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B o o k s f o r
B e r e a v e d C h i l d r e n |
Books for Bereaved Parents
Books for Anyone Coping with Loss
Fiction
(Shelved under the author's last name) also see "Picture Books" below
- Atkins, Jeanine. A Name on the Quilt: A Story of Remembrance. 1999.
- (Death of uncle/ AIDS). After a beloved uncle dies, the family gets together to sew a panel for the AIDS Memorial Quilt Project and remember all the good times they spent together. Ages 8 and up.
- Bauer, Marion. On My Honor. 1986.
- (Death of friend/accident). Joel's best friend drowns while they are swimming in a forbidden treacherous river. He is devastated and terrified of telling both sets of parents. Ages 10 and up.
- Bohlmeijer, Arno. Something Very Sorry. 1996.
- (Death of mother/car accident). After a serious car accident in which she herself is injured, nine-year-old Rose worries about her own injuries and the condition of her father and younger sister, while trying to come to terms with the death of her mother as a result of the accident. Ages 10 and up.
- Brisson. Pat. Sky Memories. 1999. (Easy Fiction)
- (Death of mother-cancer). In this sensitive and honest book, when ten-year-old Emily learns that her mother has cancer, the two of them begin a ritual that will help Emily remember her mother after she is gone.
- Bryant, Jennifer. Pieces of Georgia. 2006. (Fiction)
- (Sudden death - mother).In journal entries to her mother, a gifted artist who died suddenly, thirteen-year-old Georgia McCoy reveals how her life changes after she receives an anonymous gift membership to a nearby art museum.
- Calvert, Patricia. Writing To Richie. 1994.
- (Sudden death/younger brother). A tough-mannered girl, who comes to live with David's foster family, helps him come to terms with his younger brother's sudden death. Ages 10 and up.
- Carey, Janet Lee. Wenny Has Wings. 2002.
- (Sudden death/younger sister). Having had a near-death experience in the accident that killed his younger sister, eleven-year-old Will tries to cope with the situation by writing her letters. Ages 10 and up.
- Caseley, Judith. Praying to A.L. 2000.
- (Death of father/illness). Grieving for her beloved father who died recently, a thirteen-year-old girl remembers their special relationship and is comforted by their mutual interest in Abraham Lincoln.
- Coman, Carolyn. Tell Me Everything. 1993.
- (Death/mother) After her mother dies in a rescue mission, Roz wonders if talking to God and the boy for whom her mother died can help her understand what happened. Ages 10 and up.
- Deans, Sis Boulos. Every Day and All the Time. 2003.
- (Death of brother/accident) Eleven-year-old Emily, still reeling from the car accident that took her older brother's life and badly injured her, uses psychotherapy and ballet dancing to cope with her parents' decision to sell their house--the only place she can still feel and talk to her brother. Ages 10 and up.
- Draper, Sharon. Tears of a Tiger. 1994.
- (Auto accident and suicide) The death of a high school basketball star in an auto accident affects the lives of his close friend, Andy, (who eventually commits suicide), and others in his school. Ages 12 and up.
- Dreyer, Ann L. After Elaine. 2002.
- (Death of a sister) Gina relives events that preceeded her angry, hostile, older sister Elaine's senseless death, as her family struggles with their grief and Gina faces the added pressures of starting middle school.
- Grant, Cynthia. Phoenix Rising or How to Survive Your Life. 1989.
- (Sister/cancer) Helen's death at 18 from cancer shatters the lives of her parents and siblings. Ages 11 and up.
- Hermes, Patricia. Sweet By and By. 2002
- (Grandmother/old age) Eleven-year-old Blessing has lived with her grandmother since she was two years old, but now she has to accept that her grandmother is dying and that she must continue life without her in a new home. Ages 10 and up.
- Hobbs, Valerie. Defiance. 2005.
- (Cancer) While vacationing in the country, eleven-year-old Toby, a cancer patient, learns some important lessons about living and dying from an elderly poet and her cow.
