Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Death and grief

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Book Synopsis''The middle grade book everyone''s going to be obsessed with this summer'' Louie Stowell, author of LokiFor fans of ONWARD and A Monster Calls, this is an unmissable illustrated story about grief and love for young readers 9 and up.Sadé has always loved escaping to her imaginary, rainbow-bright world. When her mum dies, the colours in her mind fade like old jeans, and her shadow beasts appear: Tiger with black claws, Hen with cracked feathers, Fox with giant hind legs and Lion with piercing blue eyes. The shadow beasts are trouble. They follow Sadé to school and cause chaos wherever they go. Then Sadé joins a grief support group to work through her emotions, and slowly her beasts retreat. But just as it''s her turn to perform her poetry at the school talent show, they''re back, larger and stronger than ever ... can Sadé find the words to remember her mum in her own unique way, and banish her shadow beasts for good?Trade ReviewA beautiful story that tackles big feelings in an accessible and relatable way. * BookTrust *

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Book SynopsisIf you receive a letter telling you your father has died, what do you do? Anna's father left when she was very young and Anna, now 16, is living with her ambitious, unemotional, scientist mother. Then she receives a letter from her father's current girlfriend, Edie, with some shocking news: her father has died.Trade ReviewThis slim volume is packed with deceptive relationships and bad decisions made through fear, and will cast a chill over the sun lounger despite some implausible resolutions -- Geraldine Brennan * Theguardian.com *A compelling story of an unlikely friendship surrounded by secrets and lies, The Yellow Room is a smart and well written novel that is hard put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend * The Bookbag *A realistic look at the deteriorating relationship between a mother and daughter. Be careful who you trust with your secrets, because they might just use to bring you down. If you're looking for a super creepy page turning contemporary, then this is the one for you * Serendipity Reviews *The Yellow Room is so engaging. You know something isn't quite right, but you're not quite sure what. You know it'll end badly, but you're not quite sure how it will end * Luna's Little Library *The language and style of The Yellow Room was perfectly suited for the plot (...) I would recommend it for young teens at 13 years old and above, as it is an enjoyable thriller without the gore that comes associated with the adult genre * famousinjapan.co.uk *Not knowing what you're in for makes this book so much more unputdownable (...) The Yellow Room was such a thrilling, captivating novel and I honestly didn't expect to love it as much as I did. The pacing was fantastic, the characters were intriguing and realistic, and there were moments when I wasn't sure who I could trust...a thought-provoking read that gets more intense with the turn of every page (...) If you're a fan of contemporaries with a dark twist, I can't recommend this novel enough' * Written Word Worlds (Australia) *Utterly gripping. A taut contemporary thriller. * The School Librarina *a fantastically creepy to story to watch unwind. * The Pool *

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Book SynopsisIn this Native American tale, a wise grandmother explains the meaning of death, or the Great Change, to her questioning granddaughter. While going through their daily tasks in the Native way, taking from Mother Earth only what is needed and returning what is not used so as to replenish her, nine-year-old Wanba asks, "Why do fish have to die? Why does anything have to die? Why did Grandpa have to die?" Grandmother explains that just as a caterpillar "dies" only to become a beautiful butterfly, there is no "death" in the Circle of Life-only the Great Change.This is a story of passing on tradition, culture, and wisdom to the next generation. It is a moving tale for everyone-child and adult-who wonders about what lies beyond this life.

