Rachel doesn't really know or like her grandfather much, despite spending every Sunday at his house with her parents. But when he starts having trouble breathing and gets a grim diagnosis from the doctor, she starts taking his daily walks with him and gradually comes to recognize the love between them.
A Newbery Honor book that, as it seems to me, won the Honor on the basis of tackling the subject of a family death. It's an honorable idea, but not very well executed here. The writing's okay, but none of the characters are all that likeable. I think for something like a treatment of this topic to work, the author needs to make the characters sympathetic enough that the reader can slide right into their shoes and easily try to imagine what they're feeling and thinking. This story, however, leaves the reader half-interested and wholly on the outside of the events; I just didn't feel invested at all. ( )

This 1988 Newbery honor book tackles the difficult subject of family relationships, anticipatory grief and care taking of an elder relative.

Highly intelligent fifteen year old Rachel is the child of older parents. Feeling smothered by unnecessary attention, she is out of touch with them. In addition, her intelligence marks her as unapproachable and thus she doesn't quite understand how to fit in with peers.

Rachel's grandfather Izzy is diagnosed with cancer. Known as a cantankerous, crabby, judgmental and inappropriately, brutally honest man, he pushes those who love him away. As Rachel reaches out to her grandfather and tests the boundaries by insisting on helping him, gradually a very special relationship develops.

Aware of the limitations of time, through love and compassion, Rachel discovers confidence and strength she never knew she had. In helping her grandfather, she learns the power of family and friends.

Beautifully told, the author never dove in the waters of sentimentality. There is a very real, honest depiction of the difficulty of relationships. The author does not stoop to placing a big red bow on a neat package, nor does she shine an unnecessary harsh light on dysfunction, rather, she writes and honest, realistic portrayal of life and death. ( )

Rachel has not always had an easy relationship with her grandfather, but in his last months Rachel spends more time with Grandad Izzy. The family's grief is expressed and memories of Izzy are shared.

Heartwarming story of the relationship between a young girl, Rachel, and her dying grandfather. ( )