- Holt, Kimberly Willis. Keeper of the Night. 2003.
- (Mother/ suicide) Isabel's mother died peacefully. At least that's what Isabel likes to think since no one will talk about the truth. Set on the lush island of Guam, Holt has written a painfully beautiful story about a young woman's struggle to protect her family after suicide hits home. Ages 12 and up.
- Kuns, Judith Irvin. While You Were Out. 2004.
- (Death of friend / cancer) Returning to school after the summer in which her best friend Tim died of cancer, eleven-year-old Penelope finds her life complicated by the fact that her father has become the school janitor. Ages 11 and up.
- MacLachlan, Patricia. Baby. 1993.
- (Death of baby brother) Taking care of someone else's baby helps a family come to terms with the death of their own infant son. Ages 11 and up.
- Matthews, Kezi. Flying Lessons. 2002.
- (Death of mother/ airplane accident) In 1937, when LaMarr's glamorous mother is lost in a plane crash she goes to live with her aunt and uncle, and must reconcile herself to the fact that her mother has not gone to Hollywood to become a movie star. Ages 11 and up.
- Park, Barbara. Mick Harte was Here. 1995. (Rebecca Caudill Award)
- (Brother/bicycle accident) Thirteen-year-old recalls her brother and his death. Ages 10 and up.
- Pevsner, Stella. How Could You Do It, Diane? 1989.
- (Sister/suicide) While Bethany tries to understand why her older sister took her own life, her family tries to repress the incident. Ages 12 and up.
- Rodowsky, Colby. Remembering Mog. 1996.
- (Death of sister/murder) After graduating from high school, Annie comes to terms with the loss of her sister, who was murdered two years before. Ages 12 and up.
- Roberts, Willo Davis . The One Left Behind. 2006.
- (Death of sister/poisoning) Mandy's life changes forever when her ten-year-old twin sister eats a hamburger tainted with E coli and dies..
- Russell, Barbara T. Last Left Standing. 1996.
- (Death of brother/ accident) A boy tries to adjust to the accidental death of his beloved older brother. Ages 10 and up.
- Van Leeuwen, Jean. Lucy was There. 2002.
- (Loss of mother and brother) With the help of new friends and a very special dog, Morgan begins to come to terms with the loss of her mother and five-year-old brother, who boarded a plane and never came back. Ages 12 and up.
- Warner, Sally. This Isn't About the Money. 2002.
- (Loss of parents) Janey's whole life changes in one terrible night. Janey and her sister survive the car crash that kills their parents, and they must learn to adapt to their new and shattered world. Ages 12 and up.
- Wiles, Debbie. Each Little Bird That Sings. 2005.
- Comfort Snowberger is well acquainted with death since her family runs the funeral parlor in their small southern town, but even so the ten-year-old is unprepared for the series of heart-wrenching events that begins on the first day of Easter vacation with the sudden death of her beloved great-uncle Edisto.
- Williams, Carol Lynch. Carolina Autumn. 2000.
- (Death of father & sister/accident). A young teenager tries to deal with the way her life has changed, and her feelings of sorrow and anger, as well as the impact of the deaths on her mother.
- Williams, Carol Lynch. Kelly and Me. 1993.
- (Death of sister/aortic aneurism) An 11-year-old girl shares a great summer of adventure with her younger sister, Kelly, until Kelly unexpectedly dies. Ages 10 and up.
Nonfiction
Fry, Virginia L. Part of Me Died Too: Stories of Creative Survival Among Bereaved Children and Teenagers. 1995. J 155.937 FRY. Ages 10 and up.
Gellman, Rabbi Mark and Monsignor Thomas Hartman. Lost and Found: A Kid's Book for Living through Loss. 1999. J 248.86 GEL
The authors are good friends who are known as The God Squad. The book deals with all kinds of loss, from the death of a pet, to divorce, to the loss of health through an illness or disability, to the death of a sibling or parent. With common sense and remarkable insight the pair suggests universal truths that will help kids of any religion live and grow through losses large and small. Also includes a related selection of prose and poetry.
