Over the Hill

Over the Hill: With the Grandma People is a warmly illustrated intergenerational story inspired by author Marj Dolbeer's real experiences in New Mexico.

In the story, young Joe travels with his determined Grandma Kitty Cat as she retraces an unforgettable adventure into the Navajo Reservation. As they make their way across dusty roads, steep hills, and a rattling metal bridge, Grandma tells Joe how she and a group from her church once traveled to New Mexico to help Navajo friends build a porch for family and community gatherings.

While working, local children began calling the older volunteers "The Grandma People," a name given as a sign of respect. Later, their Navajo friend Philip took the group deep into the Reservation to visit two elderly sisters, Rosie and Helena. There they discovered a simple, hardworking life surrounded by sheep, horses, family memories, and a powerful reminder that age does not determine a person's strength or ability.

Through Grandma's memories, Joe learns about generosity, respect, family, cultural connection, resilience, and the danger of assuming someone is "too old" to keep living an active and meaningful life.

Filled with humor, adventure, memorable illustrations, and a glossary of special terms, Over the Hill: With the Grandma People celebrates grandparents, storytelling, shared experiences, and the unexpected lessons one generation can pass to the next.