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Book SynopsisAn excellent Social Emotional Learning (SEL) tool for grownups and little readers for learning about loss and how grief looks different for everyone (and that's okay).After seven-year-old Zara experiences a death in her family, she learns that being sad can look different for different people. With her Mama's help, Zara also learns a way to find comfort when big messy goodbyes feel too big and messy. Written by mother-of-five and meditation guide Rebekah Borucki, Zara's Big Messy Goodbye teaches children how to recognize and accept their grief while also showing them how to accept the way others grieve. And though this story deals with the loss of a beloved family member, it is appropriate for teaching children about all kinds of loss, like a broken friendship or a separation caused by moving to a new home or school. Grief and trauma therapist Gina Moffa, LCSW, will also be your guide. You'll find a section for parents, teachers, and caregivers at the back of the book, which offers you several exercises to use to work through grief together. Get free gifts: You'll also get free access to downloadable coloring pages, an exclusive guided meditation for kids, and more! Just use the website link found inside the book to download your exclusive gifts. Rave customer reviews for Zara’s Big Messy Goodbye: “I like the Zara books because they show what many books don't: an interracial marriage, separated or divorced parents committed to coparenting their children, Black women with natural hair, and more. Zara, like all children, has big feelings and she needs help naming, processing, and expressing these feelings. In this particular book, Zara's aunt passes away. She has big feelings and is angry that her younger brother is responding differently. This is a gentle book about grief, showing that people react differently and that's okay. The back of the book also has some resources for caregivers around helping children process grief.” “When a 7-year-old learns that her Aunt has died, she goes through complex feelings of grief. Well here is a children's book that made me cry, for I could relate to the emotions of the little protagonist - and to the tools offered in the book (both the story itself and the afterward) as ones that have been useful for my own processing of grief. If you're looking for stories with Black main characters, stories with complex topics, stories written by Black authors, or stories to help kids learn healthy habits to help them process difficult and big feelings, the Zara books are a great addition to your bookshelves.” “Zara's Big Messy Bedtime honestly and clearly explores the multitude of feelings that arise when a loved one dies. I love that it gives parents practical language and a concrete activity to use with their child/children when experiencing the grief caused by the death of a loved one. I also appreciate the expert information and strategies provided by a licensed psychotherapist at the end of the book around death/grief. Most adults do not know how to process their grief- what a gift to be able to have information and tools to help teach our children to process theirs.” “I know this is written for children (and should be on every child's bookshelf, because one thing that's guaranteed as a human is loss) but I don't have kids at home anymore. I am actually grieving the loss of my youngest son, Torin, who died in March of 2020... and this book reminded me how much love I feel when I bring to mind memories of him (even though it still hurts!) I am so grateful for this book... our society needs to change the narrative around death and grief, and this is a beautiful example of how we can support each other through our losses.” “I appreciate the child-centered, nondenominational approach to processing death. Zara's experience is about connecting with herself, her memories, her family. This book would complement any family's belief system, and support both children and adults in navigating the diverse and sometimes unexpected emotions around death. The notes in the back explicitly empower adults to help children process loss, and feel confident in their ability to connect even during difficult emotional situations. This belongs on bookshelves in homes and in schools!” “We love the Zara books, and Zara's Big Messy Goodbye did not disappoint. These books focus on how to process challenging feelings, which is helpful for raising emotionally intelligent children. My 8 and 4 year old both enjoy the illustrations as well. My 8 year old's review is that 'it's a good story with a good lesson.' This book was timely with so many people having to experience the death of a loved one during the Pandemic. I highly recommend this and all of the other Zara books.” “We are big fans of Zara in our house! This book is no different. If you're searching for a way to discuss grief and loss with your children, this book is fantastic. It's adaptable for various ages and there are no religious undertones, nor does it rule out adding your family's personal religious or spiritual beliefs to the conversation. It's just really lovely, relatable, supportive information wrapped up in a sweet story with the signature gorgeous Zara illustrations. The resources at the end of the book are so helpful.” Celebrity praise for Zara's Big Messy Goodbye: 'This delightful book opens a door for the healing conversations around grief and loss that our families and communities so urgently need right now. Zara shows readers how to use simple tools to foster understanding and acceptance for all the ways we experience and express being human.” — Tembi Locke, Author of NYT Bestselling book FROM SCRATCH, Producer, Actress, and Advocate “Zara beautifully offers mindfulness for kids and adults alike.” — Rachel Ricketts, activist and author of Do Better “Friends, I cannot recommend these books enough. Get Zara for you, your kids, your nieces, your nephews... They’re just so beatitful!” — Jennifer Pastiloff, author of the National Bestseller, On Being Human

