Alexander-Greene, A. Sunflowers and Rainbows for Tia. Omaha, NE: Centering
Corporation, 1999. (SA)
A 10-year-old African-American girl tells how she feels when her father dies
and how she and her family express their sadness as well as their love for
him. She describes her experiences of learning about her father's death and
preparing for and attending the funeral. The story shows how family members
can support one another.
Blume, J. Tiger Eyes. Scarsdale, New York; Bradbury Press, 1981. (SA/AD)
This fictionalized account of a teenager whose father has just been killed
provides a wonderful analysis of normal feelings.
Brooks, M. Two Moons in August. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1991.
(AD)
Kieran, a new boy visiting her small hometown for the summer, helps Sidonie
and her family comes together again following the death of Sidonie’s
mother.
Clifton, L. Everett Anderson’s Goodbye. New York: Holt, 1983.
(PS)
A simple, poetic story of the death of a young African-American boy’s
father.
Cohen, C.K. and Heiney, J. Daddy's Promise. Bloomfield Hills, MI: Promise
Publications, 1997. (SA)
A boy whose father died feels angry that his father did not keep his promise
be with him and help him learn to play baseball. He is visited by his father
in dreams and talks with his mother for support. Eventually he learns that
his father can always be with him.
Douglas, E. Rachel and the Upside Down Heart (Second Edition). Dancing
Magic Heart Books, 2007. (SA)
When Rachel is four years old, her daddy dies, changing her life forever. At first Rachel feels so sad; it’s as if her heart has been turned upside down. This is the true story of how Rachel rediscovers happiness while keeping the memory of her father alive in her heart. This book is available exclusively through www.newleaf-resources.com.
Dragonwagon, C. Winter Holding Spring. New York: Macmillan, 1990. (SA)
Following the death of her mother, Sarah and her father struggle through
the first painful year. At first separately, then together, they begin to
remember Sarah’s mother with joy as well as grief.
Hammond, J. When My Mommy Died. Flint, Michigan: Cranbrook Publishing,
1980. (PS/SA)
(See next listing)
Hammond, J. When My Dad Died. Flint, MI: Cranbrook Publishing, 1981.
(PS/SA)
These simple colorings book style publications tell of the experiences and
feelings associated with the death of a parent from the perspective of a young
child. Activity pages encourage expression of feelings.
Hoffman, A. Green Angel. Scholastic, 2003 (AD)
A fifteen year old girl dives into despair following the sudden death of her parents and
younger sister in a fire that was a community-wide disaster. Haunted by loss and the past,
she eventually begins to heal through a series of mysterious encounters. A haunting but ultimately hopeful tale.
Molly is an older elementary age girl whose mother died. She tells of the
effects of her mother's death on her and how much she misses her mother. The
illustrations in this book are especially good and expressive. Not a long
book, but very effective.
Holmes, M. Sam's Dad Died. Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 1999. (SA)
Sam is an older elementary age boy whose father died. He talks of the effects
of his father's death on him and how much he misses his father. The illustrations
in this book are especially good and expressive. Not a long book, but very
effective.
Leiner, K. Mama Does the Mambo. New York: Hyperion Books, 2001 (SA)
Sofia loved to watch her parents dance together, but since her father’s
death, she wonders is she will ever see her mama dance again. Set in Havana,
Cuba and sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases, this is a beautiful story
from a daughter’s perspective about a family coming to embrace life
after death.
Nelson, V.M. Possibles. New York: Paperstar, 1995. (SA/AD)
Just before Sheppy’s father died, he told her that anything is possible,
but Sheppy finds that hard to believe. While Sheppy learns more about her
father and his past, her brother, mother and she all grieve individually and
alone. Eventually, they learn to support one another and mourn together as
a family.
Polikoff, B.G. Life’s a Funny Proposition, Horatio. New York:
Henry Holt and Company, 1992. (SA/AD)
As Horatio tries to adjust to the death of his father from lung cancer,
O. P., Horatio’s grandfather, mourns the loss of his dog, Mollie.
Powell, S. Geranium Morning. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda, 1990. (SA)
Two friends who lose parents, one suddenly in a car accident and one by
illness, learn to share and deal with their grief.
Tiffault, B.W. A Quilt for Elizabeth. Omaha: Centering Corporation,
1992. (SA)
This story tells of young girl who experiences many different feelings after
her father dies. With the loving guidance of her grandmother, Elizabeth assembles
a patchwork quilt made form the fabrics from her family’s old clothes
and belongings. As Elizabeth realizes she has many simple yet vibrant memories
of her father, she gains a greater sense of herself and her father’s
spiritual presence in her life.
Alexander, S. Nadia the Willful. New York: Dragonfly Books, 1983. (SA)
Upon the death of Nadia’s brother, her father, the sheik, decrees that
no one shall mention his name. For Nadia, not speaking about her brother means
not remembering him. The headstrong Nadia finds a way to keep memories of
her brother alive and helps her father remember, too.
Breebaart, J. and Breebaart, P. When I Die, Will I Get Better? New York:
Bedrich Books, 1993. (PS)
This story, as told by a five year old grieving the death of his younger
brother, tells of Fred Rabbit’s illness, death and funeral. Over time,
Fred’s brother is able to express his feelings and finally play happily
with his friends again.
Greene, C. Beat the Turtle Drum. New York: Viking, 1976. (SA/AD)
Joss, a girl in love with horses, plans to rent a horse for her birthday.
But her beautiful plan ends in tragedy when she is killed in a fall. This
tender book explores the death of a family member and its impact on others.
Hoffman, A. Green Angel. Scholastic, 2003 (AD)
A fifteen year old girl dives into despair following the sudden death of
her parents and younger sister in a fire that was a community-wide disaster.
Haunted by loss and the past, she eventually begins to heal through a series
of mysterious encounters. A haunting but ultimately hopeful tale.
Johnson, J. and Johnson, M. Where’s Jess? Omaha, NE: Centering
Corporation, 1982. (PS)
This very simple story helps a child understand a brother /sister death
and suggests useful coping techniques.
Munoz-Kiehne, M. Since My Brother Died. Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation,
2000. (SA)
Written in both Spanish and English, a child shares the feelings and questions
that come with a brother's death. Feelings of anger, fear, confusion, and
hurt are included. The book ends on a hopeful note about finding comfort in
memories and expression of feelings through painting.
Old. W. Stacy Had A Little Sister. Morton Grove, Albert Whitman &
Co., 1995. (PS/SA)
Uncomplicated story of a family (Stacy, mother and father) experiencing
the death of their new baby by SIDS.
Pattison, D. The Wayfinder. New York: Green Willow Books, 2000. (SA/AD)
While struggling with guilt from the accidental death of his younger sister,
eleven year old Win is given the quest to find the Well of Life to save his
people from a deadly illness. Win’s journey to the well is also a journey
of grief and healing. The author of this fast-moving juvenile fantasy novel
lives in North Little Rock, AR.
Richter, E. Losing Someone You Love: When a Brother or Sister Dies.
New York: Putnam, 1986. (SA/AD)
In this book, sixteen young people, ranging from ten to twenty-four, who
have lost a sister or brother, talk openly about their feelings- their sorrow,
fear, loneliness and anger- and their difficulties both at home and at school.
This book can be read as a whole or in pieces most useful to a particular
child.
Temes, R. The Empty Place, A Child’s Guide Through Grief. Far
Hills, NJ: Small Horizons, 1992. (PS/SA)
Feelings and misconceptions are clearly expressed by a brother following
the death of his big sister. His babysitter, who has experienced the death
of a brother, helps him to understand that his feelings are normal and suggests
way to help with the pain.
Yeomans, E. Lost and Found: Remembering a Sister. Omaha, NE: Centering
Corporation, 2000. (PS/SA)
A preschool girl recounts her confusing thoughts and feelings after the death
of her sister with cancer. She also recounts the number of ways she continues
to feel her sister's love. Some very practical and realistic situations are
included such as needing a night light and sitting alone on the school
bus.
Alexander, A. A Mural for Mamita. Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation,
2002. (SA)
This story is told in both English and Spanish in this single edition. A
Hispanic girl, Luz, shares her memories of her grandmother who died with cancer.
With a suggestion from Luz, the family paints a mural to honor and remember
Luz' grandmother.
Aliki. The Two of Them. New York: Greenwillow Books, 1979. (PS/SA)
This story of a loving relationship between a grandfather and a granddaughter
is written in verse. The text and illustrations tell of cherished memories
following the grandfather’s death.
De Paola, T. Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs. New York: Putnam, 1973.
(PS/SA)
A small boy’s loving rituals with his great grandmother are terminated
by her sudden death. He experiences the emptiness and later accepts the fantasy
that she is upstairs with stars.
After Grandpa dies, a young boy finds that memories of him and his love live
on everywhere he looks. The boy is at first confused when he is told that
"Grandma lost Grandpa," and he is determined to help Grandma find
Grandpa. Eventually, the boy realizes that Grandpa has died and that his memories
can be found in many places.
Johnston, T. Grandpa’s Song. New York: Dial Books, 1991. (SA)
Grandpa is bigger than life and when he sings the whole house quakes. He
teaches his grandchildren the “best song in the world” about Grandpa’s
sweet voice, but then he begins “feeling fuzzy” and forgetting
things. When his birthday comes, the children sing for him and remind him
about the “best song in the world.”
Marshall, B. Animal Crackers. Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 1998.
(PS/SA)
When her grandmother starts forgetting things, has to go to a nursing home
and then dies, a young girl tries to remember the good times they shared.
One of the good times was that the grandmother would hide animal crackers
in her house for the girl to find. This would be a good book to read aloud
as there are few illustrations, but the story is well told.
Martin, A. and Archambault, J. Knots on a Counting Rope. New York: Henry
Holt and Co., 1987. (SA)
A beautifully illustrated story of a Native American grandfather and grandson.
The grandson asks the grandfather to once again tell him the story of his
birth which they retell together. Despite the grandson's request, the grandfather
cannot promise that he will always be with him, but he does promise that his
love will always surround him.
Miles, M. Annie and the Old One. Boston: Little Brown and Co., 1971.
(SA)
A Navajo girl, Annie, is upset about her grandmother’s announcement
that when the new rug is taken from the loom, the grandmother will go to Mother
Earth. Annie tries a variety of ways to keep the rug from being completed
before she finds an acceptance of the Old One’s eventual death and begins
to do her part to weave the new rug.
Plourde, L. and Cockcroft, J. Thank You, Grandpa. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 2003. (PS/SA)
With warm and evocative illustrations, this story is of the relationship between a grandfather and a granddaughter. They take nature walks through the years and the seasons and the girl learns about saying thank you for the small wonders that they experience together. One day the girl walks alone and says her thank you to her grandfather for all that he has given her and promises to never forget him. A simple and poignant story told sensitively and illustrated beautifully.
Ross, K and Ross, A. Cemetery Quilt. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1995.
(SA)
When Josie travels to her grandmother’s house to attend her grandfather’s
funeral, she learns of a family tradition, the cemetery quilt. And she learns
to commemorate her grandfather’s life as well as those of other deceased
relatives.
Thomas, J. R. Saying Good-Bye to Grandma. New York: Clarion/ Ticknor
& Fields, 1988. (SA)
When a seven-year-old Suzie’s Grandmother dies she goes back with
her parents to the small town where Mother grew up to attend Grandma’s
funeral. This is a sensitive exploration of grief as well as a loving picture
of a family drawn together. Marcia Sewell’s pastel illustration captures
both sorrow and joy.
Wright, B.R. The Cat Next Door. New York: Holiday House, 1991. (SA)
After Grandma dies the annual visit to her summer cabin is not the same,
but a visit from the cat next door reminds of how things used to be and comforts
a grieving grandchild.
Zebrowski, M. Babka's Serenade. Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 2002.
(PS/SA)
A girl's grandmother, Babka, dies and the granddaughter finds comfort and
connection to her grandmother by working and being in Babka' garden. The illustrations
are especially bright, engaging, and effective.
Zolotow, C. My Grandson Lew. New York: Harper & Row, 1974. (PS/SA)
Six year old Lewis remembers many special things about Grandpa who died
four years earlier. Since Lewis never asked, Mother never told him of Grandpa’s
death. Both share their loving memories and find this less lonely than remembering
him alone.
Bahr, M. If Nathan Were Here. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young
Readers, 2000. (SA)
An especially beautiful book about a boy whose best friend, Nathan, has died.
His classroom teacher has the boy's class contribute items to a Memory Box
for Nathan. A good story for use in a classroom.
Carlstrom, N.W. Blow Me a Kiss, Miss Lilly. Harper Collins Publishers,
1990. (PS)
When her best friend, an old lady and neighbor named Miss Lilly, dies, Sara
learns that memory of a loved one never dies. The illustrations are bright
and engaging. A touching story of intergenerational connections.
Cohn, J. I had a Friend named Peter. New York: William Morrow and Co.,
1987. (PS/SA)
Simple, direct language and drawings tell the story of a child’s loss
of a friend. A forward for parents accompanies the story.
Paterson, K. Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Crowell, 1977. (SA/AD)
Leslie and Jess are from different backgrounds, but they form a close friendship
and create an imaginary, secret kingdom. The girl’s tragic accidental
death marks the end of childhood for Jess, but their shared experiences help
him bear the loss.
Smith, D.B. A Taste of Blackberries. New York: Crowell, 1973. (SA)
A little boy feels lonely and guilty when his friend, Jamie, is stung by
a bee and dies of an allergic reaction. The boy describes his feelings at
the funeral parlor, the funeral itself, and his eventual success in Jamie’s
death. After the funeral, he offers to be a substitute son to Jamie’s
mother. Realistic but not too intense.
Brown, M.W. The Dead Bird. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1965. (PS/SA)
This classic tells the story about a group of children who find a dead bird
in the park and decide to have a burial and funeral. Each day they return
to the grave with f lowers. They continue until they forget.
Carrick, C. The Accident. New York: Seabury, 1976. (SA)
A boy witnesses the death of his pet dog that is run over by a truck. He
struggles with his own sense of responsibility for what happened, becomes
angry, and then withdraws until his father finds him a suitable gravestone.
Cohen, M. Jim’s Dog Muffin. New York: Dell Publishing, 1984. (PS)
After his dog is killed, Jim demonstrates anger and sadness. Friends rally
to support Jim in this simple story of the need to grieve.
Fox, M. Tough Boris. New York: Harcourt Brace & Co., 1994. (PS)
Boris von der Borch is a tough and fearless pirate. But when his parrot
dies, he cries and cries. This simple, brightly illustrated book provides
excellent reinforcement of the acceptability of expressing feelings, especially
for boys who learn at a very early age that it’s not ok to cry.
Hemery, K. Not Just a Fish. Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 2000.
(SA)
A story of a girl whose pet fish dies. The loss is not recognized for being
as significant as it feels to the child. An aunt helps the situation and the
girl by arranging a backyard memorial service for the fish.
Hill, F. The Bug Cemetery. New York: Henry Holt and Co., 2002. (PS/SA)
When a boy finds a dead ladybug, he and his sister bury it and hold a pretend
funeral. Funerals and burials for bugs become fun and popular in the neighborhood,
but when the boy's cat is killed, the funeral is real and sad. A unique story
that is funny, sad, and hopeful.
Sanford, D. It Must Hurt A Lot: A Child’s Book About Death. Portland,
OR: Multnaomah Press, 1986. (PS/SA)
Describes a boy’s reactions of anger, grief and eventual acceptance
when his dog dies. Includes suggestions to parents for helping a child deal
with loss.
Viorst, J. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. New York: Atheneum, 1971.
(PS/SA)
When Barney, a pet cat, dies his master decides to have a funeral for him.
The little boy tries to think of ten good things to say about Barney, but
can only think of nine. Finally his father helps him with a tenth. The book
is gentle and positive.
Wilhelm, H. I’ll Always Love You. New York: Crown, 1985. (PS)
This warmly illustrated picture book sensitively portrays the close relationship
between a boy and his dog. As the years go by and the young narrator grows
taller, his beloved companion, Elfie, grows rounder and slower. And then,
one night, Elfie dies in her sleep. Grief –stricken, the boy takes comfort
in the fact that every night he told Elfie, “I’ll Always Love
You.”
A four year old boy tries to tell his five year old brother that their favorite
uncle is dead. In the second part of the book there are questions and answers
that relate to the story and to the general topic of death.
Buscaglia, L. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf. New Jersey: Charles Slack,
1982. (PS/SA)
This story tells how Freddie and his friends, all leaves, change with seasons,
finally falling to the ground with winter’s snow. Both children and
adults will respond to this sensitive treatment of the delicate balance between
life and death. The photographs are very effective.
Coerr, E. Sadako. New York: Holt, 1983. (PS)
Based on Eleanor Coerr’s previously published Sadako and the Thousand
Paper Cranes, this retelling of the story and message of peace, are accompanied
by the illustrations of Caldecott medalist Ed Young.
Doleski, T. The Hurt. Manwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1983. (PS/SA)
Justin’s reaction to various upsetting experiences, result’s
in a balloon like “hurt” growing bigger and bigger. Finally, through
sharing his feelings with his father and experiencing reconciliation, Justin
is able to let the hurt go.
Goble, P. Beyond the Ridge. New York: Macmillian Publishing Co. 1989.
(SA)
At her death an elderly Native American woman experiences an afterlife believed
in by her people, beyond the ridge to a more beautiful world.
Hanson, W. The Next Place. 1997. (PS/SA)
Striking illustrations and a first person text describe "the next place"
the storyteller will go. The book presents a very peaceful and attractive
description of the afterlife and is not overtly religious--does not identify
with any particular religion. Many have found this book very comforting and
helpful.
Holmes, M. A Terrible Thing Happened. Washington, DC: Magination Press,
2000. (PS/SA)
Sherman Smith (a raccoon) "saw the most terrible thing." The terrible
thing is never defined which allows many children in many different situations
to identify with Sherman. He tries not to think about it, but this doesn't
work. Eventually, Sherman talks to Ms. Maple who helps Sherman draw pictures
and talk. With Ms. Maple's help, Sherman learns to cope and feel better.
Mills, J. Gentle Willow. New York: Magination Press, 1993. (PS/SA)
This tender story brings back the characters from Little Tree (1992) to
face the illness and eventual death of Gentle Willow. Amanda the squirrel
and the tree wizards address feelings of disbelief, anger and sadness along
with love, compassion and caregiving. The story provides children, and those
reading the story with them, a “transformational” way of viewing
death and dying.
Mills, L. The Rag Coat. Boston, Toronto, London: Little, Brown and Company,
1991. (SA)
Minna proudly wears her new coat made of clothing scraps, including her
dead papa’s work clothes. At school the other children laugh at her
coat until she tells them stories behind the scraps.
With the help of his friend, Ralphy Rabbit, Aarvy Aardvark comes to terms
with the loss of his mother and brother. The difficulties and long time needed
to begin to feel better after a loss are illustrated well in this story. The
illustrations are purposefully not colored so that children can color them
as they please.
Schwiebert, P. & DeKlyen, C. Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss.
Portland, OR: Grief Watch, 1999.
(SA/AD)
Grandy, “an old and somewhat wise woman,” sets out to make tear
soup as a way to cope with her loss. With wonderful illustrations, making
tear soup is used very creatively as a metaphor for mourning. The story deals
with wisdom about coping and about supporting others in their grief. It is
a story that is also very appropriate for use with adults.
Simon, N. The Saddest Time. Niles, IL: Albert Whitman and Company, 1986.
(PS/SA)
Three separate stories depict children’s experience with the death
of an uncle, an eight-year-old friend and a grandmother.
Tresselt, A. The Dead Tree. New York: Parent’s Magazine Press,
1972. (PS/SA)
This book tells the story of the life cycle of an oak tree, poetically and
through illustration. Death is portrayed as a natural and necessary part of
the life cycle. It is both informative and hopeful.
Varley, S. Badger’s Parting Gifts. New York: Lothrop, Lee &
Shepard, 1984. (SA)
Following Badger’s peaceful death, his friends recall their special
memories of how he taught each of them something special- Badger’s parting
gifts.
White, E.B. Charlotte’s Web. New York: Harper& Row, 1952.
(SA)
Charlotte, the spider, and Wilbur, the pig, become loving friends. When
Charlotte dies, Wilbur holds her memory close and takes care of her children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren. The story describes the sadness experienced
by loving friends and how memories are kept alive.
Wiles, D. Each Little Bird That Sings. New York: Scholastic, 2005. (SA/AD)
Ten year old Comfort Snowberger has a special perspective as she lives in the residential part of a funeral home in a small town southern town. Far from being depressed or frightened by her surroundings, Comfort is full of spunk and insight into life, people and service to others. Her best friend, Declaration Johnson, is beginning to have her doubts about spending time with Comfort which comfort naturally finds disturbing. More immediately disturbing, however, is the presence of her younger out-of-state cousin whose histrionics create scenes and embarrassment for Comfort. In the mix are a flood, a brother named Tidings, a dog named Dismay and a comic and tender story about life, friendship, family and even death. A highly readable juvenile novel.
Bernstein, J. and Gullo, S. When People Die. New York: Dutton, 1977.
(SA)
Explains in simple terms reasons for death, theories on afterlife, rituals
and burial practices of various cultures, grief and the naturalness of death
in the chain of life.
Boritzer, E. What Is Death? Santa Monica, CA: Veronica Lane Books, 2000.
(SA)
A gentle-toned and brightly illustrated book which discusses "big"
and basic questions about death in a very accessible way. This is one of the
few books that deals with different ways that major religions understand death
and dying including Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Jewish perspectives.
Brown, K.B. & Brown, M. When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding
Death. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1996. (PS/SA)
Another in the popular dinosaur series from Laura and Marc Brown, contents
include, What does alive mean? Why does someone die, What does dead mean,
Feelings about death, saying goodbye, keeping customs and Ways to remember
someone.
Greenlee, S. When Someone Dies. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, 1992.
(SA)
With gentleness and directness, this book addresses common feelings and questions
children often have following the death of someone special. An effective resource
for talking about grief reactions.
Grollman, E. Straight Talk about Death for Teenagers: How to Cope with Losing
Someone You Love. Boston: Beacon Press, 1993. (AD)
This excellent book speaks directly to young adults, “the forgotten
mourners,” in a way that recognizes feelings, encourages discussion
and offers hope for the future.
Grollman, E. Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child.
Boston: Beacon, 1976. (PA/SA)
The first portion of the book presents a story about the death of a grandfather
in a simple language that deals with guilt and commemoration. The rest of
the book is directed to adults who help children understand death and dying.
Grollman, E. and Johnson, J. A Child's Book about Death. Omaha, NE:
Centering Corporation, 2001. (PS/SA)
Along with the next 2 books listed, this is a workbook book that can be adapted
for use with older preschool and elementary age children. They all can be
a resource for adults who work with or talk with children about death.
Grollman, E. and Johnson, J. A Child's Book about Funerals and Cemeteries.
Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 2001. (PS/SA)
(See description above.)
Grollman, E. and Johnson, J. A Child's Book about Burial and Cremation.
Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 2001. (PS/SA)
(See description above.)
Heegaard, M.E. Coping with Death and Grief. Minneapolis: Lerner, 1990.
(SA/AD)
A nonfiction account of change, death, funerals and other traditions, personal
and family grieving. Examples of chapters include: saying Goodbye is Difficult;
Letting Out Your feelings; when a Family Member Dies; When Someone Else is
Grieving; Feeling Good About Yourself.
Johnson, J. and Johnson, M. Tell Me, Papa: A Gentle Explanation for Children
about Death and the Funeral. Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 1978. (PS/SA)
This book is full of simple, understandable explanations for what happens
at a funeral, burial, and cremation. A good resource for preparing young children
for attending a funeral or visitation.
Mellonie, B. and Ingpen, R. Lifetimes: A Beautiful Way to Explain Death
to Children. New York: Bantam Books, 1983. (PS/SA)
Very nicely illustrated, this book explains that all living things have a
beginning and an ending with living in-between called a lifetime. This is
true for insects, plants, fish, birds, trees, rabbits, and people.
Palmer, P. I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand: A Child's Guide to Grief and Loss.
Atascadero, CA: Impact Publishers, 1994. (PS/SA)
Simply written, direct, and gentle-spirited, this book provides explanations
about how people cope and feel when someone dies. The illustrations show a
preschool-aged girl expressing the different feelings and reactions in grief.
Rofes, E. The Kids’ Book About Death and Dying: By and For Kids.
Boston, Toronto: Little, Brown & Co. 1985. (AD)
Through group experiences and creative writing, students of the Fayerweather
Street school examined their earliest experiences with death, their thoughts
on American death rituals, their fears and fantasies. Useful reading for teachers
and adults.
Romain, T. What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? Minneapolis: Free
Spirit Publishing, 1999. (SA)
Simply illustrated and direct, this book lists and responds to many common
questions young people experience when a person dies. Questions addressed
include Why do people have to die? What is it like to die? Is it okay to cry?
What happens to the person's body? and How can I say good-bye?
Silverman, J. Help Me Say Goodbye. Minneapolis: Fairview Press, 1999.
(PS/SA)
This art therapy book encourages children to express their feelings in words
or pictures. Used with adult supervision, it could help a child gain a better
understanding of feelings and what happens when someone dies along with prompting
helpful conversations.
Spies, K. Everything You Need to Know About Grieving. New York: Rosen,
1990. (AD)
Personal anecdotes for various teens illustrate the way people grieve, sharing
of feelings and recovering from grief.
Stein, S.B. About Dying: An Open Book for Parents and Children Together.
New York: Walker, 1974. (PS/SA)
This book has separate texts for the adult and the child. The death of a
pet bird and a grandfather are depicted, including a brother and sister’s
participation in both funerals. The mother supportively deals with the children’s
questions and needs. The story explains that remembering helps us deal with
our feelings. Excellent multiracial photographs of children involved in living
out the story.
Thanks to Chris Brown, MS, CCLS, Director, Child Life and Education Department,
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for an earlier version of this
resource list.
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