HOLDING ON, by Sophia N. Lee and Isabel Roxas, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Aug. 30, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Holding On, by Sophia N. Lee and Isabel Roxas, tells the story of a girl who shares her memories with her grandmother through music.
There is always singing in Lola’s house. Sammy Davis Jr. in the morning, Dean Martin in the afternoon, and all throughout the evening, old Tagalog love songs from Nora Aunor, Basil Valdez, and more. Lola always says: “If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs.”
Her granddaughter tucks these sounds and Lola’s wisdom deep within her heart. And when Lola starts slipping into silence and stillness, she helps Lola hold on, piece by piece, with the joy and music that Lola taught her. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
As someone who lost her grandmother to Alzheimer’s, Holding On really spoke to me. Watching memories disappear is disheartening, but when something does spark, it’s amazing.
Author Sophia N. Lee’s writing is warm and conversational. Her text is perfectly paired with Isabel Roxas’ lovely mixed-media illustrations. The words are a strong framework for expressive images.
Holding On serves as a reminder to readers young and old to celebrate and pass on remembrances that shape our lives. This is a thoughtful picture book that readers as young as 3 will enjoy.
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