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

Book SynopsisA bold and brilliant novel about love, lies and redemption, from award-winning author, Jenny Valentine one of the greatest YA voices of her generation.Iris''s father, Ernest, is at the end of his life and she hasn''t even met him. Her best friend, Thurston, is somewhere on the other side of the world. Everything she thought she knew is up in flames.Now her mother has declared war and means to get her hands on Ernest''s priceless art collection. But Ernest has other ideas. There are things he wants Iris to know after he''s gone. And the truth has more than one way of coming to light.Trade ReviewPraise for Jenny Valentine: ‘Valentine has the essential storyteller's gift of making you want to read on – and to know more even after the book is finished.’ Guardian ‘The award-winning Valentine has a keen eye for the idiosyncrasies of young children, and the rhythms of family life.’ The Bookseller ‘[Valentine] has a wonderful ability to take readers right into the hearts and souls of her central characters, and reading her is always a truly vicarious experience.’ The Bookbag Praise for Fire Colour One: ‘A beautifully written story, soaked in love and important things.’ Steven Camden, author of TAPE. ‘This latest creation is her most spectacular yet.’ Guardian ‘[An] unforgettable story of grief and love.’ Metro ‘Wise, brilliantly plotted.’ The Sunday Times ‘Stunning. Rich in prose, with a profound depth to the characters and themes. Extremely moving.’ Sarah Lean, author of A DOG CALLED HOMELESS ‘One of the very best books I've read all year. I finished this and immediately turned back to the beginning again.’ Robin Stevens, author of MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE

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Book SynopsisSarah Dessen is one of America's most successful writers of teenage fiction. Her books have won various awards, many of them spending several weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. Sarah lives in the countryside in North Carolina with her husband, some lizards and two very spoilt dogs. This is her second novel for Puffin, following the brilliant Just Listen.Trade ReviewA compelling story and beautifully written. Give this to a teenage girl and don't expect to see her until the last page has turned -- (on Just Listen) * Time Out *A poignant coming-of-age story . . . this is perceptive and powerful storytelling -- (on Just Listen) * Big Issue *Dessen gracefully balances comedy with tragedy, and introduces a complex heroine worth getting to know -- (on The Truth About Forever) * Publishers Weekly *Sarah! I love all of your books, you've inspired me so much * MySpace user *I don't know how to explain how amazing your books are * MySpace user *A poignant coming-of-age story . . . this is perceptive and powerful storytelling -- (on Just Listen) * Big Issue *

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Book SynopsisDaisy''s mum is gone. Her dad refuses to talk about it. As far as Daisy''s concerned, it''s all her fault. As her life starts to spiral out of control, panic leads to tragedy and Daisy''s left alone.But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy - if she''ll only let herself be saved . . .A powerful and moving story linked to Phil Earle''s critically acclaimed debut book, Being Billy.Praise for Being Billy:''A wonderful book'' - Morris Gleitzman''Phil Earle writes starkly but sensitively in this brilliant page-turning novel. It moved me to tears'' - Jacqueline Wilson''This may be the most authoritative, honest and moving account of children trapped in the care system to date'' - Keith Gray, Scotsman''life-affirming, redemptive, and really just rather good'' - Marcus Sedgwick, Guardian''Moving and powerful, I loved it'' - Sophie McKenzie<Trade ReviewWith Being Billy and Saving Daisy, Phil Earle has put himself straight into the front rank of YA fiction. Few can touch him for intensity, and none for heart -- Anthony McGowan

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated, therapeutic picture book tells the story of Stan the Giraffe. Stan loves the sun and to feel its warmth on his long back; but one day it suddenly and unexpectedly falls from the sky and disappears from his life. Stan experiences many different and difficult emotions throughout the story, reflecting the seven stages of grief. The story aims to normalise these feelings, which for children and those around them, can be frightening.This storybook has been written to support key adults in helping bereaved children to find a way to cope, manage and make it through their grief.The resource Supporting Children through Bereavement and Loss has been written to accompany the storybook, providing information, guidance and ideas for anyone supporting a grieving child, in school or at home.Trade ReviewBereavement comes in all shapes and sizes and this beautifully illustrated story, can be accessed by all ages. It creates containment, allowing the thoughts and feelings of Stan’s loss to be explored, making the emotions of grief tangible. A great resource.Charlotte Kerr, Behaviour Practitioner.Due to increased waiting times and lack of outside agency support, pressure is being placed on schools to help children cope with what can be an upsetting and stressful world. Supporting with mental health is an area teachers often lack confidence in. These books and resources offer the starting point needed and enable teachers and teaching assistants to feel like this is an area they can support with. Beautifully illustrated and a pleasure to read. After years of searching I know there is nothing quite as good as this out there! Corrin Watson, Assistant Head Teacher and SENCO These wonderful stories are so easy for children to relate to, and understand the feelings and meanings shared. The resource books are ideal for helping children to explore their emotions, and for parents, carers and school staff to feel equipped to help them to do so. Gemma Oliver, Learning MentorThis book helps to explains loss in a beautiful way that children will be able to understand. A lovely read for such a hard subject. It removes the stigma and the recourse guide aids parents, carers and professionals from all areas to be able to tackle this and enable children to work through their pain. I can't recommend these books enough. Rosie Cottam, Child Psychotherapist Table of ContentsStorybook: When the Sun Fell Out of the Sky

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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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