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Book SynopsisA middle-grade fantasy that follows a young boy into a magical land of mummers, sprites, fairies, and murderous pitcher plants in an attempt to save his home ? and his family.Everyone knows there are no wolves in Newfoundland.Peter''s grandfather has told him so many times. But when Peter spots a wolf-like creature in the woods one day, he isn''t sure what to believe.When Peter''s grandfather dies suddenly, a strange man who calls himself Mr. Doyle comes to the funeral claiming to have known Grandpa. Mr. Doyle also claims that he can help Peter get enough gold to save his house ? a house that Peter''s mom can''t leave without having a panic attack. Willing to do anything to save his house and help his mom, Peter soon sets out with Mr. Doyle to Lore Isle, a land of mummers, sprites, fairies, and murderous pitcher plants.Enthralled with the fantastical island, Peter comes to realize that not all is as it seems, including the mysterious Mr. Doyle...An imaginative debut, accented with darkly whimsical illustrations, Lore Isle is filled with magical twists and turns sure to surprise readers on every page.

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Book SynopsisWhen we were on a No Girls Allowed! holiday, my daddy's heart stopped beating and I had to find help all by myself. He was very badly broken. Not even the ambulance people could help him...This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help explain the concept of death to children aged 3-7. Written in Alex's own words, it is based on the real-life conversations that Elke Barber had with her then three-year-old son, Alex, after the sudden death of his father. The book provides reassurance and understanding to readers through clear and honest answers to the difficult questions that can follow the death of a loved one, and carries the invaluable message that it is okay to be sad, but it is okay to be happy, too.Trade ReviewWhen Elke, his mum, went looking to books for answers, she found nothing, except more emptiness. An incredibly determined individual, she recognised a need to share her story. -- Oliver Jeffers, multi-award-winning children's book author and illustrator, and maker of 'Lost and Found'A beautiful book that will undoubtedly help so many; I would highly recommend it. -- Richmond's Hope Bereavement ProjectI can think of no better way to communicate with a very young child about a sudden death. This book will be highly recommended on our suggested reading list. -- Winston's WishFinding a book on sudden death suitable to be read with a pre-school child is very difficult; this one fills the gap admirably. -- The Child Bereavement CharityA young person experiencing death is more common than we imagine. This book addresses the issue with courage, honesty and truthfulness. -- Grief Encounter ProjectIt embodies the best in writing and illustration for children. -- Healthy BooksThroughout the book, love, sadness and grieving together are entwined, and the final message of: 'It's okay to be sad but it's okay to be happy too' gives the message I think all child bereavement practitioners would want to give a grieving child. -- Cruse Bereavement Care

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Book SynopsisThis tender and moving rhyming poem, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, is both a love letter to Lisa''s own daughters and a testament to the unwavering strength of parental love, a timeless message for families facing the challenges of bereavement. See also 9781802581614.

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'Grandpa stopped speaking the day he killed my brother, John. His name was John until Grandpa said he looked more like a Bird with the way he kept jumping off things, and the name stuck. Bird’s thick, black hair poked out in every direction, just like the head feathers of the blackbirds, Grandpa said, and he bet that one day Bird would fly like one too. Grandpa kept talking like that, and no one paid him much notice until Bird jumped off a cliff, the cliff at the edge of the tallgrass prairie, the cliff that dropped a good couple hundred feet to a dried-up riverbed below. From that day on, Grandpa never spoke another word. Not one. The day that Bird tried to fly, the grown-ups were out looking for him – all of them except Mom and Granny. That’s because that very day, I was born.'Twelve-year-old Jewel never knew her brother, but all her life she has lived in his shadow. Then one night, on her birthday, she finds a mysterious boy sitting in her oak tree. His name is John. And he changes everything.

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Book SynopsisDustin Thao is a Vietnamese-American writer based in Southern California. He graduated from Amherst College with a B.A. in Political Science, and is starting a PhD program at Northwestern University. He writes contemporary young adult fiction. You've Reached Sam is his YA debut.

