Grandfather’s Story Cloth

By Linda A. Gerdner, Sarah Langford, Stuart Loughridge
Paperback: $12.95

Chersheng feels sad and helpless when he learns that Grandfather has Alzheimer’s Disease, but then Chersheng’s mother presents him with a story cloth stitched by Grandfather himself, embroidered in the Hmong tradition.

Description

Chersheng’s grandfather is beginning to forget things: little things like turning off the water faucet and big things like Chersheng’s name. Sometimes he even forgets that he is in America now. Chersheng feels sad and helpless when he learns that Grandfather has Alzheimer’s Disease, but then Chersheng’s mother presents him with a story cloth stitched by Grandfather himself, embroidered in the Hmong tradition.

Through the story cloth, Grandfather’s memories of his life in Laos come alive. And inspired by Grandfather’s tales about his life before the war forced him to immigrate to America, Chersheng comes up with a plan to capture his family’s new life with his own art project. This way, they can all remember that their love is stronger than Alzheimer’s Disease, no matter in which country they live.

Linda Gerdner’s heartwarming story addresses the increasing number of children who live with elderly grandparents with dementia. This volume, presented bilingually in English and Hmong, allows children and their loved ones not only to gain a compassionate understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease, but also to share in the simplest act of pleasure and love — that of reading together.

About the Creators

Linda A. Gerdner
Linda A. Gerdner

Linda Gerdner was born in Iowa and is a registered nurse. She is dedicated to helping persons with Alzheimer s disease and the family members who are care for them. Although Grandfather s Story Cloth is her first children s book she has published extensively in professional journals and received international and national awards for these contributions. Gerdner has traveled to northern Laos where she visited three Hmong villages in the rural province of Xieng Khouang. The bonds and friendships established with members of the Hmong American community have enriched her life and expanded her world.

Sarah Langford
Sarah Langford

Sarah Langford is currently a student at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. She is especially interested in the health care needs of immigrants and refugees living in United States. She has a long-standing interest in children's literature and has enjoyed the opportunity to combine her talent in this area with her nursing focus.

Stuart Loughridge
Stuart Loughridge

Stuart Loughridge lives and works in St. Paul, MN. Most of his waking hours are spent in his studio, drawing, painting, printmaking, and filling the bird feeder. This is his first children's book.

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781885008657
  • Publication Date May 01, 2008
  • Trim Size 10 × 8 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781885008343
  • Publication Date May 01, 2008
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 8.25 in
  • Weight 0.875 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Health & Daily Living / Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Family / Multigenerational
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / People & Places / United States / Asian American
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Grandparents, History & Civics, Immigration, Kindness / Caring, Persistence / Grit, Realistic Fiction, War
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading S
  • ATOS Book Level 3.4
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Level 580
  • Reading Level 3
  • SRC 3.1
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 21
      English Guided Reading Level S
      Collection of 21 books: $254.95

      I and I Bob Marley

      A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.

      Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures

      A photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.

      Amazing Places

      A collection of original poems that celebrate some of the amazingly diverse places in our nation. Readers of all ages will want to visit each amazing place again and again!

      Malala Yousafzai

      The inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who has become an international activist for universal education, with beautiful collage illustrations by award-winning artist Susan L. Roth.

      Grandfather's Story Cloth

      Chersheng feels sad and helpless when he learns that Grandfather has Alzheimer's Disease, but then Chersheng's mother presents him with a story cloth stitched by Grandfather himself, embroidered in the Hmong tradition.

      On My Block

      Fifteen fine artists portray, in words and pictures, the places and spaces most special to them.

      Domítíla: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition

      With love and care in every stroke, illustrator Connie McLennan captured on canvas the warmth of relationships, the fondness for color and texture, and the versatile patterns characteristic of the Mexican people. Readers will soon fall in love with the shimmering light of the desert landscape and this well-told story of Cinderella-with-a-twist.

      A Man Called Raven

      Blending past with present, the magical with the real,A Man Called Ravenis both a tribute to the wisdom of the raven and a positive reminder that we can all learn from nature.

      As Fast As Words Could Fly

      The story of Mason Steele, an African American boy in 1960s Greenville, North Carolina, who relies on his inner strength and his typing skills to break racial barriers after he begins attending a "whites-only" high school.

