Our ChapÂter & Verse Book Clubs read three books about death, writÂten for chilÂdren, in April of 2017. We’ve updatÂed this list with newÂer books in OctoÂber, 2022. SevÂerÂal of our librarÂiÂan memÂbers statÂed that they receive many requests from patrons for books that help chilÂdren underÂstand death. Our memÂbers around the counÂtry put their heads togethÂer to make recÂomÂmenÂdaÂtions of books they felt are excelÂlent stoÂries and disÂcusÂsion starters for famÂiÂlies. They are preÂsentÂed in alphaÂbetÂiÂcal order by title. There are books sugÂgestÂed for many age ranges from picÂture books to books for teens. And, as with most good chilÂdren’s books, these are good readÂing for adults as well.
(Thanks to all of the peoÂple who have conÂtributed to this list: PatriÂcia Bauer, NanÂcy Bo Flood, MarÂgaret Hall, Paula HudÂdy, Susan OleanÂna, Ramona from Slice of Life, Carmela McCain SimÂmons, and TriÂcia Springstubb.)
You may find that some of these books are out of print. If you feel the subÂject matÂter fits your sitÂuÂaÂtion, please conÂtact your local pubÂlic library — the book may be availÂable through interÂliÂbrary loan.
After Life: Ways We Think about Death
writÂten by MerÂrie-Ellen Wilcox
Orca PubÂlishÂing, 2018
For ages 8 to 12 (and oldÂer), a look at the sciÂence and culÂture of death, dying, and grief. Each chapÂter includes a brief telling of a death legÂend, myth or hisÂtoÂry from a difÂferÂent culÂture or traÂdiÂtion, from Adam and Eve to Wolf and CoyÂote, and ends with a secÂtion on a comÂmon theme in our thinkÂing about death, such as rivers and birds in the afterÂlife, the colÂors that difÂferÂent culÂtures use to symÂbolÂize death, and, of course, ghosts. The final chapÂter is about grief, which is both a uniÂverÂsal human expeÂriÂence and unique to each perÂson. The text offers sugÂgesÂtions for ways to think about our grief, when to ask for help and how to talk to friends who are grieving.
All Around Us
writÂten by XeleÂna GonÂzaÂlez, illus by AdriÂana M. GarÂcia
CinÂco PunÂtas Press, 2017
For ages 3 to 7, a young girl and her grandÂfaÂther look at the cirÂcles in nature and the cycles in life. They disÂcuss the earth, plantÂiÂng and harÂvestÂing, and life, from birth to death. It’s a book filled with images that will stay with you for a long time.
All Three Stooges
writÂten by EriÂca S. Perl
Knopf, 2018
The close friendÂship of two best friends, Noah and Dash, is heavÂiÂly testÂed when Dash’s father comÂmits suiÂcide. Dash withÂdraws from Noah and Noah isn’t sure how to breach the wall. The two have always shared a love of comÂeÂdy and Noah tries his best because he needs his friend book. Noa, a girl in Dash and Noah’s Hebrew class, adds to the texÂture of the stoÂry, as does an interÂwoÂven hisÂtoÂry of famous JewÂish comeÂdiÂans. This book is full of humor, heart, and underÂstandÂing … share this as a famÂiÂly read-aloud.
BadÂger’s PartÂing Gifts
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by Susan VarÂley
HarperÂCollins, 1992
When BadÂger dies, his friends are very sad. Each of them finds a gift that BadÂger gave them and shares the stoÂry of the gift with the othÂers, which helps them all to underÂstand what made BadÂger so speÂcial to them.
Beat the TurÂtle Drum
writÂten by ConÂstance Greene
Viking PenÂguin, 1976
Two sisÂters, one greÂgarÂiÂous and one more introÂspecÂtive, are best friends, explorÂing life togethÂer. One of them is horse-crazy and the othÂer tries to underÂstand what it is about a horse that makes her sisÂter so entranced. Then one day, there’s an acciÂdent, and life changes draÂmatÂiÂcalÂly for this family.
Big Cat, LitÂtle Cat
writÂten and illus by Elisha CoopÂer
RoarÂing Brook Press, 2017
A big cat befriends a litÂtle cat. This stoÂry folÂlows the two cats through their days, months, and years until one day, the oldÂer cat has to go. And he doesn’t come back. A poignant stoÂry about the act of movÂing on.
Bridge to TerÂabithia
writÂten by KatherÂine PaterÂson
HarperÂCollins, 1977
Jess Aarons has been pracÂticÂing all sumÂmer so he can be the fastest runÂner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outÂpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie’s house, where they invent an enchantÂed land called TerÂabithia. One mornÂing, Leslie goes to TerÂabithia withÂout Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his famÂiÂly and the strength that Leslie has givÂen him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.