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Book SynopsisAGood Morning AmericaBookClub YAPickGayle Forman has an uncanny ability to create characters in which we see ourselves, and her latest?which looks at where love goes, after a loss?is an honest, heartbreaking elegy to how memory makes relationships eternal.?Jodi Picoult, #1New York Timesbestselling authorI was consumed by this thought-provoking, deftly written, multilayered novel. Gayle Forman reigns as the queen of breaking hearts with a touch of magic. ?Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the EndOne spring afternoon after school, Amber arrives home on her bike. It?s just another perfectly normal day. But when Amber?s mom sees her, she screams.Because Amber died seven years ago, hit by a car while on the very same bicycle she?s inexplicably riding now.This return doesn?t only impact Amber. Her sister, Melissa, now seven years older, must be a new kind of sibling to Amber. Amber?s estranged parents are battling over her. And the changes ripple farther and farther out: Amber?s friends, boyfriend, and even people she met only once have been deeply affected by her life and death. In the midst of everyone?s turmoil, Amber is struggling with herself. What kind of person was she? How and why was she given this second chance?This magnificent tour de force by acclaimed author Gayle Forman brilliantly explores the porous veil between life and death,examines the impact that one person can have on the world, and celebrates life in all its beautiful complexity.

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Book SynopsisGrief can be complicated and painful. Our memories, relationships, good times and worries are unique, and these all affect how we experience a loss. No two people will experience grief in the same way because all of our relationships are specific to us.But there are frameworks for understanding our reactions when someone dies. Lots of people have found it helpful to understand these frameworks, as knowing what's going on with grief can help us find ways to cope with the loss, let go of some of the pain, and find ways to still have a good future.Based on years of research, this book includes some first-hand experiences from people who have been through grief, to show how the ideas could work in real life. However, this is not another person's story. It is a guide to understanding your own. By getting to know how we are processing grief, we can start getting on with it - working alongside it and moving forward.Trade ReviewPractical, accessible and non-prescriptive, this book will be an invaluable guide in validating young people's individual experiences of grief, encouraging and empowering them to consider a range of ways to manage their emotions and challenges and rebuild their lives after bereavement. -- Ann Chalmers, Chief Executive of Child Bereavement UKExtremely well written, well-informed, refreshing and accessible. My Grief Handbook is user-friendly and full of informed ideas to help a bereaved young person understand and process their journey of grief. A very welcome addition to my toolkit of grief support. -- Dr Shelley Gilbert, MBE. Consultant Clinical Psychotherapist, author of Grief Book, and founder of Grief Encounter. www.griefdoctor.co.ukThis new resource is a fantastic addition to support bereaved children and young people, it draws valuable lessons from years of expertise working with grief and loss. The vast knowledge of the authors is strongly supported by the lived experience of bereaved young people especially the young person co-author case studies throughout the handbook. It explains the complexity and challenges of grief in an easy and accessible manner and provides an extensive range of tools and tips to cope when overwhelmed including so many coping strategies to try out.There is a great section on coping with returning to school after a death which is as helpful for young people as it is for teachers to understand how best to support these hard transitions. Overall, the handbook offers invaluable support for bereaved children and young people as well as the adults in their lives to understand how best to offer support. -- Maura Keating, National Coordinator, Irish Childhood Bereavement NetworkExtremely accessible and quite a pleasure to read -- Andy Langford, Clinical Director, Cruse Bereavement SupportTruthfully, this is a book nobody wants to have to read, borrow or buy, but in the hardest of times it will be a valuable guide for young people who have experienced the death of a loved one. This is a book I wish I'd had as a teen, and one I will definitely be giving to others in the future. -- Amy McKay, Love Reading 4 KidsA very practical guide to navigating grief aimed directly at young people full of ideas about how to cope, explanations about why we feel the way we do and the words and kindness of others who've walked the path before us. Perfectly pitched. -- Dr Pooky Knightsmith, Keynote Speaker, Author & AdvisorTable of ContentsWhy grief hurts and how to cope Dedication Contents Acknowledgements 1 Preface (main heading) 2 What's so bad about bereavement? 2.1 Grief is the price we pay for love 2.2 We're all different 2.3 You don't have to be a scientist to use a theory 2.4 Complications3 How to make it less bad 3.1 Ideas for coping with sadness and feeling low 3.2 Ideas for coping with anger 3.3 Ideas for coping with worries and fear 3.4 Ideas for coping with school and peers 3.5 Ideas for coping with families 3.6 Ideas for coping with further changes in your life 3.7 Ideas for moving forwards 3.8 Final words4 Getting specialist help5 Useful places to get more information 6 References