      Puffling Patrol

      Ted and Betsy Lewin travel to Iceland to learn about the "Puffling Patrol," a group of children who rescue lost puffins and return them to sea.

      Only the Mountains Do Not Move

      A photographic essay about contemporary Maasai--the changes in lifestyle, land, and farming practices they face and how they are adapting to those changes.

      Coming to America

      A photo-essay of a Muslim family from Egypt; their experiences living in America; and the sacrifices they make to have a better life.

      Honda

      The life story of Soichiro Honda, pioneering Japanese businessman and innovative motorcycle and car manufacturer.

      Vanishing Cultures: Sahara

      In this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.

      Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds

      The inspirational true story of Sammy Lee, a Korean American who overcame discrimination to realize both his father's desire that he become a doctor and his own dream of becoming an Olympic champion diver.

      Shanghai Messenger

      A story in verse of a biracial Chinese American girl's journey to self-discovery and love of family as she visits her extended family in Shanghai, China. For middle grade readers.

      The Secret to Freedom

      In the days before the Civil War, a young enslaved girl and her older brother help slaves escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad quilt code.

      The Pot That Juan Built

      With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz,The Pot that Juan Builtis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

      Love to Langston

      This inspiring biography on Langston Hughes celebrates his life through poetry.

      Louis Sockalexis

      A biography of Louis Sockalexis, Penobscot Indian and the first Native American to play professional baseball, focusing on his formative years and culminating in an historic game at New York's Polo Grounds in 1897.

      Heroes

      A Japanese American boy learns about heroism from his father and uncle who served in the U.S. Army.

      3303 in stock

    • 32
      Asian/Asian American English PreK-2
      Collection of 32 books: $421.40

      Willie Wins

      In this heart-warming story, a boy gets beyond peer pressure and comes to appreciate the depth of his father's love. First-time author Almira Astudillo Gilles teams up with artist Carl Angel to create an inspiring and suspenseful story. Young readers will be cheering for Willie all the way.

      The Closet Ghosts

      When a young girl named Anu has trouble adjusting to her new home and school, she calls upon Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, for help vanquishing the ghosts in her closet.

      The Wakame Gatherers

      A touching and timely story about a biracial girl who is excited to spend time with her American grandmother and her Japanese grandmother.

      The Wishing Tree

      When Ming and his grandmother visit the wishing tree on the Lunar New Year, his wishes always seem to come true. But one year the tree does not help, and Ming alone must make peace with the loss of his grandmother and the spirit of the tree.

      The Story I'll Tell

      In this tender story of international adoption, a mother weaves a magical web of tales to explain how her child came to be part of the family.

      Juna and Appa

      From the creators of the award-winning picture book Juna's Jar, comes a new magical tale where Juna embarks on a journey to help her biggest hero--her Appa!

      Ten Blocks to the Big Wok

      This charming bilingual English/Mandarin counting book uses a stroll through Chinatown to introduce readers to the numbers one through ten in Chinese ... and will leave you hungry besides!

      Grandfather Counts

      In this contemporary intergenerational story, a biracial girl and her Chinese grandfather overcome language differences and develop a special bond.

      Kiyoshi's Walk

      Where do poems come from? This beautiful picture book about a young aspiring poet and his grandfather shows that the answer lies all around us--if we take the time to look.

      A Morning with Grandpa

      In this sweet, slice-of-life story, a curious and active Asian American girl spends the day learning tai chi from her grandfather, and in turn tries to teach him how to do yoga.

      Sumo Joe

      In this sweet and funny story, Sumo Joe and his friends enjoy pretending to be sumo wrestlers. But when his little sister wants to join their boy-only game, what should Sumo Joe do?

      Juna's Jar

      After Juna's best friend moves away, Juna, an imaginative Korean American girl, goes on magical adventures by way of her special kimchi jar.

      The Turtle Ship

      A young Korean boy named Sun-sin designs one of the greatest battleships in history and fulfills his dream of sailing the world.

      Ghosts for Breakfast

      When the Troublesome Triplets complain that they have seen ghosts in Farmer Tanaka's field, Papa sets off with his son to hunt the ghosts in this fun story set in 1920s California.

      Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel

      In this bilingual English-Tagalog story set in the US, Lakas, an all-American boy of Filipino descent, helps his new friends fight eviction from their home .

      Mama and Papa Have a Store

      A young girl describes what a typical day is like in her parents' Chinese store in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Recipient of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor in 2000.

