When I Am Old With You

by Angela Johnson, David Soman (Illustrator)

"A small child imagines a future when he will be old with his Granddaddy and will sit beside him in a rocking chair and talk about everything...The poignant reality that time will never allow these two to coexist at the same age is softened by the fact that they do not have to be the same age in order to share happy times...The African American child and grandfather are...recognizable to anyone who has ever shared the bond of family love across generations." - School Library Journal, starred review

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, African American, Cultural

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1990

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Angela Johnson is the author of the Coretta Scott King Honor picture book When I Am Old with You; as well as A Sweet Smell of Roses, illustrated by Eric Velasquez; Just Like Josh Gibson, illustrated by Beth Peck; and I Dream of Trains, which was also illustrated by Loren Long. She has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels Heaven, Toning the Sweep, and The First Part Last. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Kent, Ohio.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oof...this made me more emotional than I expected. It follows a young Black boy who details his close relationship with his grandfather through all the activities they do together. It reminded me of the close relationship that my daughter shares with my dad. There is nothing like the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. I feel like they are a sanctuary for a lot of children especially those that may not always have the best relationship with their parents. The artwork in this one was phenomenal and was done in beautiful watercolor. I've seen more of Angela Johnson's later works, but I'm definitely interested in exploring more of her backlist.

[Cheryl A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost amazing, but I couldn't recognize the child as the same one throughout, and I don't understand how they think about these ideas. I guess if we just accept the child's stream-of-consciousness, the heedlessness of it all, it's fine.

I found this and several others on openlibrary and will read others by her for #ownvoices.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I Am Old With You Inspiration:
Love one another as Almighty God loves You. Lord, may I treat others in such a manner so as to bring praise and glory to your Holy name.

[Ashli Harper]

When I Am Old With You by Angela Johnson is a fiction story about a boy who just absolutely adores his grandfather. He imagines what it would like for them to grow old together even though are apart of two different generations and his grandfather is already an old man. The little boy talks about the activities and adventures him and his granddaddy could do if they were old together. It's honestly such a sweet book. The language of this book was very easy to read with repeating phrase "When I am old with you" on almost every page. The Illustrations were done by David Soman and they were beautifully created with water colors. This would be a great book for African American Boys to read who have that close relationship with their grandfather like this character has. Even though the author is a woman telling this book from a boy's perspective I felt like she could relate. I chose this book because of my closeness with my papa and as an African American Woman I could relate with everything he was saying. I think this book is really for everyone who loves their granddaddy.

[Melissa Goembel · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book the relationship that is shared between grandfather and grandson transcends time. They share a bond where time doesn't matter and they are happy spending time with one another. The child imagines a time when he will get to be old with his grandfather; in realty this won't happen. The book shows that age doesn't matter in this loving relationship.

[SaraLaLa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Johnson wrote a lovely book about a relationship between a boy and his grandfather. The boy is basically dreaming up a list of things he wants to do with his granddaddy when he "gets old" with him (even that phrasing is cute). The bucket list this boy dreams up isn't anything terribly exciting, but just quality time things, such as sitting on the porch together, go fishing, make breakfast, etc. It's just sweet.

There is so much love in this little book. I don't know if it makes sense for a grandpa to read it to a grandson but perhaps a parent to a child or even (if you want to make grandpa's heart swell with joy) a grandchild can read it to his/her grandfather.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When I am old with you, Grandaddy, we will open up that old cedar chest and try on all the old clothes that your grandaddy left you. We can look at the old pictures and try to imagine the people in them. It might make us cry... but that's O.K."

A gentle, sweet book about a young grandchild (whose gender is not explicitly clear in the prose or illustrations - which adds to this book's appeal) following his grandfather closely.

[Alyssa Casto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very simple and sweet story told from the point of view of a little grandson. He is reflecting on all of the things that him and his grandfather do that are fun. I enjoyed the pictures and colors in the book also.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the relationship depicted in this book. The grandfather and grandchild have strong bond that comes across clearly in the text and illustrations. It is sweet, but not sugary. Just a pleasure to read.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I am Old With You
Written By: Angela Johnson
Illustrated By: David Soman

Fountas & Pinnell: D
Book Level: 1

Book Summary: This story is about a little boy who is talking to his granddad about what they’re going to do when the grandson gets old like his granddad. It’s a connect story about the love and adoration across multiple generations.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction and Picture Book
This is a contemporary realistic fiction due to it being set in the time it was written and the story resembling real life.
This is a picture book because the pages have wonderful watercolor images to accompany the text.

Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:
Ideas: There’s a main message throughout the story, and it’s how much a little boy loves his granddad. That main theme is supported throughout the book by the boy going through everything that he can think of, he’d like to do with him.
Voice: The story is told through the eyes and voice of the main character, a little child talking to his grandfather.

