Sticky Notes

by Dianne Touchell

A story about the power of love and family in the face of a parent’s early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Foster Sumner is ten years old. He likes toy soldiers, tadpole hunting, going to school, and the beach. Best of all, he likes listening to his dad’s stories.

But then Foster’s dad starts forgetting things. No one is too worried at first. Foster and Dad giggle about it. Dad would go out for milk and come back with cat food, when the cat had been dead for five years. But then the forgetting gets worse. And suddenly no one is laughing anymore.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Childrens, Fiction, Family

224 pages, Hardcover

Published February 20, 2018

About the author

Dianne Touchell is a middle child who feared Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy — and any other stranger who threatened to break into the house at night.

She has worked, amongst other things, as a nightclub singer, a fish and chip shop counter girl (not with Pauline Hanson) and a bookseller. Dianne would rather talk to her dog than answer the phone.

Reviews

[Sara Pourhassani · Rating 3 out of 5]

داستان ساده و تاثیرگذاری بود. خصوصاً برای کسایی که تجربه‌ی زندگی با آدمی رو دارن که با مشکلات جدی روانی و آلزایمر دست و پنجه نرم می‌کنه. تنها نکته‌ایی که خوشم نیومد، پایان‎‌بندی بود. به‌نظرم نویسنده حداقل می‌تونست یه یادداشت، یا یه نتیجه‌گیری تهش بذاره. خیلی «باز» رهاش کرد. ارزش یک بار خوندن رو داره.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful story for grades 5-8. Makes you really think about what someone is going through as it's narrated by Foster, aka- Fossie, age 10. Losing a parent early on to memory loss is a heavy topic, but this is well done and makes you visualize and feel the experiences family members may struggle with when a loved one begins the path of memory loss.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten-year-old Foster Sumner and his dad had a very close relationship. They shared lots of things, but mostly, they shared stories. Gradually, Foster’s dad started doing strange things. First, he began forgetting words, then he wandered off and got lost. He couldn’t even find his way back home. But, worst of all, Dad started to lose his stories. Where had Dad’s stories gone? Would he ever get his memory back?

This is a frank, hopeful, sometimes funny, story about the devastating effects that Alzheimer's Disease has on the individual and on their families. Narrated by young Foster, this story shows how difficult it is for a young child to understand this disease and to see his entire family changing as a result.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading (and LOVING!) Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard, I was looking for other MG books that had a similar topic (children and the adult in their life with Alzheimer’s disease). I really wanted to like Sticky Notes, but I couldn’t. Though I wanted to abandon it numerous times, I finished so I could write an honest review.
Liked:
•The colorful cover & book jacket description.
•The premise
Disliked:
•The stories Dad told Fossie (princesses needed rescue from dragons-knights swoop in).
•Characters were not well developed.
•Though its intended audience is MG, the voice seemed much older and wiser (all-knowing at times).
Verdict: won’t be buying for classroom library.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten-year-old Foster Sumner is a lot like most other youngsters his age. He loves playing with his soldiers and listening to his father's stories. The family has various rituals such as weekend pancake breakfasts, and there is much love and laughter in the house. But everything changes as his father becomes increasingly forgetful, unable to remember the stories he once told and eventually not even recognizing the family dog, Geraldine. It's clear from the start that Foster's father has Alzheimer's, but the speed with which the disease advances is shocking. By turns heartbreaking and humorous, this account of how one family copes with such a health challenge is honest and thoughtfully written, revealing just how frustrating it is to watch a loved one no longer able to take care of himself or remember the things that once had been so important to him. The author has captured the denial, the conflicts, the confusion, and the toll Alzheimer's takes on the caregivers as well as its victims. Fortunately for Foster's family, they have some assistance from various social agencies and suggestions such as putting post-its on various objects to help his father remember, but life will never be the same again. Some readers may become angry at Foster's mother because she is so clueless and angry at times, but again, those seem to be honest reactions to what is happening to the world around her. As anyone familiar with this disease knows, it can leave caregivers especially frustrated by what's happening and there could be an inclination to tkae that frustration out on the patient. While I would have liked a little more discussion of Foster's behavior at school as things at home worsen, it was also clear that the young boy wanted to be included in those so-called "adult" conversations about his father. While the ending is not exactly hopeful--and how could it be?--at the very least, it offers closure and some acceptance of how things are going to be no and a brief, very brief respite from all the confusion and conflict swirling around the family.

[Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 year old Foster has a great relationship with his dad. Foster's dad is great at telling stories and there's nothing he loves more than to listen to a new tale from his dad. But lately it seems like his dad has been having trouble remembering the details of his stories, even the ones he's told Foster before. At first Foster thinks his dad must have a hole in his head (that's what his dad says happens whenever you forget something) and that he'll remember the words eventually. But that isn't happening. Then it starts getting worse.

Sticky Notes follows Foster and his parents as they navigate a devastating diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's. Faced with difficult choices, his mom must now act as a caregiver for both Foster and his dad. As a family they are confronted with some of the worst experiences anyone could go through and it's all told through the lens of a 10 year old boy.

I honestly really enjoyed this one. I did have some issues with it, but overall I would definitely recommend it. I agree with what some others have said that I think the writing is a little too mature for a 9-12 age range. Based on the content (how Foster is presented with what is happening, how little everyone communicates about what is actually happening, etc.) I would recommend reading this one along with the 9-12 year old and having a bigger conversation about it rather than as a stand alone book. As a discussion piece I think it's excellent.

I also wish the topic of elder abuse wouldn't have been glossed over as quickly as it was. I realize for a book for young readers that is a really difficult topic to cover, but since it was brought up I kind of wish more time had been spent on it. I don't know that there are actually books out there written for younger readers that cover elder abuse so it would have been nice if this one were to parse out a little bit more of what that means/the ramifications of it rather than a very brief mention.

Overall I did really enjoy this one and I definitely recommend it!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touchell, Dianne Sticky Notes, 210 pages. Delacorte Press, 2018. $17. Language: PG (6 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.

Foster Sumner is ten years old. He likes all the things that a ten year old might like, including toy soldiers, tadpole hunting and the beach. However, Dad is forgetting things. He is forgetting the stories that have always been so important to them both. Foster doesn’t know it, but Dad’s struggle with Alzheimers has just begun.

Having personal experience with one who went through the devastating effects of Alzheimers, I found the book to be spot on. The struggle with the disease, as well as the emotional, and physical cost for the caretakers is very real. This book would be very valuable to students whose parent, or grandparent has been diagnosed with a memory issue. Sumner’s actions and reactions get to the heart of a ten year old watching a loved one lose their sense of identity. The story includes unprovoked anger, inaccurate accusations, and arguments based on imagination. Inappropriate words or conversations can seemingly come out of nowhere with Alzheimers. There is also one bloody scene in the book. Touchell mixes home life and scenes at school in a believable way.

EL, MS – ADVISABLE . Reviewer: KG
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Kristen Picone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foster and his father are incredibly close and particularly love sharing stories together. Because of their relationship, Foster has a hard time understanding when his father begins to forget “little” things. The books takes the reader on an emotional journey that I can only imagine is portrayed very realistically for families of people with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Foster narrates the story and it’s very clear that the adults, while trying to protect him, have left him and an even more confused and “forgotten” state. At numerous times in the book I wanted to shout at the adults to listen to Foster and remember that this is happening to him just as much as everyone else. A good reminder that kids deserve our honesty and need a space to share their feelings and ask questions about the “hard” things in life.

Overall i like this book. I think kids will need this as a mirror and window. I do feel like there are some loose ends (Foster’s change in behavior at school, hints at the his mom drinking more, an abrupt ending) and one part with references to sex that I feel are unnecessary for younger MG readers.

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Sticky Notes by Dianne Touchell on an unexpected trip to the bookstore. It wasn’t displayed, but instead, a single copy was tucked into the shelves just waiting to be discovered. As a lover of all things sticky notes, the title caught my eye, so I picked it up. And I haven’t put it out of my sight since. This book has touched my heart. It’s about a young boy living through his father’s early-onset Alzheimer's disease. And while written from only his perspective, we learn how the disease impacts the patient, the caregivers, the family and more. Touchell so beautifully captured a painful journey of truth: the confusion, the fear, the fatigue, the shame. All of it. But in doing so, she gave us a glimpse into the perspectives of all stakeholders involved, perspectives we might not be able to see when living through the reality of this disease. Everyone needs to read this book, but especially those who have been impacted by the disease and need to know they are not alone. It will change the way you see things. I promise.

[Sharon Craft Viall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foster and his Dad are really close. Foster is 10 years old when this all starts to happens. His Dad loves to tell Foster Stories and loves interacting with him. Then things start to change and not for the good. His Father doesn't remember the stories , he start to get mad, he puts things in weird places and then for a wail he's his old self. Then things really get bad , he get violent with his wife. Fosters friend all say that his father is crazy. Foster wants him to go back to being the way he way. This is what Alzheimer's does to a person and their family. I was educated by this book and I think everyone should read it to educate them on how things might be with people who have someone in their life that has Alzheimer's . I like how this is written in the view of the 10 years old and how he feels thought out all of this life change events in his life.