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Book SynopsisSam has leukaemia, but he doesn't want you to cry about it. He wantsto know about UFOs and horror movies and airships and ghostsand scientists, and how it feels to kiss a girl. And he wants toknow the facts about dying. Sam needs answers to the questions nobodywill answer.

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Book SynopsisIn this unforgettable novel that's perfect for fans of Jenny Han, Quinn Sullivan falls for the recipient of her boyfriend’s donated heart. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, though, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost .Trade Review"Above all else, Things We Know By Heart explores the possibility of finding human connection through tragic loss. Couple that with Kirby's gift for detail and writing relatable characters and you get a not just a love story, but one with a ferocious pulse." -- John Corey Whaley, Printz Award-winning author of Where Things Come Back "This is hands down Jessi Kirby's best book to date. It's stunning and breathtaking, at turns heartbreaking and healing." -- Sarah Ockler, author of Twenty Boy Summer "The love story will hook readers-especially those who enjoyed John Green's The Fault in our Stars. This memorable romance will ring true with teens." -- School Library Journal "Well-rounded characters and the romantic tension of unrevealed secrets." -- Kirkus Reviews "Kirby's story is, at its core, a sweet, budding romance, set against the backdrop of family. [A] story of letting go and moving forward." -- Publishers Weekly "[A] sweet romance that grows organically." -- Unshelved.com "Kirby's writing is lush and emotional...[A] satisfying romance. Like Ockler's similarly themed and similarly enjoyable Twenty Boy Summer, this brings all the poignancy and sentiment that a genre fan could wish." -- BCCB "Kirby weaves a sweet romance in the same spirit as Susanne Colasanti and Lauren Barnholdt." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

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Book SynopsisThe real world is a hostile place for twelve-year-old Bren, his schooldays stalked by vicious bully, Shaun, and his family life fractured at home. Ever since his sister Evie died in an accident, Bren's only safe space is Furthermoor, an imagined world of mechanised trees and clockwork animals, where Evie is still alive. In Furthermoor, no one can hurt Bren...until the mysterious Featherly arrives. Now Bren is forced to confront his deepest fears and decide if his place in the real world is worth fighting for. Enter a world as vast and dark as your imagination, in this unforgettable coming-of-age story about courage, friendship and finding your voice.Trade ReviewSpellbinding * The i *Simpson is a compelling writer, his prose clear and muscular... Children of ten and upwards will find much within this involving work to transport them. * Literary Review *Older readers will enjoy this dark and intriguing tale * The Week Junior *A dark, imaginative and a mesmerising read. * A. M. Howell, author of The Garden of Lost Secrets *Absorbing, tense and poignant * Books for Keeps *

