Make Me a Memory

by Tamra Norton

Allie Claybrook’s life is changing drastically. Her dad has left for the faraway country of Iraq to fulfill his duty as a soldier, and Allie is going with her mom and pesky little brother, Spencer, to live with her grandma in Edna, Idaho—"Hicksville"—while her mom is expecting a new baby. And if that isn’t enough, Allie has to learn all about living with Nanna, her great-grandmother who has Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout this time of struggles, discovery, and even a bit of fun, Allie comes to understand that memories, as well as loved ones, can be both precious and fragile.

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful tale about a family adjusting to a loved one's deployment. As a military family, we are all too familiar with the juggling that goes on when a parent is gone for an extended period of time. It's tough, but we are too. And this story feels real; it has its ups and downs and doesn't have a "sitcom ending." It shows the upheaval of moving away from friends to be with extended family. And it shows the adjustments that have to occur, living in a new place. But it also depicts the warmth of family, taking care of one another and being there when times are tough.

I wasn't sure if our girls were ready to listen to this story yet, but they really loved it and asked for it each night until we finished it. No one in my family is deploying right now, but we are getting ready for a "permanent change of station" (ie, move), so I'm glad we could read a book like this to help prepare them for some of the upcoming events and changes.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Me A Memory is such an endearing story, I gave a copy to all my granddaughters of reading age. Tamra, a great story!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the Easter Bunny for this book. I like how this book is realistic. I could almost imagine myself being in her place as I read this book.