Grimes, Nikki. What is Goodbye? 2004. J 811.54 GRI
Alternating poems by a brother and sister convey their feelings about the death of their older brother and the impact it had on their family.
Grover, Lorie Ann.Loose Threads. 2002. J 811.6 GRO
(Grandmother/breast cancer). A series of poems describes how seventh-grader Kay Garber faces her grandmother's battle with breast cancer while living with her mother and great-grandmother and dealing with everyday junior high school issues. Ages 12 and up.
Haas, Shelly O. Daddy's Chair. 1990. J155.957 LAN
After Michael's father dies, the family observes the traditional days of Jewish mourning, shiva
As time goes by Michael begins to come to terms with his father's loss.
Harpham, Wendy. When a Parent Has Cancer. 2004. J362.196 HAR
Written from the heart of experience, this handbook by a mother, physician, and cancer survivor has sympathetic advice for parents challenged with the task of raising, normal, healthy children while they struggle with a potentially life-threatening disease.
Jackson, Aariane R. Can You Hear Me Smiling?: A Child Grieves a Sister. 2004. J PARENTING 155.937 JAC
Aariane Jackson, the book's 9-year-old author, recounts with honesty, tenderness, and courage the story of her older sister's illness and death.
Techner, David. A Candle For Grandpa: A Guide To The Jewish Funeral for Children and Parents. 1993. J 296.74 TEC
(Death of grandfather) Jewish funerals and burial practices are meaningfully explained as a special ceremony that helps to celebrate life. Ages 5 and up.
Wakenshaw, Martha. Caring for your Grieving Child. 2001. J 155.937 WAK
Employing play-based techniques, a children's mental health specialist helps parents identify and express different feelings to help their grieving child cope. Ages 6 and up.
Warfel, Elizabeth Stuart. The Blue Pearls. 2001. J155.937 WAR
This inspirational story, inspired by a dream the author had shortly before her daughter died of cancer, offers hope and comfort to those who are close to death and those that have suffered the loss of a loved one. Ages 8 and up.
Parenting Books
Clifton, Lucille. Everett Anderson's Goodbye. 1983. J Parenting 155.937 CLI. A simple, poetic telling of Everett Anderson's feelings as he copes with and accepts the fact of his father's death.
- Cohn, Janice. Molly's Rosebush. 1994. J 155.937 COH
- (Miscarriage) When the newborn baby they've been expecting isn't strong enough to be born, Molly and her family find different ways to express their feelings and comfort each other. Ages 3 and up.
- Haynes, Max. Grandma's Gone to Live in the Stars. 2000. J 155.937 HAY
- In the moments after grandma has died, her spirit is happy and at peace as she says good-bye to her sleeping family and her home. Ages 3 and up.
- Krishnaswami, Uma. Remembering Grandpa. 2007. J 155.937 KRI
- (Death of grandfather) When Grandma comes down with a "bad case of sadness" one year after Grandpa's death, Daysha collects objects that will remind her grandmother of Daysha's grandfather. Ages 3 and up.
- Lanton, Sandy. Daddy's Chair. 1991. J 155.937 LAN
- When Michael's father dies, his family sits shiva, observing the Jewish period of mourning, and remembering the good things about him. Ages 3 and up.
- Old, Wendie. Stacy Had a Little Sister. 1995. J 155.937 OLD
- (SIDS) Stacy has mixed feelings about her new sister, but when the baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, she is sad and misses her. Ages 3 and up.
- Powell, E. Sandy. Geranium Morning. 1990. J 155.937 POW
- Two friends who lose parents, one suddenly in an accident and one by illness, learn to deal with their grief. Ages 6 and up.
- Rogers, Fred. When a Pet Dies. 1988. J 155.937 ROG
- Explores the feelings of frustration, sadness, and loneliness that a youngster may feel when a pet dies. Ages 3 and up.
- Shriver, Maria. What's Heaven? 1999. J Parenting 155.937 SCH
- (Death of great-grandmother) After her great-grandmother's death, a young girl learns about heaven by asking her mother all kinds of questions. Ages 3 and up.
- Smith, Maggie. Desser the Best Cat Ever Cat. 2001. J 155.937 SMI
- (Death of pet) A child describes how her cat had always been part of the family and how much he is loved even though he is dead. Ages 3 and up.
Picture Books
(Shelved under the author's last name)
- Bahr, Mary. If Nathan Were Here. 2000.
- (Death of friend) In this sensitive book a young boy grieves the death of his best friend. With the help of caring adults he finds ways to express his sorrow and mourn his loss. Ages 5 and up.
- Boyden, Linda. The Blue Roses. 2002.
- (Death of grandfather)A Native American girl gardens with her grandfather, who helps to raise her, and learns about life and loss when he dies, and then speaks to her from a dream where he is surrounded by blue roses. Ages 5 and up.
- Bunting, Eve. Rudi's Pond. 1999.
- (Death of classmate) When a sick boy dies, his friends and classmates remember him by building a schoolyard pond in his memory. Ages 5 and up.
- Burrowes, Adjoa J. Grandma's Purple Flowers. 2000.
- (Death of grandmother). A young girl delights in her grandmother and then mourns her passing. Told in stages concurrent with the seasonal changes. Preschool through grade 2.
- Chiemi. The Promise. 2002.
- (Death of father). A young child overwhelmed by trauma learns through his grandfather that love has the power to heal. Ages 6 and up.
- Cohen, Miriam. Jim's Dog Muffins. 1984.
- (Death of pet). Everyone in the first grade feels sad when they hear that Jim's dog Muffins has been killed. His friends try to help him feel better, but Jim won't talk or listen to anyone. All he can do is think about his dog. Then Jim's friend Paul has an idea. Ages 6 and up.
- Demas, Corinne. Saying Goodbye to Lulu. 2004.
- (Death of pet).
This beautiful and touching story about a young girl who must say goodbye to her beloved, aged dog will touch anyone who has ever experienced a loss. Full color. Ages 6 and up.
- Depaola, Tomie. Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs. 1998.
- (Death of grandmother). Four-year-old Tommy loves visiting the home of his grandmother, Nana Downstairs, and his great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs. But one day Tommy's mother tells him Nana Upstairs won't be there any more, and Tommy must struggle with saying goodbye to someone he loves. Ages 4 and up.
- Disalvo-Ryan, DyAnne. A Dog Like Jack. 1999.
- (Death of pet) After a long life of chasing squirrels, licking ice cream cones, and loving his adoptive family, an old dog comes to the end of his days. Ages 6 and up.
- Doray, Malika. One More Wednesday. 2001.
- (Death of grandmother) With simple illustrations and a few words, the author gives us a unique tale of love, loss and understanding, that offers comfort to anyone who has lost someone important. Ages 3 and up.
- Fox, Mem. Tough Boris. 1994.
- (Death of pet) Although he is a very tough pirate, Boris von der Borch cries when his parrots dies.
Ages 6 and up.
- Harris, Robie. Goodbye Mousie. 2001.
- (Death of pet) A boy grieves for his dead pet, helps to bury him, and begins to come to terms with his loss. Ages 3 and up.
- Hathorn, Libby. Grandma's Shoes. 1994.
- (Death of grandmother) A young girl copes with her grandmother's death with the help of the old woman's shoes and some special memories. Ages 4 and up.
- Johnston, Tony. That Summer. 2002.
- (Death of brother) A boy tells this beautiful and poignant story about his brother, who is dying, and a quilt that their family sews together, which represents their memories and love. Ages 5 and up.
- Joslin, Mary. The Goodbye Boat. 1998.
- This beautiful yet simple story and its striking illustrations explores the pain and grief of saying goodbye to someone you love, will providing a message of hope.
- Kadono, Eiko. Grandpa's Soup. 1997.