      Butterflies for Kiri

      A Japanese American girl grows creatively and, with perseverance, masters the art of making an origami butterfly. Includes instructions.

      Where On Earth is My Bagel?

      A young Korean boy gets a craving for a New York bagel and goes on a journey to fulfill his hunger.

      Two Mrs. Gibsons

      Two Mrs. Gibsons is author Toyomi Igus's tender and touching tribute to the two most important women in her life--her Japanese mother and her African American grandmother.

      The Have a Good Day Café

      Early each morning Mike and his family drive to the city with their food cart.

      Raymond's Perfect Present

      When he tries to surprise his sick mother with flowers that he grew, a Chinese American boy receives a nice surprise of his own.

      Only One Year

      Three Chinese American children learn to trust and love one another again after the youngest child returns from a year living in China with extended family.

      Lakas and the Manilatown Fish

      In this bilingual English-Tagalog story set in the U.S., an all-American boy of Filipino descent, some amusing manongs-Filipino elders-and a fish with unusual faculties take off on a fanciful romp through a dreamscape of the imagination.

      Goldfish and Chrysanthemums

      A Chinese American girl helps preserve her grandmother's childhood memories of China by creating a special garden for her in America.

      Bringing Asha Home

      A biracial Asian Indian American boy finds his own special way to bond with his sister while the family awaits her adoption from India.

      Aani and the Tree Huggers

      A village girl in India inspires the women around her to save their beloved forest.

      Cooper's Lesson

      A tender look at a biracial child's frustration, anger, and, finally, acceptance about being "half and half."

      Chachaji's Cup

      Neel loves listening to Chachaji's many stories over steaming cups of tea.

      The Falling Flowers

      In this sweet story, a young girl in modern-day Japan takes a special trip to visit the blossoming cherry trees with her grandmother.

      Selvakumar Knew Better

      This true story of a courageous and clever dog who saved a boy's life during the devastating tsunami of 2004 is sure to touch the hearts of readers of all ages.

      Grandfather's Story Cloth

      Chersheng feels sad and helpless when he learns that Grandfather has Alzheimer's Disease, but then Chersheng's mother presents him with a story cloth stitched by Grandfather himself, embroidered in the Hmong tradition.

      Cora Cooks Pancit

      Cora and Mama work together to cook up pancit for the family in this celebration of Filipino heritage and foods.

      2072 in stock

    • 201
      Fluent English
      Collection of 201 books: $2,434.85

      Baseball Saved Us: 25th Anniversary Edition

      Twenty-five years ago, Baseball Saved Us changed the picture-book landscape with its honest story of a Japanese American boy in an internment camp during World War II. This anniversary edition will introduce new readers to this modern-day classic.

      Caravan

      Through the story of ten-year-old Jura's first caravan trip with his father, Lawrence McKay, Jr. describes the adventures one boy experiences on the journey to young adulthood.

      Catching the Moon

      The spirited story of Marcenia Lyle, the African American girl who grew up to become "Toni Stone," the first woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.

      Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures

      A photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.

      Coming to America

      A photo-essay of a Muslim family from Egypt; their experiences living in America; and the sacrifices they make to have a better life.

      Confetti

      The renowned poet Pat Mora celebrates the culture and landscape of the Southwest through the eyes of a Mexican American girl.

      Cool Melons- Turn to Frogs!

      For hundreds of years, school children in Japan have been introduced to poetry through the work of Issa.

      Crazy Horse's Vision

      The true story of the great Sioux warrior who, as a young boy, defies tradition and seeks a vision on his own in hopes of saving his people.

      Dear Mrs. Parks

      On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

      Destiny's Gift

      Destiny loves words, and her favorite place in the world is Mrs. Wade's bookstore, where words abound.

      Dia's Story Cloth

      A Hmong American tells of her people's search for freedom.

      Estela's Swap

      A Mexican American girl learns to value the act of giving when she attends her first swap meet.

      Everglades Forever

      A photo-essay about the Florida Everglades, its unique ecosystem, and the efforts currently underway to restore this "Wetland of International Importance," told within the framework of a class study project and visit to the Everglades.

      Frederick Douglass

      The story of the African American abolitionist who, in one dramatic incident, discovered the meaning of freedom.

      First Come the Zebra

      The story of two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, who find a way to overcome their traditional rivalries and become friends.