Care and FeedÂing of a Pet Black Hole
writÂten by Michelle Cuevas
Dial Books, 2017
When StelÂla Rodriguez visÂits NASA to conÂtribute to the GoldÂen Record, a black hole folÂlows her home. MeanÂing to become a pet, it swalÂlows up everyÂthing it touchÂes (as a black hole would). That’s conÂveÂnient for getÂting rid of gifts she doesÂn’t love … and for things that remind her painfulÂly of her father who has recentÂly died. When the black hole eats her, her brothÂer, and her dog, she comes to a realÂizaÂtion about grief. At turns funÂny and touchÂing, this is a good empaÂthy-buildÂing book for ages 8 to 12.
CharÂlotÂte’s Web
writÂten by E.B. White, illus by Garth Williams
HarpÂer & BrothÂers, 1952
CharÂlotÂte’s Web is the stoÂry of a litÂtle girl named Fern who loved a litÂtle pig named Wilbur — and of Wilbur’s dear friend CharÂlotte A. CavatÂiÂca, a beauÂtiÂful large grey spiÂder who lived with Wilbur in the barn. With the help of TemÂpleÂton, the rat who nevÂer did anyÂthing for anyÂbody unless there was someÂthing in it for him, and by a wonÂderÂfulÂly clever plan of her own, CharÂlotte saved the life of Wilbur, who by this time had grown up to be some pig. This is a stoÂry of a great friendÂship, and loss, and dealÂing with grief.
City Dog, CounÂtry Frog
writÂten by Mo Willems, illus by Jon J Muth
HypeÂrÂiÂon Books, 2010
When a dog from the city is allowed to run free in the counÂtry, he comes across a frog sitÂting on a rock who is waitÂing for a friend. TogethÂer they play games and have advenÂtures, becomÂing good friends. As the seaÂsons pass, and the city dog returns to the counÂtry, he always looks up his friend so they can play togethÂer. Then, on a trip to the counÂtry, frog is no longer then. The city dog must deal with the loss. A very speÂcial, warm-heartÂed book that will open up disÂcusÂsions with your young children.
ClayÂton Bird Goes UnderÂground
writÂten by Rita Williams-GarÂcia, illus by Frank MorÂriÂson
AmisÂtad, 2017
ClayÂton resÂonates with his grandÂfaÂther’s music, the blues. Although ClayÂton is young, Cool Papa Byrd lets him play his blues harp (harÂmonÂiÂca) when he and the BluesÂmen perÂform. ClayÂton emuÂlates his grandÂfaÂther, loves him comÂpleteÂly, wants desÂperÂateÂly to underÂstand the blues. But ClayÂton’s mothÂer harÂbors resentÂments about her dad and his always being on the road when she was growÂing up. When Cool Papa Bird dies unexÂpectÂedÂly, ClayÂton knows he must play the blues … and his mothÂer forÂbids him. ClayÂton runs away from home, tryÂing to find the BluesÂmen so he can join them on tour. Things don’t go quite as planned and sudÂdenÂly life, and the blues, take on new meanings.
Cry, Heart, But NevÂer Break
writÂten by Glenn Ringvedt, illus by CharÂlotte ParÂdi
EnchantÂed Lion Books, 2016
This is one of the books we read for ChapÂter & Verse. PeoÂple felt it tells the stoÂry of death quite senÂsiÂtiveÂly. Aware their grandÂmothÂer is graveÂly ill, four sibÂlings make a pact to keep death from takÂing her away. But Death does arrive all the same, as it must. He comes genÂtly, natÂuÂralÂly. And he comes with enough time to share a stoÂry with the chilÂdren that helps them to realÂize the valÂue of loss to life and the imporÂtance of being able to say goodbye.
Do Fish Sleep?
writÂten by Jens Raschke and Jens RassÂmus
IllusÂtratÂed by BelinÂda CoopÂer
EnchantÂed Lion Books, 2019
Some peoÂple die when they’re very old, and some when they’re young. Only one thing’s for cerÂtain: none of us escape it. A fact and absurÂdiÂty not lost on this winÂning ten-year-old. Sick since even before Jette can rememÂber, her brothÂer Emil now has died. The feelÂings that losÂing him evoke in her are huge and conÂfusÂing. Most simÂply, it feels as though a dark rain cloud has descendÂed over her famÂiÂly. And then there’s the ridicuÂlous fact that nobody seems to know what hapÂpens after you die, and yet adults often talk as if they do. This is an honÂest, darkÂly funÂny look into loss, memÂoÂry, and the search for answers.
Death is StuÂpid
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by AnasÂtaÂsia HigÂginÂbothÂam
FemÂiÂnist Press at CUNY, 2016
In a starred review, PubÂlishÂers WeekÂly wrote, “It’s [an] exact mix of true-to-life humor and unflinchÂing honÂesty that makes Higginbotham’s book work so well, and many of the plainÂspoÂken senÂtiÂments she includes, as well as sevÂerÂal includÂed ideas for how to rememÂber and honÂor those who have departÂed, may be eye-openÂing for readÂers facÂing grief themÂselves.” If your child, ages 4 and up, will benÂeÂfit from direct responsÂes, share this book with them.
Dog HeavÂen
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by CynÂthia Rylant
Blue Sky Press, 1995
SpecifÂiÂcalÂly writÂten for very young chilÂdren who are grievÂing the loss of a dog, Rylant porÂtrays heavÂen as a place where dogs are free to roam and play and God is a kindÂly man disÂpensÂing dog bisÂcuits. The details are plenÂtiÂful, creÂatÂing a lovÂing picÂture of a restÂful place. There is a comÂpanÂion volÂume, Cat HeavÂen.
Duck, Death and the Tulip
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by Wold ErlÂbruch
Gecko Press, 2016
When Death appears behind Duck one sumÂmer day, Duck is alarmed. Has Death come to claim Duck? But they spend the sumÂmer togethÂer, growÂing comÂfortÂable with each othÂer, offerÂing advice and gesÂtures of friendÂship. When it is time for Duck to die, Death shows great respect, sendÂing Duck afloat down a rivÂer with a red tulip on its breast. The art and the stoÂry work beauÂtiÂfulÂly togethÂer in this book for ages 10 and up.
Fall of FredÂdy the Leaf: a StoÂry of Life for All Ages
writÂten by Leo Buscaglia
Stack, Inc., 1982
This stoÂry tells about death through the metaphor of leaves on trees. FredÂdie and his comÂpanÂion leaves change with the passÂing seaÂsons, finalÂly falling to the ground with winÂter’s snow, an alleÂgoÂry that illusÂtrates the delÂiÂcate balÂance between life and death.
The FunerÂal
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by Matt James
GroundÂwood Books, 2018
Going to her great-uncle’s funerÂal, NorÂma is lookÂing forÂward to a day off of school and a chance to play with her favorite cousin. She is “pracÂticÂing her sad face in the mirÂror of her parÂents’ room. Though she was, in fact, pretÂty hapÂpy.” The seriÂous nature of the day takes hold as NorÂma observes and conÂtemÂplates othÂer peoÂple’s feelÂings and quesÂtions: “Is Uncle Frank still a perÂson?” This is a good book for chilÂdren attendÂing their first funerÂal or memoÂrÂiÂal serÂvice. The artÂwork is nuanced and evocative.
The GoodÂbye Book
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by Todd Parr
LitÂtle, Brown, 2016
Told from the perÂspecÂtive of a loneÂly fish, this book deals with the big quesÂtions and emoÂtions of losÂing someÂone close to you, whether it’s a human or a pet. The GoodÂbye Book is reasÂsurÂing that pain will ease with time and memÂoÂries and the supÂport of othÂers around you.
The Heart and the BotÂtle
writÂten and illus by OlivÂer JefÂfers
Philomel Books, 2010
There is a wonÂder and magÂic to childÂhood. We don’t realÂize it at the time, of course … yet the adults in our lives do. They encourÂage us to see things in the stars, to find joy in colÂors and laughÂter as we play.
But what hapÂpens when that speÂcial someÂone who encourÂages such wonÂder and magÂic is no longer around? We can hide, we can place our heart in a botÂtle and grow up … or we can find anothÂer speÂcial someÂone who underÂstands the magÂic. And we can encourÂage them to see things in the stars, find joy among colÂors and laughÂter as they play. This is a book that addressÂes loss, painful emoÂtions, and findÂing one’s way back.
Hey, Al
writÂten by Arthur Yorkins, illus by Richard EgielÂsÂki
GoldÂen Books, 1986
Al, a janÂiÂtor, and his faithÂful dog, Eddie, live in a sinÂgle room on the West Side. They eat togethÂer, they work togethÂer, they do everyÂthing togethÂer. So what’s the probÂlem? Life is hard. When a mysÂteÂriÂous bird offers to lead them to parÂadise, they agree. They’re soon livÂing a life of luxÂuÂry. But things aren’t as green as they seem.