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Book SynopsisIn this reinvention of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, images by Caldecott medalist Ed Young and new text by Eleanor Coerr come together to inspire children of all ages.  In her novel Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, Eleanor Coerr told the moving story of Sadako and her brave struggle against leukemia, the “atom-bomb disease,” which she developed when she was twelve, just ten years after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. The novel became a classic, and when Sadako’s story was to be made into a film, Caldecott medalist Ed Young was asked to do the illustrations. With love and commitment, he created nearly 300 hauntingly beautiful pastels which bring to life the spirit of Sadako, her courage and her strength.A masterful collaboration that will attract many new friends for Sadako.—School Library JournalCoerr's condensed text succeeds in retaining the simple lyricism of the original, allowing the leukemia-stricken Sadako to emerge as a quietly courageous girl.—Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisA gently told and tenderly illustrated story for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon something inside him started to bother him. He felt nervous for no reason. Sometimes his stomach hurt. He had bad dreams. And he started to feel angry and do mean things, which got him in trouble. Then he met Ms. Maple, who helped him talk about the terrible thing that he had tried to forget. Now Sherman is feeling much better. Children who have witnessed violence or other traumatic incidents are at surprisingly greater risk for committing violence in the future than are children who have actually been involved in such events. The event might be a car accident, domestic or school violence, suicide, or a natural disaster such as a tornado, flood, or fire. Regardless of the type of incident, child witnesses often react by trying to forget or ignore the experience. When their feelings are pushed underground in this manner, these children may begin to feel bad in ways they don’t understand, and become angry as a result of feeling bad. It is this anger that can give way to violence. Caring adults can make all the difference by helping children talk about and understand the experience. An afterword by Sasha J. Mudlaff written for parents and other caregivers offers extensive suggestions for helping traumatized children, including a list of other sources that focus on specific events. Trade ReviewAn unqualified success. These illustrations serve the text extremely well, adding welcome touches of humor to the exposition of this very serious subject. * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisThis is a fun-filled read-together or read-alone book for young children that helps parents, carers and educators initiate honest, realistic conversations about the following topics: breaking down stereotypes that old people are boring and frail by introducing a strong matriarchal female role model who is fun and adventurous; breaking down taboos around death and grief; understanding different views about what happens after death and keeping people ''alive'' by remembering and celebrating their lives.

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Book SynopsisMerlin won? t go out. Not without his best friend Hobbs. Join Merlin as he goes on an adventure to learn how to say ? Goodbye Hobbs? .A story of what it means to love and lose a friend, and to find reasons to go for a walk again.

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Book SynopsisNOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING CHLOE GRACE MORETZ'Just listen,' Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.' I open my eyes wide now. I sit up as much as I can. And I listen.'Stay,' he says.Everybody has to make choices.Some might break you.For seventeen-year-old Mia, surrounded by a wonderful family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend decisions might seem tough, but they're all about a future full of music and love, a future that's brimming with hope. But life can change in an instant. A cold February morning . . . a snowy road . . . and suddenly all of Mia's choices are gone. Except one. As alone as she'll ever be, Mia must make the most difficult choice of all.Haunting, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, If I Stay will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you've lost - and all that might be.Includes interviews with the stars of the film, Chloe Moretz and Jamie Blackley.Trade ReviewThis sensitively written story of the power of love and loss presses all the right buttons . . . The intensity of feelings and tragic suddenness with which life changes will strike a chord with teenagers and the young at heart. Read it, as they say, and weep * Daily Mail *This is a wonderful, beautiful book; so gripping, so wise and oh, so heart-breakingly painfulA compulsive readThis is a haunting and heartbreaking novel reminiscent of The Lovely Bones . . . Impossible to put down * Bookseller *For the first few pages, If I Stay comes across like a light hearted story about a teenager, her love life and her kooky family, but from the moment Forman hits you with the devastatingly detached description of the aftermath of the crash, you know you've picked up something special * The Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisFrida Kahlo -- from inside a museum painting -- inspires twelve-year-old Lily LeRoy to use art to 'memorise' her dying sister and find a life she loves. Learning these lessons while becoming an artist herself, Lily negotiates a path through a terrible, blessed time and still find a life she loves. Ages 9 to 13 years.

