. When her beloved Grandma Farida begins to lose her memories, Nyla is determined to help her reclaim the stories of their family’s past.

The Plot

Nyla's journey begins when Grandma insists that she has seen Nyla's deceased father in the local supermarket. This extraordinary claim prompts Nyla to question the fabric of her reality and the recollections that have shaped her life. As Grandma encourages Nyla to find her father and bring him home, the young girl embarks on a quest that unveils long-buried family secrets.

Themes

This touching narrative delves into themes of:

• Memory: The fragility of recollection and the importance of preserving family stories.
• Family Connections: The bonds that tie generations together, even when memories fade.
• Identity: Nyla’s quest for self-discovery amidst the shadows of her family’s history.

Writing Style

Jassat’s lyrical prose captures the emotional depth of Nyla's experiences, drawing readers into a world where each verse resonates with the weight of love and loss. Readers who appreciated books like The Crossover by Kwame Alexander or Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai will find similar richness and resonance in Jassat's storytelling.

“A beautiful exploration of memory and family, where each verse unfolds a new layer of understanding.”