Ida, Always
writÂten CarÂol Levis, illus by Charles SanÂtoso
Atheneum, 2016
In this picÂture book, two polar bears are best friends and they know they will always be. But then Ida gets sick and it’s clear that she is dying, and Gus realÂizes he will be alone. They talk and cudÂdle and share their love for each othÂer. Gus realÂizes that Ida will be with him always, even after she has died. It’s a gorÂgeous book with an equalÂly beauÂtiÂful stoÂry to tell.
LifeÂtimes:
The BeauÂtiÂful Way to Explain Death to ChilÂdren
writÂten by Bryan MelÂlonie, illus by Robert IngÂpen
BanÂtam, 1983
For ages 5 to 8, this book was recÂomÂmendÂed by sevÂerÂal child psyÂcholÂoÂgists because it looks at the life cycles of plants, aniÂmals, and humans in an underÂstatÂed but comÂfortÂing way, accomÂpaÂnied by soothÂing illustrations.
The Line TenÂder
writÂten by Kate Allen
DutÂton, 2019
WherÂevÂer the sharks led, Lucy EverÂhart’s marine-biolÂoÂgist mothÂer was sure to folÂlow. In fact, she was on a boat far off the coast of MassÂaÂchuÂsetts, colÂlectÂing shark data when she died sudÂdenÂly. Lucy was sevÂen. Since then Lucy and her father have kept their heads above water — thanks in large part to a few close friends and neighÂbors. But June of her twelfth sumÂmer brings more than the end of school and a heat wave to sleepy RockÂport. On one steamy day, the tide brings a great white — and then anothÂer tragedy, cutÂting short a friendÂship everyÂone insists was “meanÂingÂful” but no one can tell Lucy what it all meant. To surÂvive the fresh wave of grief, Lucy must grab the line that conÂnects her depressed father, a stubÂborn fishÂerÂman, and a curiÂous old widÂowÂer to her mothÂer’s unfinÂished research on the Great White’s return to Cape Cod. If Lucy can find a way to help this unlikeÂly quarÂtet folÂlow the sharks her mothÂer loved, she’ll finalÂly be able to look beyond what she’s lost and toward what’s left to be discovered.
Map into the World
writÂten by Kao Kalia Yang, illus by Seo Kim
CarÂolÂrhoÂda Books, 2019
As the seaÂsons change, so too does a young Hmong girl’s world. She moves into a new home with her famÂiÂly and encounÂters both birth and death. As this curiÂous girl explores life inside her house and beyond, she colÂlects bits of the natÂurÂal world. But who are her treaÂsures for?
The MemÂoÂry Box: a Book about Grief
writÂten by JoanÂna RowÂland, illus by Thea BakÂer
BeamÂing Books, 2017
“I’m scared I’ll forÂget you…” From the perÂspecÂtive of a young child, JoanÂna RowÂland artÂfulÂly describes what it is like to rememÂber and grieve a loved one who has died. The child in the stoÂry creÂates a memÂoÂry box to keep memenÂtos and writÂten memÂoÂries of the loved one, to help in the grievÂing process. HeartÂfelt and comÂfortÂing, The MemÂoÂry Box will help chilÂdren and adults talk about this very difÂfiÂcult topÂic together.
MemÂoÂry Tree
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by BritÂta TeckÂenÂtrup
Orchard Books, 2014
Fox lies down in his beloved forÂest and takes his last breath. As aniÂmal friends gathÂer around him, they share their favorite stoÂries about the ways Fox was imporÂtant in their lives. As they speak, a tree grows behind them, a memÂoÂry tree, that will proÂvide for and proÂtect them, just as their friend Fox did. A picÂture book for ages 5 and up.
Michael Rosen’s Sad Book
writÂten by Michael Rosen, illusÂtratÂed by Quentin Blake
CanÂdlewick Press, 2005
“SomeÂtimes sad is very big. It’s everyÂwhere. All over me.” Sad things hapÂpen to everyÂone, and someÂtimes peoÂple feel sad for no reaÂson at all. What makes Michael Rosen sad is thinkÂing about his son, Eddie, who died sudÂdenÂly at the age of eighÂteen. In this book the author writes about his sadÂness, how it affects him, and some of the things he does to cope with it — like telling himÂself that everyÂone has sad stuff (not just him) and tryÂing every day to do someÂthing he can be proud to have done.
Mick Harte Was Here
writÂten by BarÂbara Park
RanÂdom House, 1995
“I don’t want to make you cry. I just want to tell you about Mick. But I thought you should know right up front that he’s not here anyÂmore. I just thought that would be fair.” Phoebe’s brothÂer, Mick, was one of the funÂniÂest, coolest kids you’d ever meet — the kid who made you laugh until your stomÂach hurt, even if you were mad at him. He was the kid you’d want to be friends with. So how can he be gone? And how will Phoebe’s famÂiÂly surÂvive withÂout him?
MissÂing May
writÂten by CynÂthia Rylant
Orchard Books, ScholasÂtic, 1992
When May dies sudÂdenÂly while garÂdenÂing, SumÂmer assumes she’ll nevÂer see her beloved aunt again. But then SumÂmer’s Uncle Ob claims that May is on her way back – she has sent a sign from the spirÂit world.
SumÂmer isn’t sure she believes in the spirÂit world, but her quirky classÂmate CleÂtus UnderÂwood – who befriends Ob durÂing his time of mournÂing — does. So at CleÂtus’ sugÂgesÂtion, Ob and SumÂmer (with CleÂtus in tow) set off in search of MiriÂam B. Young, Small MediÂum at Large, whom they hope will explain May’s deparÂture and conÂfirm her posÂsiÂble return.
MissÂing MomÂmy: a Book about BereaveÂment
writÂten by RebecÂca Cobb
HenÂry Holt, 2013
WritÂten from a young boy’s point of view, with words and drawÂings approÂpriÂate for someÂone his age, this is a straightÂforÂward stoÂry that explores the many emoÂtions a bereaved child may expeÂriÂence, from anger and guilt to sadÂness and bewilÂderÂment. UltiÂmateÂly, MissÂing MomÂmy focusÂes on the positive―the recogÂniÂtion that the child is not alone but still part of a famÂiÂly that loves and supÂports him.
MissÂing NimaÂma
writÂten by Melanie FloÂrence, illus by François ThisÂdale
ClockÂwise Press, 2015
A young Cree girl talks with her grandÂmothÂer about her missÂing mothÂer. That young mothÂer, one of many missÂing indigeÂnous women, watchÂes over her daughÂter in spirÂit, observÂing her first day of school, her first dance, her wedÂding, and the birth of her own child. Told in alterÂnatÂing voicÂes with beauÂtiÂfulÂly affectÂing illusÂtraÂtions, this is a book that not only helps us underÂstand an unexÂplained loss, but also highÂlights the tragÂic disÂapÂpearÂance of indigeÂnous women in North AmerÂiÂca. Back matÂter proÂvides an age-approÂpriÂate explaÂnaÂtion and a glosÂsary of Cree terms.
A MonÂster Calls
writÂten by Patrick Ness
Inspired by an idea from SiobÂhan Dowd
CanÂdlewick Press, 2011
At sevÂen minÂutes past midÂnight, thirÂteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monÂster outÂside his bedÂroom winÂdow. But it isn’t the monÂster Conor’s been expectÂing, the one from the nightÂmare he’s had nearÂly every night since his mothÂer startÂed her treatÂments. The monÂster in his backÂyard is difÂferÂent. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants someÂthing from Conor. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winÂning author SiobÂhan Dowd — whose preÂmaÂture death from canÂcer preÂventÂed her from writÂing it herÂself — Patrick Ness has spun a hauntÂing and darkÂly funÂny novÂel of misÂchief, loss, and monÂsters both real and imagined.
My Big Dumb InvisÂiÂble DragÂon
writÂten by AngÂie Lucas, illus by BirÂgitÂta Sif
Sounds True, 2019
Ahen a young boy losÂes his mothÂer, an invisÂiÂble dragÂon swoops in and perchÂes on top of his head. A most unwelÂcome guest, the dragÂon folÂlows him to school, sleeps on his chest at night (makÂing it hard for him to breathe), and even crashÂes his birthÂday parÂty. As the boy comes to terms with his mother’s death, howÂevÂer, his relaÂtionÂship with the dragÂon changes in surÂprisÂing ways. The book shows that healÂing takes time and that it’s OK to expeÂriÂence a wide range of emoÂtions as you process a realÂly big loss.
My Father’s Arms Are a Boat
writÂten by Stein Erik Lunde, illus by Oyvind Torseter
transÂlatÂed by Kari DickÂson
EnchantÂed Lion Books, 2013
It’s quiÂeter than it’s ever been. Unable to sleep, a young boy climbs into his father’s arms. FeelÂing the warmth and closeÂness of his father, he begins to ask quesÂtions about the birds, the foxÂes, and whether his mom will ever wake up. They go outÂside under the starÂry sky. Loss and love are as present as the white spruces, while the father’s clear answers and assurÂances calm his worÂried son.
My Father’s Words
writÂten by PatriÂcia MacLachÂlan
KatherÂine Tegen Books / HarperÂCollins, 2018
In the midst of a lovÂing famÂiÂly, Finn and Fiona are secure in their parÂents’ love and carÂing. When their father meets with an acciÂdent, they must learn how to cope withÂout him. A friend sugÂgests they work at an aniÂmal resÂcue shelÂter, which may be their way out of the sorÂrow. A carÂing, genÂtle book.