This story would be a nice addition to a text set about families.

[Grace Gillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When I am old with you" is more than a hope but a promise for a perfect string of adventures for a grandchild and his granddaddy. Simple pleasures are afoot for this duo in an indistinct time and place. The two are universally relatable as the story boils down to a tight familial bond, and although the main characters are people of color this is not an element that is emphasized too greatly. Because of this, one can relate to the story simply from having a close relationship in their life. This young child speaks to his grandfather about his ideal set of adventures to experience with him, from fishing to learning about family history to just sitting near each other and enjoying the company. This simplistic approach to finding joy together shows a pure way of enjoying company without need for money or other resources.

[Andrea Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a child sitting on the porch with her grandfather telling him about what she wants to do in her life. She explains all the things she would like to do as her grandfather gets older. The importance of the book is a paternal relationship which is very important to the African American family dynamic hence the Coretta Scott King award. I would use this book in an upper elementary school setting.
I gave the book 4 stars because it reminded me of the Patchwork Quilt which is a classic. I would say it is the grandfather version. The illustrations are nice. I would have liked to see just a little bit more depth in the relationship.

[Jalessia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book is about a young grandchild who is going through all the different things they will do with their grandpa when they become old. I believe that children will be able to relate to this book because of the bond they share in the story. They can relate it to any adult they have in their life. This book can bring diversity in a classroom because it is about African Americans. helping children see themselves in the different books they read. While also creating meaningful discussions with younger and older children.

[Megan Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for talking about family. The connection between the grandpa and the boy is so sweet. The illustrations throughout the book are great and the meaning of getting out and exploring with family and not staying in the house also serves a good purpose. You can do a sequencing activity with this book to help children remember what happens throughout the book.

I love this book and I gave it a 5/5. It is such a cute book and I love the meaning of getting out and spending time with family and exploring. The overall meaning is perfect for a children's read.

[Emily Knickerbocker]

This book talks about everything the child wants to do with his grandpa now and when they are old together. The story's reality is they will never be able to do those things when the child is old, so they do them now. It shows no matter the age, they still do all the fun things they want to do. I would have my students write a letter to their grandparents and talk about different things they enjoy doing with them.

[Maylee Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about a little boy that does not fully understand that him and his grandfather will never be the same age. He tells all about everything they're going to do together when they're old together. He has a great imagination and it is a sweet, innocent, light-hearted story.

[Ellie McGarvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books! One of my students picked it out for me to read and I loved how sweet it was. The boy looks up to his grandpa and wants to be just like him. The students loved reading along with me.

[Margaret Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute book about a kid and his granddaddy. The kids is letting his granddaddy about all the kids thing they going to do together. They is definitely a sad undertone to the book. My class love this book.

[Emma Vargo · Rating 4 out of 5]

K-1st fiction
A touching story about a grandfather and grandson bond. It gives way to the innocence of a child believing he will grow old with his grandpa. Very sweet story with a bittersweet reality for adults reading it to children.

[Stephen K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book. Grandkids should value the time they spend with their grandparents. In this generation and in the future, we have started to loose value in the simple things, but with this book people are encouraged to enjoy the simple life- one that involves family.

[Breyanna Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story as it takes you through an adventure of everyday life spending time with grandpa. I remember reading this book as a young girl.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so beautiful

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! Evokes memories of yesteryear with my grandfather.

[Tricia Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant.

[Caitlyn Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to use to add color to your classroom, but also teach with a relatable message that students can connect with!

[Scatia Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I am Old with You is a realistic fiction book and tells the story of a little boy who wants to grow old and continue to do exactly the same thing he does with his granddaddy now. They'll still be doing the same things together--fishing, playing, or chatting in their old rocking chairs. As you read you will realize that he absolutely adores his granddaddy. The bond that they have is quite amazing. You recognize the influence that the granddaddy has on the child. The illustrations for the book were really good. They were accurate with the setting, plot and characters. I liked how the author gave a problem or an issue, and then gave a gentle solution as the child reassures the grandfather. For example,""We can look at the old pictures. . .It might make us cry. . .but that's O.K."" This will be great way to show children that things will be okay if something bad happens. It will be really good to emphasis this for the young listeners K-2nd. The older students can have a discussion on the topic of aging or caring for the elderly. The book really had realistic characters and I feel like students may be able to make connections based on the story.

[Amanda Vail · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and easy read that touches on the idea of finding joy in the little things. After reading, write a letter to a grandparent telling them about all the fun things we enjoy doing with them.

[Jeanne Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book; it was so sweet. My little kiddos often don't understand aging and can't wait to be the adult while I'm the kid. This was a sweet take on that misunderstanding.

[Lynsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, I went into this not realizing it would be sad. Well, I was wrong. But it was very sweet and heartwarming, as well.

[Doug Glenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet