Figuring Out Frances — Gina Willner-Pardo

With a light touch, this insightful novel charts a fourth grader's course through the complexities of family and friendship. Abby is trying hard to understand the things that puzzle her. One is her friendship with Travis Mooney, who seems to be turning into just another obnoxious boy. Another is a mystery: Why does Grandma, who has Alzheimer's disease, sometimes call her Frances? Who is, or was, Frances? Abby is convinced that if she can figure out Frances, she will know something new and important about herself. Along with the surprising and satisfying solution to this mystery comes the discovery that some things can't be figured out-but just as in doing a puzzle, putting all the pieces together is the fun part.