Nana Upstairs & Nana DownÂstairs
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by Tomie de PaoÂla
G.P. PutÂnam’s Sons, 1997
TomÂmy is four years old, and he loves visÂitÂing the home of his grandÂmothÂer, Nana DownÂstairs, and his great-grandÂmothÂer, Nana Upstairs. But one day TomÂmy’s mothÂer tells him Nana Upstairs won’t be there anyÂmore, and TomÂmy must strugÂgle with sayÂing goodÂbye to someÂone he loves. This is a quiÂet stoÂry about a lovÂing family.
The Next Place
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by WarÂren HanÂson
WaldÂman House Press, 2002
SevÂerÂal librarÂiÂans recÂomÂmendÂed this book as one that brings comÂfort after loss. With words and paintÂings, it depicts a jourÂney of light and hope to a place where earthÂly hurts are left behind.
Ocean Meets Sky
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by TerÂry Fan and Eric Fan
Simon & SchusÂter, 2018
In a tour-de-force of illusÂtraÂtion and stoÂryÂtelling, the Fan BrothÂers share the stoÂry of Finn, who planned an ocean voyÂage with his beloved grandÂfaÂther. After grandÂfaÂther’s death, Finn builds a boat to take that voyÂage on what would have been his grandÂfaÂther’s 90th birthÂday. With this gesÂture of honÂor and respect, sailÂing to the place where the ocean meets the sky, Finn finds comÂfort, sailÂing through pages of wonÂder until his mothÂer calls him home.
On My HonÂor
writÂten by MarÂiÂon Dane Bauer
Houghton MifÂflin, 1987
Joel’s best friend Tony drowns while they are swimÂming in the forÂbidÂden, treachÂerÂous VerÂmilÂion RivÂer. Joel is terÂriÂfied at havÂing to tell of his disÂobeÂdiÂence and overÂwhelmed by his feelÂings of guilt. This movÂing account tackÂles a difÂfiÂcult subÂject with underÂstandÂing. A fine book for openÂing disÂcusÂsions about death and guilt.
The RabÂbit LisÂtened
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by Cori DoerÂrfeld
Dial Books, 2018
When someÂthing sad hapÂpens, TayÂlor doesÂn’t know where to turn. All the aniÂmals are sure they have the answer. The chickÂen wants to talk it out, but TayÂlor doesÂn’t feel like chatÂting. The bear thinks TayÂlor should get angry, but that’s not quite right either. One by one, the aniÂmals try to tell TayÂlor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comÂfort. Then the rabÂbit arrives. All the rabÂbit does is lisÂten … which is just what TayÂlor needs.
RememÂberÂing Ethan
writÂten by LeslĂ©a NewÂman
illusÂtratÂed by TraÂcy NishimuÂra BishÂop
MagÂiÂnaÂtion Press, 2020
Ethan. Ethan. Ethan. Sarah missÂes her adored big brothÂer with all her heart. She wants to celÂeÂbrate all the fun times she and her parÂents spent with him. But ever since Ethan died, MomÂmy and DadÂdy won’t menÂtion him. Sarah can’t even say his name withÂout upsetÂting them. Why don’t they want to rememÂber Ethan? This is a tenÂder tribÂute to a lost famÂiÂly memÂber that can help famÂiÂlies begin healing.
Rough Patch
writÂten and illusÂtratÂed by BriÂan Lies
GreenÂwilÂlow Books, 2018
Evan, a fox, and his dog share many advenÂtures, includÂing garÂdenÂing and the counÂty fair. When his dog dies, Evan is inconÂsolable. He neglects his garÂden and it becomes overÂgrown and weedy. In a corÂner of the garÂden, a giant pumpÂkin begins growÂing and soon it becomes clear it must be entered in the counÂty fair. Evan returns to one of his favorite places, meetÂing up with friends, old and new.
The Scar
writÂten by CharÂlotte Moundlic, illus by OliviÂer TalÂlec
CanÂdlewick Press, 2011
When the boy in this stoÂry wakes to find that his mothÂer has died, he is overÂwhelmed with sadÂness, anger, and fear that he will forÂget her. He shuts all the winÂdows to keep in his mothÂer’s familÂiar smell and scratchÂes open the cut on his knee to rememÂber her comÂfortÂing voice. He doesÂn’t know how to speak to his dad anyÂmore, and when GrandÂma visÂits and throws open the winÂdows, it’s more than the boy can take – until his grandÂmothÂer shows him anothÂer way to feel that his mom’s love is near.
