فارغ‌التحصیلی جیک مون

by Barbara Park, شقایق قندهاری (Translator)

راوی اين داستان پسر نوجوانی به نام «جيک‌مون» است که با مادرش پيش پدربزرگش زندگی می‌کند. زندگی روال عادی‌اش را می‌گذراند؛ تا اينکه بهی ناگهان پدربزرگ جيک‌مون دچار آلزايمر می‌شود و همين اتفاق، کل روند زندگی جيک‌مون و خانواده را دست‌خوش تغييرات پيش‌بينی‌نشده و گاه ناخوشايندی می‌کند.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Childrens, Chapter Books, Juvenile

116 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Barbara Lynne Park was an American author of children's books.

Reviews

[ستایش · Rating 4 out of 5]

بخش‌هایی از کتاب:

گاهی خراب کردن بهترین آموزگار است.

گاهی یک پیروزی ناچیز، تمام چیزی است که برای ادامه‌ی راه نیاز داری.

تاریخ: ۱۴۰۰/۵/۸

[Sara Hosseini · Rating 5 out of 5]

داستان بلوغ، تروما، آلزایمر و سالمندی. درواقع همه‌ی اون چیزایی که علاقمندم راجع بهشون بخونم.
کتاب رو می‌شه تو یه نشست خوند و ازش لذت برد.

[nobody · Rating 4 out of 5]

چهار ستاره و نیم در اصل.

داستان درباره پسریه به اسم جیک که با مادر و پدربزرگش زندگی می کنه و همه چی خیلی خوب پیش می ره، تا وقتی که پدربزرگش آلزایمر می گیره و به قول خود جیک، زندگیشون سقوط می کنه و جیک دیگه نمی تونه یه بچه ی معمولی باشه. از خیر کلاس های بعد از مدرسه می گذره و می مونه خونه تا از پدربزرگش مراقبت کنه. اون جاهایی که جیک به خاطر پدربزرگش نمی تونست کسی رو به خونه شون دعوت کنه یا بره توی کلاس های درام شرکت کنه و از پدربزرگش متنفر می شد، حالم ازش بهم می خورد؛ با اینکه می دونستم اگه جاش بودم احتمالا من هم متنفر می شدم از پدربزرگم. خیلی شجاع بود که بلاخره تونست با این قضیه کنار بیاد و خیلی خوب کنترلش کنه.
مثل "میک هارته اینجا بود" این کتاب بارابارا پارک هم خیلی قوی بود.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep finding these gems in my book case from my sons’ yesteryear education. The Graduation of Jake Moon is about a young boy who learns first-hand about Alzheimer’s disease. So apropos for me because Alzheimer’s is in my family tree. I pray I am not afflicted down the road, but who knows. This book pulled at my heart strings, for sure.

The author of this gem did an excellent job in presenting this subject to the young. Very realistic. Glad I didn’t miss this read!

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good story about Jake trying to deal with his grandfather's Alzheimer's disease, and the humiliations that sometimes happened. However, sometimes reads like a primer on Alzheimer's.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobooked.

Fred Savage narrated this one, so I figured it’d remind me of Wonder Years.

Man, it was bleak af.

This book got me re-thinking retirement, wondering what the hell I’m going to do with my life when I get old.

And if I’ll even be able to enjoy it.

We all kind of assume that if we’re alive, we’ll be in good enough health to enjoy life. But sometimes the body goes. Sometimes the mind goes.

That’s what this books is about. The mind goes, and those it leaves behind.

As someone who is just starting to think more about getting old and retirement plans, this book was like a kick in the rear. It made me realize that I need to travel more NOW. I want to be conscious when I experience things. I want to know.

So far my body and mind have treated me well enough, and I do my best to take care of my body and mind. But anything can happen 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How can the one person Jake could always count on be fading as fast as--well, the moon" (Park).

This novel follows the trials and tribulations of coping with a family member who is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease; in this case, Jake's grandfather, Skelly, has Alzheimer's. At first, Jake is sympathetic and defensive of his grandfather to "outsiders" who do not understand, but as time goes on and Skelly's Alzheimer's advances, Jake can hardly stand to look at him, and does whatever necessary to avoid him. Throughout the story, especially the events that unfold near the end, Jake must "graduate" to a more loving relationship with his grandfather despite his debilitating disease.

There are several aspects of this novel that I really enjoyed:
1) The writing. The writing of Jake as the narrator of the story was so raw and real; and at times, like most eighth-grade boys, funny. It is an incredibly easy and enjoyable read, one I think my students will easily follow.
2)"But sometimes a shallow little victory is all the victory you need to keep going" (Park, 9).
I love this scene (it is the scene on the cover of the novel, I later concluded) and I think it applies to every situation a child may be going through, including reading! I think if we can help a non-reader find "just right" books for them (and use other techniques to get them excited about reading) that will be the push they need to become a reader.
3) The connections I made with this novel. Fortunately, I have yet to experience a family member undergoing a dramatic transformation due to a debilitating disease like Alzheimer's. Yet, during the end of the novel, when Jake was graduation from eighth-grade I couldn't help but think back on both my middle and high school graduations. It was so exhilarating, yet terrifying at the same time!

