Amazing Ash and Superhero Ah Ma: Coming of Age is much more than a fun read about an unlikely superhero duo; it is also about family and love as it tackles the topic of dementia age-appropriately for children.
Amazing Ash and Superhero Ah Ma by Melanie Lee and Arif Rafhan is a middle-grade graphic novel series about the adventures of an unlikely superhero duo - a girl and her grandma. 11-year-old Ash is amazed when she discovers her Ah Ma is a superhero and that she, too, has superpowers! But unfortunately, as grandma trains Ash to become a superhero, she starts showing early signs of dementia.
In the latest and second book of the series, Coming of Age, Ash and Ah Ma - who have formed Team Ash with Ash's mum and their friends - continue performing heroic deeds but they meet a new nemesis. At the same time, even as everyone rallies around Ah Ma, her dementia worsens and Ash struggles to come to terms with her grandma's condition.
Amazing Ash & Superhero Ah Ma: Coming of Age is an exciting read that my girls and I finished together in an evening before bedtime. Team Ash's adventures are fun, while the storyline and characters tugged at my heart. I felt for Ah Ma who is succumbing to dementia despite being a superhero, Ash who is in denial of her grandma's deteriorating health and Ash's mum who is stretched thin from caring for her family.
This story is about family and love, and it entertains as much as it moves your heart. It tackles the topic of dementia age-appropriately for children and carries the message that a bit of grace and understanding can go a long way. Big E, my 11-year-old, says, "This is an interesting and touching story which also helped me understand more about dementia." I'd highly recommend this series to children 8 years and up.
Thank you Difference Engine for sending the Amazing Ash books over. They were a real treat for me and my girls ❤
Disclaimer: My opinions and reviews here are strictly my and my family’s own.
©Vivian Teo. All content and photos are copyrighted to Vivian Teo unless otherwise specified.
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