The Shared Room
writÂten by Kao Kalia Yang, illus by Xee ReitÂer
UniÂverÂsiÂty of MinÂnesoÂta Press, 2020
When someÂone you love dies, you know what doesn’t die? Love. On the hot beach, among colÂorÂful umbrelÂlas bloomÂing beneath a bright sun, no one saw a litÂtle girl walk into the water. Now, many months latÂer, her bedÂroom remains empÂty, her drawÂers hold her clothes, her pilÂlows and sheets still have her scent, and her mothÂer and father, brothÂers and sisÂter carÂry her in their hearts, along with their grief, which takes up so much space. The Shared Room brings a mesÂsage of comÂfort and hope to readÂers young and old.
SomeÂthing Very SorÂry
writÂten by Arno BohlmeiÂjer
Houghton MifÂflin HarÂcourt, 1996
For ages 12 and up, this is the true stoÂry of a young girl’s strugÂgle to come to terms with a tragedy. This sober narÂraÂtion reveals the priÂvate voice of a girl as she copes with the afterÂmath of a car acciÂdent: her mothÂer’s death, the injuries of her father and sisÂter, and her own grief, anger, and fear of the future. It’s a poignant stoÂry of a difÂfiÂcult famÂiÂly situation.
A SumÂmer to Die
writÂten by Lois Lowry
Houghton MifÂflin HarÂcourt, 1977
Meg isn’t thrilled when she gets stuck sharÂing a bedÂroom with her oldÂer sisÂter MolÂly. The two of them couldÂn’t be more difÂferÂent, and it’s hard for Meg to hide her resentÂment of MolÂly’s beauÂty and easy popÂuÂlarÂiÂty. But MolÂly’s conÂstant grouchÂiÂness, changÂing appearÂance, and othÂer comÂplaints are not just part of being moody. The day MolÂly is rushed to the hosÂpiÂtal, Meg has to accept that there is someÂthing terÂriÂbly wrong with her sisÂter. That’s the day Meg’s world changes forÂevÂer. Is it too late for Meg to show how she realÂly feels?
Tear Soup: a Recipe for HealÂing After Loss
writÂten by Pat SchweibÂert and Chuck DeKÂlyen
illus by TayÂlor Bills
Grief Watch, 2005
An inspiÂraÂtional book of wisÂdom about livÂing and growÂing with grief. After expeÂriÂencÂing loss, tears are a part of life, someÂtimes for months and someÂtimes for years. This book is meant to bring comÂfort for ages 12 through adult. HighÂly recÂomÂmendÂed by eduÂcaÂtors, librarÂiÂans, and parÂents for grievÂing children.
The Tenth Good Thing about BarÂney
writÂten by Judith Viorst, illus by Erik BlegÂvad
Atheneum, 1987
“My cat BarÂney died this FriÂday. I was very sad. My mothÂer said we could have a funerÂal for him, and I should think of ten good things about BarÂney so I could tell them…” But the small boy who loved BarÂney can only think of nine. LatÂer, while talkÂing with his father, he disÂcovÂers the tenth — and begins to understand.
The Thing About JelÂlyÂfish EveryÂone says that it was an acciÂdent, that someÂtimes things “just hapÂpen.” But Suzy won’t believe it. Ever. After her best friend dies in a drownÂing acciÂdent, Suzy is conÂvinced that the true cause of the tragedy was a rare jelÂlyÂfish sting. RetreatÂing into a silent world of imagÂiÂnaÂtion, she crafts a plan to prove her theÂoÂry — even if it means travÂelÂing the globe, alone. Suzy’s achingÂly heartÂfelt jourÂney explores life, death, the astonÂishÂing wonÂder of the uniÂverse — and the potenÂtial for love and hope right next door. |
Tuck EverÂlastÂing
writÂten by NatalÂie BabÂbitt
RineÂhart and WinÂston, 1999
The Tuck famÂiÂly is conÂfrontÂed with an agoÂnizÂing sitÂuÂaÂtion when they disÂcovÂer that a ten-year-old girl and a maliÂcious stranger now share their secret about a spring whose water preÂvents one from ever growÂing oldÂer. A clasÂsic stoÂry, this book is much disÂcussed in homes and classÂrooms, from ages 10 and up through adult. It’s a stoÂry so well told that you can’t help conÂsidÂerÂing the big questions.
WalkÂing GrandÂma Home
writÂten by NanÂcy Bo Flood, illus by Ellen Shi
ZonÂderkidz, 2023
When GrandÂma tells Lee she will soon be “going home,” Lee is conÂfused. Isn’t GrandÂma already home? But as Grandma’s health gets worse and her death approachÂes, Lee learns what it means to “walk GrandÂma home” to heavÂen, while also reflectÂing on his good memÂoÂries and dealÂing with his grief alongÂside his extendÂed family.