[Ardea Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title / Author / Publication Date: Park, Barbara. (2000). The graduation of Jake Moon [Recorded by Fred Savage][CD]. New York, New York: Listening Library Random House, Inc.

Genre: Fiction

Format: Book on CD

Plot summary: : Jake Moon has always had a close relationship with his grandfather, especially because he grew up without a father, in a single parent home. Since he was born Jake has looked upon his grandfather as his ‘father’ and turned to him for love and advice. In 3rd grade, Jake’s bond with his grandfather is tested as Alzheimer’s creeps in. Jake, embarrassed by his grandfather’s actions, begins to reduce his time with friends, his after school activities, and how he operates day to day to deal with his grandfather’s behavior. Jake struggles to keep his frustrations at bay, as he is confronted with the possibility of his friends will see his grandfather put his pajamas in the freezer. This changes when Skelly, Jakes grandfather, goes missing, and Jake begins to realize what’s truly important in life. Fred Savage, known for his television work on The Wonder Years and his part in The Princess Bride, narrates The Graduation of Jake Moon.

Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Alzheimer's disease

Review citation: Fraser, Betsy. (2000). The graduation of Jake Moon. [Book Review]. School Library Journal.
Cooper, Ilene. (2000). The graduation of Jake Moon. [Book Review]. Book List.


Section source used to find the material: EBSCOhost: Middle and Junior High Collection (H.W. Wilson), Monroe County Public Library

Recommended age: 10 and up

[Coby Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book to me was sad because Jake loved his grandpa Skelly and looked up to him for advice and when he found out that his grandpa was sick with Alzheimer’s he didn’t think at first it was a big deal but really it affected not only him but his whole family.

In the beginning Jake let his friends make fun of his grandpa for the things that he did. Like when he had Aaron over and his grandpa didn’t have on pants then Aaron went to school and Jake was teased by all of his classmates.

Jake as time goes on realizes that his grandpa’s illness has taken a toll on his personal life to be not being able to be a kid and taking care of of Skelly. I think he hated the illness for turning his grandpa into someone that couldn’t take care of himself like wiping food off his own face or putting things where they shouldn’t be.

I think Jake realized when his grandpa wandered off and was lost and didn’t come home for 48 hours that Jake came to realize having Skelly with his illness was better than not having him at all in his life. Jake at that time changed his mind about having Skelly at his graduation and wasn’t worried about whether or not Skelly would embarrass him in front of the whole school or not.

On graduation Skelly was let alone and he did try to go to the stage during graduation but Jake wasn’t embarrassed he loved his grandpa and figured that he was just trying to be there for him. I liked this book because it shows you that no matter what family is always first.

[Kelcie Hoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seriously was the most amazing book I have read in a long time. Although I felt dumb at Einstein Bagels today reading a 115 page, kid-print book, I didn't even care because I was so consumed in the plot line. I love how the author Barbara Park shows a child's view of peer acceptance, single-parenting, dysfunctional family dynamics, and maturing. The whole book Jake Moon would try to make light of his grandpa's Alzheimer's and he always said how embarrassing and hard it was to be a kid. But at the conclusion, he came to terms that he loved his grandpa in sickness or in health. Having my grandpa die of Alzheimer's my freshman year of high school, I didn't really understand what was going on; I was about Jake's age. Contrasting our maturity, I really see the other side of things. This book made me feel genuine empathy towards mine and Jake's grandpa's illness. They are still great people, just an illness keeps them from being the way they used to be. I love how Jake in the end realizes what matter most, loving your family. He showed that by helping his grandpa on stage and by sticking by his mom's side and helping out most the book.

[Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Graduation of Jake Moon" was a good book. It was a quick read, compared to other books I have read. The book gave some insight about Alzheimer’s disease due to Jake's grandpa's(Skelly) condition. Overall, I would not read this book again due to the lack of action. However, it was well written and is a good story. I would recommend this book to middle school or freshman students, because it was an easy read since Jake was graduating from middle school and they would be able to connect with him.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter is reading this as a fifth grade assignment and I read it, too. It was a book about a boy whose live-in Grandfather has Alzheimer's. It was a bit after-school specialish, but I enjoyed it. My live-in Grandfather had Alzheimer's and this book was really relatable for me. I think it's good for kids to read about realistic adversity...am glad my daughter is reading it. It has sparked some good conversation between us.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the tightness of this story. It tells a lot in few words, similar to Missing May, yet I still felt for Jake and his plight. I could easily see through his eyes.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember which article recommended this young adult novel about a boy whose grandfather gets Alzheimer's but I'm so glad I gave it a try.

In many ways, it's a typically sad story. Jake is close to his grandfather Skelly, and when Skelly gets dementia, their roles quickly reverse, and soon Skelly can't exactly remember who Jake is, let alone how to feed himself or dress himself or manage his day.