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Book SynopsisThe 2015 SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner for the Atlantic region!Even under the most normal circumstances, high school can be a painful and confusing time. Unfortunately, Lilianna’s circumstances are anything but normal. Only a few people know what caused her sudden change from model student to the withdrawn pessimist she has become, but her situation isn’t about to get any better. When people begin coming down with a quick-spreading illness that doctors are unable to treat, Lil’s worst fears are realized. With her parents called away on business before the contagious outbreak—her father in Delaware covering the early stages of the disease and her mother in Hong Kong and unable to get a flight back to New Jersey—Lil’s town is hit by what soon becomes a widespread illness and fatal disaster. Now, she’s more alone than she’s been since the “incident” at her school months ago.With friends and neighbors dying all around her, Lil does everything she can just to survive. But as the disease rages on, so does an unexpected tension as Lil is torn between an old ex and a new romantic interest. Just when it all seems too much, the cause of her original trauma shows up at her door. In this thrilling debut from author Yvonne Ventresca, Lil must find a way to survive not only the outbreak and its real-life consequences, but also her own personal demons.The paperback edition will include bonus materials and a sample chapter from Yvonne Ventresca's upcoming YA novel, Black Flowers, White Lies.Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.Trade ReviewWinner of the 2015 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the Atlantic region Shortlisted for the West Australian Young Readers Book Award “The best novels are multi-layered, presenting the reader with new questions at every turn of the page. Pandemic is truly exceptional in that regard—its teen protagonist, Lily, is stuggling with a dark secret from her past, her first tentative romances, and a horrifying pandemic that throws her town into utter chaos. Ventresca’s debut novel will appeal to those who love realistic coming of age stories, romances, or disaster fiction. Bravo!” —Mike Mullin, award-winning author of the Ashfall trilogy “Yvonne Ventresca’s debut novel hits the ground running and never stops until the last page. This fast paced story about a teen who struggles to regain her sense of safety after an assault will have you reading well into the night. You’ll have to find out how Lil survives . . . alone . . . surrounded by death . . . and fearful her attacker will return at any moment. Pandemic is an exciting new addition to young adult books.” —C. Lee McKenzie, author of Sliding on the Edge and The Princess of Las Pulgas “A suspenseful, authentic, and emotional narrative makes Pandemic a gripping and powerful story. . . . Riveting and terrifyingly real with moments of hope that shine through when you least expect it, Pandemic is one that will stay with you long after you read the last page.” —Amalie Howard, author of the Alpha Goddess and Aquarathi series and the Riven Chronicles “As is to be expected in an apocalyptic novel, there is no shortage of tension or death and a few gruesomely dead bodies, but teen disaster fans will likely appreciate that the high schoolers are portrayed as good, helpful people, but certainly not perfect.” —Booklist “This is an engrossing apocalyptic story, told through Lil’s eyes and newsfeeds as her neighborhood, then the East Coast, and finally the entire U.S. buckles to its knees as the pandemic spreads. . . . Themes of friendship and coming together in a crisis carry the novel.” —School Library Journal “Ventresca just manages to take it to new and interesting places by making her main character one who is forced to deal with the emotional struggles of abuse in the midst of the end of the world.” —School Library Journal/Teen Librarian Toolbox “In her first novel, Ventresca pulls together three unrelated themes to create a medical thriller/romance. . . . This realistic page-turner will keep most readers enthralled.” —Kirkus Reviews “I can honestly say this is one of my favorite reads thus far this year and easily ranks in my top 25 favorite disaster novels. Yeah, it is that good. . . . It is obvious the author has done her homework.” —Survival Weekly “Pandemic is a fast and gripping story. . . . The plot never failed to impress me; there was always a surprise around the corner.” —Teen Ink “I love how the author spins her own unique twist into what might have been yet another deadly-disease-plague-that-kills-everyone story.” —YA Books Central “Pandemic is a win. I never put it down, and never wanted to. It terrified me, excited me, and moved me. It even threw in some swooniness and charm just for giggles.” —The YA Buzz “An intriguing story about emotional trauma, fear, danger, and the will to survive you won’t want to put down.” —KidsBookshelf.com “This book really speaks about the resiliency of the human spirit.” —Shelf Full of Books “The brilliance of this book lies in its simplicity, its crispness, its economy of detail, its characterization, and especially in its mastery of psychological horror.” —Boy Book of the Month Blog

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Book SynopsisThis title explains what grief is, the many forms it takes, and ways children can healthfully process and express it. The book includes easy-to-read text and vibrant photos, making it a great choice for beginning readers. It also includes a table of contents, picture glossary, and index. This Little Blue Readers book is at Level 2, aligned to reading levels of grades K-1 and interest levels of grades PreK-2.

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Book Synopsis

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