What is GoodÂbye?
writÂten by NikÂki Grimes, illus by RaĂşl ColĂłn
DisÂney-HypeÂrÂiÂon, 2004
This is the book I recÂomÂmend most often for chilÂdren ages 9 through adult. JerÂiÂlyn and Jesse have lost their beloved oldÂer brothÂer. Each of them deals with Jaron’s death difÂferÂentÂly. JerÂiÂlyn tries to keep it in and hold it togethÂer; Jesse acts out. But after a year of anger, pain, and guilt, they come to underÂstand that it’s time to move on. It’s time for a new famÂiÂly picÂture — with one piece missÂing, yet whole again. Through the alterÂnatÂing voicÂes of a brothÂer and sisÂter, NikÂki Grimes eloÂquentÂly porÂtrays the grievÂing process in this gem of a book that is honÂest, powÂerÂful, and ultiÂmateÂly hopeful.
When Dinosaurs Die: a Guide to UnderÂstandÂing Death
writÂten by LauÂrie KrasÂny Brown, illus by Marc Brown
LitÂtle Brown, 1998
No one can realÂly underÂstand death, but to chilÂdren, the passÂing away of a loved one can be espeÂcialÂly perÂplexÂing and trouÂbleÂsome. This is true whether the loss is a classÂmate, friend, famÂiÂly memÂber, or pet. In this book, wisÂdom is shared by dinosaurs, proÂvidÂing answers to kids’ most-often-asked quesÂtions, explorÂing the feelÂings we may have regardÂing the death of a loved one, and the ways to rememÂber someÂone after he or she has died.
Where the Red Fern Grows
writÂten by WilÂson Rawls
DouÂbleÂday, 1961
BilÂly ColeÂman dreams of ownÂing not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finalÂly able to save up enough monÂey for two pups to call his own — Old Dan and LitÂtle Ann — he’s ecstaÂtÂic. It doesn’t matÂter that times are tough; togethÂer they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks. Soon BilÂly and his hounds become the finest huntÂing team in the valÂley. StoÂries of their great achieveÂments spread throughÂout the region, and the comÂbiÂnaÂtion of Old Dan’s brawn, LitÂtle Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatÂable. But tragedy awaits these deterÂmined hunters — now friends — and BilÂly learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.
Whirligig
writÂten by Paul FleisÂchman
HenÂry Holt, 1998
When Brent BishÂop is outÂraged at a high school parÂty, he driÂves away hurt, furiÂous, and out of conÂtrol. He driÂves reckÂlessÂly, deterÂmined to kill himÂself, but kills a girl instead, a high school senior with a bright future. Filled with guilt, Brent wants to make restiÂtuÂtion. The girl’s mothÂer asks him to creÂate whirligigs and set them up in the four corÂners of the UnitÂed States. We folÂlow Brent on his jourÂney, meetÂing the peoÂple whose lives he affects and who change his life.
Great list. I would add BadÂger’s PartÂing Gifts by Susan Varley.
Thank you for the sugÂgesÂtion, Ramona. I’ve added that book to the list. You’re right, it belongs there!
And EriÂca PerÂl’s ALL THREE STOOGES. HeartÂbreakÂing but also humorous.
Thanks for your recÂomÂmenÂdaÂtion, CarÂolyn. We’ll add that title shortly.
WonÂderÂful list! Thank you
You’re welÂcome, Joanne.
May I recÂomÂmend NewÂbery Medal winÂning author PatriÂcia MacLaughÂlin’s 2018 midÂdle grade novÂel My Father’s Words be added to this list?
Thank you for the sugÂgesÂtion, Carmela, for Ms. MacLachÂlan’s brand new book. We’ve added the book to the artiÂcle … and I appreÂciÂate the heads-up. I’ve checked the book out of the library.
AnothÂer picÂture book I like is City Dog, CounÂtry Frog by Mo Willems
And the novÂel Line TenÂder by Allen Kate
Great list! Thanks, VicÂki! I’ve also used “The Tenth Good Thing About BarÂney” by Judith Viorst, many times. It works so well to have kids write lists of things that they loved about the aniÂmal or perÂson who died.
This is a wonÂderÂful, incluÂsive list. I’d add the very movÂing, very upliftÂing picÂture book, Big Cat, LitÂtle Cat, by Elisha Cooper.
Thank you, TriÂcia, for this excelÂlent sugÂgesÂtion. We’ve added the book to this list.