What makes the book most authentic, though, is that Jake really is a typical 8th grader who most of the time is more concerned about what people think of him and how he's going to be judged for having a grandfather like Skelly than he is about Skelly's plight.

In that way, the book avoids becoming a cheap feel-good story, and instead seems to me to accurately reflect what a 13-year-old boy might feel when he's struggling with something he doesn't really understand and when he doesn't feel like he fits in at all in school.

As most of us know, people with Alzheimer's are prone to wander, and Skelly succumbs to that as well, which forms the dramatic ending of the book.

It culminates with a vivid graduation ceremony for Jake, with all his family there, and a chance for him to finally start to grow up. Heartwarming in the best way.

[Jake Weinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do u have any family members that had a disability? Because, in the story of The Graduation of Jake Moon Jake faces many problems with his grandfather who has Alzheimer's. Jake faces the stages of Alzheimer's disease we’ll still trying to have a normal life but it affects having friends over going out in public and even calling people. The worse and worse it gets Jake gets even more challenges and he also gets upset to the point he pretends he's not even related to his grandfather anymore. In the book it said “Oh my gosh it Casity the most pretty and popular girl in the school she can’t see with Skelly or else i'll be the biggest loser ever. This shows that Jakes is obviously very embarrassed but Jake does come to mind eventually about something but you’ll have to read to see what happens.

[Sh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you imagine an adult you look up to having a horrible disease like Alzheimer's? The Graduation of Jake Moon by Barbara Park explores what it would be like having a grandfather with Alzheimer’s. As the grandson of a victim of this disease the main character faces embarrassing incidents which cause emotional trauma. Jake’s grandfather becomes the child in their twisted relationship. Jake even feels ashamed to have his friends over as Skully has put his pajamas into the freezer and has even been found dumpster diving. Follow Jake on the journey to accepting the new relationship he has with his grandfather.

[Lindsey Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazing. I instantly connected with Jake and his feelings towards his grandfather. My own grandmother dealt with either dementia or Alzheimer's when I was growing up. She meant the world to me, but at times I would be embarrassed by her forgetfulness. I loved the ending of the book where Jake seems to accept and love his grandfather, doesn't mean that he won't be embarrassed by him. It would be great for students to understand that other people might be going through things that you don't even know about.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book centers around a boy named Jake Moon, who's grandpa has Alzheimer's disease, and how both him and his life slowly changes as his grandpa's disease develops. It's a quick read with lots of deep themes across the story, however it mainly focuses on Jake's internal conflict and struggles. Anyone who is really into action stories would not really enjoy it and would probably find it boring to the lack of action. This book is very well written though, and anyone looking for a quick but somber read will find this book very good.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and his single mom have always lived with Jake's grandfather, Skelly. Skelly even named Jake. Skelly was the father Jake never had. But now Skelly has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and he has started acting weird. Jake can't even afford to have friends over to the house because he doesn't know what Skelly might do next. Jake is angry, resentful, and ashamed, but also feels guilt over those feelings. It's painful to see this man who has been such a central part of his life drifting away.

[Lupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal book! I'm disappointed that I hadn't read this book before and I'm grateful that my fellow librarians chose it for Name That Book competition. I, myself, watched my grandfather decline as a result of Alzheimer's and this book was so well done. This book was genuine - not preachy and nothing was sugar-coated. I am ready to share with other people, even adults, who are dealing with this disease too.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was very GOOD! I love how Barbara Park had Jake have so much inner thinking, it made my really feel his emotion. Another thing I really liked about this book was, that there were multiple problems in this book like when Skelly got lost. That was probably my favorite part! it was so interesting to here how Jake experienced this problem. I loved this book!

[Kelly Jahng · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is engaging and depicts the struggle for families of Alzheimer’s patients pretty clearly. I wanted it to go a little further though. It seemed a little too short for the topic and ended a little abruptly. It’s an older title and I think it’s interesting to see how far we’ve come in books for kids that handle tough subjects.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and his grandfather are very close, but when Skelly is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Jake is forced to take on the role of caregiver, which puts an incredible strain on their relationship.

Heartbreaking.

[Regina Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a read aloud for my 5th grade class ( which is why it took so long). It was the most “realistic” fiction juvenile novel I have heard/read in a few years. It was published in 2002, but still so relevant today. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the family more than the victim.

[Donnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle school kid tries to navigate dealing with a grandfather crumbling with Alzheimer's. A man who has always been supportive and caring and wonderful for not only Jake, but his mom and his friends as well is slowly slipping into a world of confusion and fear.

[Tessa (Taylor's Version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot stress this enough: this book is phenomenal. It’s as if hidden in these 128 pages is the secret to life. I know that it might sound over the top, but it is truly one of the most beautiful and meaningful books that I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it!

[Amanda Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shed a few tears with this book!

[Navya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a read-aloud, and I was always waiting with anticipation to see what would happen next! The flashbacks were kind of boring though.

[Miss Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaker

[Molly Rhymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic Fiction. Jake moon is a young boy who experiences his grandfather getting diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.