[Emmie Must · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gosh, this was sad. I struggled with this one I thought this was going to be more about a child adventures while helping his Dad to get through his diagnose but no, this was mostly what that poor man went through with lots and lots of details and so little empathy from his family. Real characters yada yada yada, etc and whatever authors say.

This wasn't heartwarming at all like it says at the back of the book, nope. I feel hopeless after reading this one.

Didn't enjoy the third person narrative and that cover it's wrong advertising, not an uplifting read. That mother I can even, I tried to have patience and empathy but it was too much at the end.

[Rabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is touching and heart braking and I recommend this book for anyone who loves a sad and good story. It is written from the perspective of Foster, a 10 year old boy who likes toy soldiers, tadpole hunting, school, and the beach. Best of all, he likes listening to his dad's stories. But, lately his dad's memory is fading, and he can't figure out why. He wants to find out why, and this is the story of him and his dad's struggle.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first sentences, the reader is taken into the world of a 10 year old boy caught in the midst of living with a loved one with dementia. The way in which Touchell weaves together the words used throughout the book captures the reader and really gets you thinking of what it must be like to live in the lonely, scary place when a loved one suddenly can't remember and it gets worse with each passing day.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten year old Foster "Fossie" Sumner loves toy soldiers, and the stories that his dad makes up, and shares with him. But when his father begins to forget, Foster, and his family is taken aback by the sudden and creeping onset of Alzheimer's symptoms experienced by his father. This story takes the reader inside the changes the family must endure, and the coping challenges they all face as reality of it sets in.

[Serenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

This book is really sad. Not really tearful sad, just overall sad. It's about a young boy forced to deal with his father's early-onset Alzheimer's disease. I don't think it's quite right for elementary, so I'll probably pass it on to a middle school library.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bittersweet story about a 10 year old boy and the relationship he shares with his dad. Foster enjoys the stories his dad tells him as well as watching his dad get ready for work everyday. Then one day, everything changes in Foster’s world. This is a story that not only children will find a place within themselves to find a relation but adults as well.

[Tracy Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story about a family dealing with Alzheimers. Foster and his mom are trying desperately to hold it together as his dad, Malcolm begins the stages of Alzheimers. Once a prominent business man, Foster tells the story of his dad's stages of Alzheimers and how his family has to cope and adapt to the changes that the disease brings.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could only have been written by someone with first-hand experience of a family member with Alzheimer’s, but nothing in the author’s note to indicate this or her purpose in writing the story.
Five stars until the end, which seemed to just drop off. I want to know what happened next?? How did Foster deal with his father’s ultimate death?

[Roman Nowak · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tell stories to whoever will listen, and then listen to theirs."

A beautiful and important story about Foster, a boy, and his family dealing with his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis. An important story that is often overlooked. How to understand and listen to kids when dealing with trauma in family situations. A must for all school and classroom libraries.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sensitive book for me. It feels with Alzheimer's but reminded me when my Father-in-law had brain cancer and forgetting things and people, muttering away at things. A book not for the faint of heart and to show compassion to a family, each one affected differently, trying to adjust and hold on to someone they love.

[Samuel Oden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and heart touching book about Alzheimer’s disease. Made me think about me and my family dealing with the disease when my grandmother got it. So sad how it completely changes someone. Definitely give this book a read.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars The title wasn't really in play until midway through the book and I had difficult time empathizing with the characters but the content was solid and necessary. we need ore books dealing with mental issues like this.

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that this piece of literature had a character with Alzheimer’s disease because very few middle grade novels cover this topic and I feel that kids at that age level need to know about this topic so they are aware of it as they get older.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Wish I had the other books that are by her. At the top of my list for sure. Iwuld give this book a 5 star rating. I would recommened this book to everyone who like s to read.

[Sandra Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story from the perpective of a young child dealing with their parents illness and how they navigate to their new normal as a family. I had so much empathy for the Foster. His feelings and how he dealt with it at school seemed very real unfortunately. Great story for any age.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

[☁️ bookishdreamss ☁️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it! it was an empowering story about alzheimer's and how it affects people and their families.

[Elise Chandler · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it is on a very important topic and provides good insight, the narrator of the story seems either too childish or too adult.

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[Holly Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart wrenching