Resources for Children
Coping with Grief
Books about death, loss, illness, and hope
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FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN:
Everett Anderson’s Goodbye by Lucille Clifton
Explores grief with few words and big pictures.
Badger’s Parting Gifts* by Susan Varley
Friends of Badger realize “gifts” they have because of having been badger’s buddies.
The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by B. Mellonie and R. Ingpen
Discusses natural lifetimes in all living creatures and the fact that sometimes those lives are cut short.
I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
After his dog dies, a boy realizes that you never stop loving your dog, or anyone, even after they die.
The Cemetery Quilt by Kent & Alice Ross
A wise story of a girl who goes to her grandfather’s funeral and talks to her grandmother about death and her feelings about it.
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney* by Judith Viorst
A dear book about the death of a cat, and a little girl’s experience with grief with the help of her dad.
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death* by L. Krasny Brown & M. Brown
A multicultural look at dying and the customs surrounding it.
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf* by Leo Buscaglia
Natural cycles of life and death discussed in simple terms.
The Mountains of Tibet: A Child’s Journey Through Living and Dying by Mordicai Gerstein
Tibetan Buddhist teachings on life and death in picture book form.
About Dying: An Open Family Book for Parents and Children Together by Sara Bonnett Stein
For very young children and their caregiver(s).
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge* by Mem Fox
A small boy interacts with elderly neighbors exploring “what is a memory?”
Why Do People Die?* by Cynthia MacGregor
Designed as a read-aloud to help answer young children’s questions when those they love die.
Rudi’s Pond* by Eve Bunting
An account of the hope a young girl finds after the devastating loss of a classmate and friend. Inspired by a true story.
Bart Speaks Out: Breaking the Silence on Suicide* by Linda Goldman
A workbook for young children.
Now One Foot, Now the Other* by Tomie de Paola
The story of Bobby’s grandfather’s stroke and his recovery with Bobby’s help.
“Why Do People Die?” Helping Your Child Understand* by Cynthia MacGregor
In this sensitive and straightforward book, children discover answers to their questions when those they love die.
FOR OLDER CHILDREN:
Aarvy Aardvark Finds Hope* by Donna O’Toole
A read aloud story for all ages, Aarvy journeys through grief, opening the door for the reader to express personal experiences of pain, hope, and growth.
How it Feels when a Parent Dies* by Jill Krementz
Children tell their own stories in this book.
Help for the Hard Times: Getting Through Loss by Earl Hipp
A workbook for older children.
Part of Me Died Too* by Virginia Lynn Fry
Children from a year and a half to eighteen deal with the death of beloved pets, parents, friends, siblings, and other relatives. This book has lots of stories to tell.
Daddy’s Climbing Tree by C.S. Adler
A story of Jessica—in which she learns to look for her dad’s memory in her heart.
The Kids Book About Death and Dying: By and For Kids by E. Rofes & the Unit at Fayerweather School
Children deal with death and dying.
When Heroes Die by Penny Raife Durant
Gary’s seventh grade life is pretty complicated, but when he learns his beloved uncle has AIDS, things start to fall apart.
When a Grandparent Dies: A Kid’s own Workbook for Remembering Shiva and the Year Beyond by Nechama Liss-Levinson
The Jewish rituals surrounding death are clearly explained.
Tear Soup* by P. Schwiebert & C. DeKlyen
Grandy blends different “ingredients” into her own grief process including cooking tip metaphors for dealing with grief.
You Can Call Me Willy: A Story for Children About AIDS* by Joan C. Verniero
Willy is an eight-year-old girl living with AIDS. This book encourages compassion and understanding toward those with the illness.
BOOKS ABOUT LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS:
On the Wings of a Butterfly: A Story About Life & Death by Marilyn Maple
A story of a child with cancer.
Kathy’s Hats: A Story of Hope by Trudy Krisher
A story of a child with cancer and the hats she wears.
My Journey of Hope: A Child’s Guidebook for Living with Cancer by Sarah Jean Kovar (age 11)
A personal story by a young girl with a life-threatening disease.
Will I Still Have to Make My Bed in the Morning? by Barry Rudner
A child with a terminal illness wonders about dying.
A Window of Time by Audrey O. Leighton
A child’s grandfather has Alzheimer’s Disease, but they still love each other and share special times in grandfather’s time machine.
Mama* by Elanor Schick
A story from a young girl’s perspective about her mother telling her that she is sick, special times they share, and the special place in her heart where mom will always be.
The Memory Box by Mary Bahr
A child’s grandfather in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s helps her save up memories for the “memory box.”
Great Uncle Alfred Forgets by Ben Shecter
Emily discovers her great uncle’s unique outlook and his limitations.
BOOKS FOR TEENS:
When a Friend Dies: A Book for Teens About Grieving and Healing* by M. Gootman
Gentle advice for teens coping with sadness and beginning to heal.
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul III: More Stories of Life, Love, & Learning* by L. Gay et al
This book offers compassion and understanding to help through the toughest times.
This list was compiled by Tina Barrett, Ed.D.., LCPC
Resources with which we are familiar are indicated with an asterisk. Other resources from online searches.