Grandma's Window is beautifully written by Janet Halfmann. It's a quick read, and I enjoyed reading every minute of it. Mateo feels a little alone on the bus ride heading to and from his school. He's a new student, so he doesn't quite know how to make friends yet. Adding to his loneliness is the fact that the other children don't speak to him or sit next to him on the bus. One day, while the bus is driving the kids to school, Mateo sees a hand waving at him from a window within an apartment building. The next day, he notices an old lady waving and urges the other children on the bus to join him in returning the gesture. Eventually, the children affectionately refer to this old lady as "Grandma". The shared waves become a regular routine between Grandma and the children on the bus. In no time at all, Mateo is even growing in confidence and making new friends during the bus ride to and from school. Everything seems to be perfect until, all of a sudden, the old lady is no longer there to greet the children with her usual wave. Through a community effort, the children work together to make sure Grandma is okay and not alone.
This heartwarming story demonstrates how a little act of kindness can brighten the lives of both the receiver and initiator. While Mateo's initial difficulties in relating to his peers are first revealed in the book, the central plot later shifts its focus to a more significant life lesson: it is good to offer kindness to those in need, especially the elderly. The book also fosters a sense of community support and community spirit. The fact that Mateo and the other children are able to garner support from their bus driver is heartfelt and moving. It serves as an example of how amazing it is to go above and beyond and help others, especially those struggling with isolation and illness. This book deserves 5 stars. It is simple to read and follow. I read it with my 10-year-old niece, and she loves it. Children as a whole will love it. It's a great tool that can be used to teach younger readers about showing compassion to the sick, needy, and elderly.