- (Death of spouse) After the death of his wife, an old man gradually realizes that making the soup she used to cook and sharing it with friends eases his loneliness. Ages 6 and up.
- Kaplan, Howard. Waiting to Sing. 2000.
- (Death of mother) A family that loves music and spends many hours at the piano is devastated by the death of the mother, but those still living find consolation in the beautiful music that also remains.
- Napoli, Donna Jo. Flamingo Dream. 2002.
- (Death of father) After her father's death from cancer, a young girl turns her intense feelings of grief into a book of memories that celebrates their last year together. Ages 3 and up.
- Parker, Marjorie Blain. Jasper's Day. 2002.
- (Death of pet) When his dog Jasper becomes very ill with cancer, Riley, along with his family, celebrates Jasper's life by sharing heatworming memories, which help Riley to have the strength to let Jasper go. Ages 6 and up.
- Plourde, Lynn. Thank You, Grandpa. 2003.
- (Old age/grandfather). On her many walks with her grandfather, a young girl learns to appreciate life and deal with death. Ages 5 and up.
- Puttock, Simon and Alison Bartlett. A Story for Hippo. 2001.
- This book shows how to keep the spirit of a cherished person alive forever. A gentle and reassuring book for anyone who has ever lost a loved one. Ages 3 and up.
- Roper, Janice.Dancing on the Moon. 2002.
- (Death of brother) When her little brother dies of SIDS, Carly, frightened and confused, is determined to find out where he has gone and to bring him back.
- Santucci, Barbara. Anna's Corn. 2002.
- (Death of grandfather) Anna is reluctant to plant the kernels of corn her grandpa has left her upon his death, until she realizes that the act will help her remember the times they listened to the music of the corn together.
- Schick, Eleanor. Mama. 2000.
- (Death of mother) A child remembers special moments with Mama and starts to feel better after grieving over her death.
- Varley, Susan. Badger's Parting Gifts. 1984.
- (Death of pet) Badger's friends are sad when he dies, but they treasure the legacies he left behind. Ages 3 and up.
- Wallace-Brodeur, Ruth. Goodbye, Mitch. 1995.
- (Death of pet) Badger's friends are sad when he dies, but they treasure the legacies he left behind. Ages 6 and up.
- Zalben, Jane Breskin. Pearl's Marigolds for Grandpa. 1997.
- (Death of grandmother) A young girl copes with the death of her grandfather by remembering all the things she loved about him. Includes information about funeral customs of various religions.
Ages 3 and up.
Miscellaneous
- Brown, Laurene Krasny. When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death. 1996. J EASY READER 155.937 BRO.
- Simple language and delightful illustrations are used to explain the feelings people may have regarding the death of a loved one; also, ways to honor the memory of someone who has died. Ages 3 and up.
- Greene, Constance. Beat the Turtle Drum. 1976. J PB/B Greene
- (Death of sister/accident) A girl learns to cope with her feelings about the accidental death of her sister. Ages 9-12.
- Hesse, Karen. Out of the Dust. 1997. J NEWBERY Hesse (1998 Newbery Prize Winner)
- (Death of Mother and infant brother) A young girl tries to deal with life and loss in Depression-era Oklahoma. Ages 10 and up.
- Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Out of the Dust. 1996. J Easy Fiction
- Suffering from nightmares after her dog is killed in a fire, a young girl in eighteenth-century Maine goes to live with her grandparents. Ages 10 and up.
- Paterson, Katherine. Bridge to Terabithia. 1977. J NEWBERY Paterson (1978 Newbery Prize Winner)
- (Death of friend) The life of a ten year old boy is changed when he befriends a newcomer who subsequently meets an untimely death while trying to reach their hide-a-way. Ages 10 and up.
- Temes, Roberta. The Empty Place: A Child's Guide Through Grief. 1992. J PB/C Temes
- (Death of sister/illness; accidental death/brother) A young boy describes the feelings of loss, fear and guilt felt by himself and his friend Betsy after they both experience the loss of a sibling. Ages 3 and up.
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