Books for Older Americans Month
- Lynn Lovegreen
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
I recently learned that May is Older Americans Month. It’s always good to honor our elders, who have worked and sacrificed much to give us the good things we have now. Nowadays, when many older people are lonely or in need of assistance, it’s even more important to spend time with them. I find that I learn a lot from their perspective and wisdom. I’ve also seen how younger and older people benefit from interacting with each other. Kids provide the energy, and elders a steady influence, plus both have empathy and love to offer.
I often create older characters in my books, and I enjoy reading novels with elders in the cast. Here are some great books including older characters:
Middle Grade:
Farther Than the Moon by Lindsay Lackey
Older character: Grandpa. Houston and his brother Robbie have always wanted to be astronauts. When Houston goes to a special space camp, he has to leave Robbie (who has Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy) and their single mom behind. At camp, Houston learns how to adjust when plans go wrong and how to put his crew first, in space and at home. In the end, he finds a way to rebuild his family and keep an impossible promise to his brother. This is a heartwarming story with characters you'll grow to love.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
Older character: Grandma. Zoe just turned twelve, and she's planning to become the star baker on the Kids Bake Challenge. She doesn't expect to get a letter from the father who had been in prison all her life. Or to find out he may not have committed the crime. This heartfelt middle grade novel is about life, lies, and finding the truth even when it might get you in trouble.
Young Adult Novels:
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
Older character: Beatrice. A YA Jewish sapphic romance perfect for science nerds and anyone who enjoys enemies to lovers romance. And I haven't even mentioned the strong family and feminist vibes--there's so much to enjoy here! (Content warning: brief description of past sexual assault in which the survivor’s experience is validated on pages 294-298 in final book)
Sway with Me by Syed M. Masood
Older character: Nana. Arsalan’s 100-year-old great-grandfather taught him everything he knows. Not wanting to be totally alone one day, he asks feisty Beenish, step-daughter of a prominent matchmaker, for help. She agrees if he’ll help her ruin her sister’s wedding by performing a forbidden dance. They end up growing closer than either would imagine.This hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age story is a gem! Love the romance, found family, and multi-generational love! (Content warning: child abuse)
The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
Older character: Old Gin. Jo is the anonymous advice columnist Miss Sweetie in Atlanta in 1890. Would people be shocked to learn she’s a young Chinese American, not an older Southern Belle? Another great YA novel by Stacey Lee—highly recommended!
Adult Novels:
The Rancher and the Rock Star by Lizbeth Selvig
Older characters: Fred and Ethel. Abby’s quiet Minnesota ranch is turned upside down when rock star Gray Covey arrives to pick up his runaway son. No one expects Abby and Gray to fall in love.
The Reading List by Sarah Nisha Adams
Older character: Mukesh. Anxious teen Aleisha works at the local library when she comes across a list of books that broaden her horizons. Lonely widower Mukesh comes in to see what his late wife saw in books. When Aleisha shares the list, that leads to a transformation of their lives, and the community's. (Content warning: mental illness, suicide)