Some human experiences are universal, and one of those experiences is grief. Whoever you are, and whatever else happens in your life, at some point, you will live through the death of someone you love and care about, and the pain that goes with it. Despite the fact that everyone feels grief at some point in their life, it can be one of the most isolating experiences that anyone can go through. Other people are often unsure of what to say, and grief can invoke such strong feelings that it makes many people feel uncomfortable, despite the fact that we all live through it at some point. Fortunately, because of the universal nature of grief, there are hundreds of writers who have explored the topic, in a variety of different ways, in books about grief.
I totally agree with what you wrote about wanting to read books by people who were dealing with the same thing. I actually found your blog when looking for writing by others who had lost both parents much earlier than expected- in my case my dad 2 years ago (expected, cancer) and my mother just before Christmas (a shock, brain haemorrhage). Your writing has been really helpful to read, especially as a fellow only child. So thank you!xx
books for dealing with death
It provides excellent advice on what you or your loved ones may want, need, or even think about when it comes to dying. Touching on many of the versatile topics within death and dying of grief, communication, and what you can expect physically, Tisdale discusses taboo topics with grace and wit. Certainly a book worth reading for all Future corpses!
Another book written by an author who has had significant experience with hospice; this book, much like several of the others, provides insight into how we perceive the death and dying process. It interweaves stories about other cultural traditions and literature to science and religion.
There are certainly many books that cover various topics around death and dying. This list is certainly not exhaustive. However, if you are looking for books that focus on death and dying in general, this is a good place to start.
Dr. Novak spent several years consulting with prison systems, training them in dealing with aging inmates, how to recognize neurocognitive disease in aging inmates and ultimately putting hospice units in prison facilities. Within these units, she trained inmates in how to care for each other and prison administration and health care workers how to run a successful hospice program.
6. Ida, Always by Caron Levis shares the beautiful story of two city zoo polar bears, Gus and Ida, and their feelings when Ida becomes sick with an illness that cannot be healed and later dies. It beautifully explores the turbulent range of emotions felt when a loved one becomes terminally ill, with a focus on making the most of the time we have left with sick loved ones. This is one of the most poignant books about love and loss I have read.
I am such a huge fan of using books to open or continue discussion with kids about difficult topics. Given how overwhelming and confusing the experience of death can be for a child, each of these thoughtfully composed books deserves a place on our home bookshelves.
Fatherloss: How Sons of All Ages Come to Terms with the Deaths of Their Dads by Neil Chethik, 2000 (paperback, Sept. 2001) This book contains information on: how a son can prepare for his loss; coping immediately following the death; a woman's role in helping men through it; and the different ways men grieve.
by Pat Thomas; illustrated by Lesley HarkerWritten by a therapist, this book lays out the facts about both the physical realities and emotional complexities of death with candid, true-to-life examples.
These resources can be used when explaining death to young children or to help them grieve. Most of the links from the book titles below will lead you to Amazon.com, where you can learn more about the book, read reviews about it, and order it if you'd like. Most of these books can be purchased through other book sellers, as well, or found at your local library.
What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? by Trevor Romain, 1999. The author talks directly to kids about what death means and how to cope. He describes and discusses the overwhelming emotions involved in grieving-sadness, fear, anger, guilt- and offers practical strategies for dealing with them.
Why Did You Die? by Erica Leeuwenburgh and Ellen Goldring. When a loved one dies, children are faced with a kaleidoscope of feelings, thoughts, myths, and questions. This book will help children, parents and other adults communicate about death and the grieving process.
Mama's Going To Heaven Soon by Kathe Martin Copeland (Author), Elissa Hudson (Illustrator) (Illustrator), 2005. A compassionate story to assist young children and their caregivers deal with the impending death of a parent.
Bare Books (Several sizes of blank books with covers to color or covers to design. Also lineguides, plastic book covers, plastic crayons, etc.) Publisher: Treetop Publishing, PO Box 085567, Racine WI 53408 Phone: 1-414-884-05011-414-884-0501
Homemade Books to Help Kids Cope by Robert Ziegler, MD (How-to Techniques and instructions to make personalized story books to help children deal with loss & trauma) Compassion Books, 1-704-675-96701-704-675-9670
Joan Didion's very personal account of the year following the death of her husband and then her daughter is one of the most well-known books on grief. Didion's raw, honest writing will connect with anyone who has ever lost a loved one.
Rowling has said that death is a major theme in the popular fantasy series. Throughout the books, Harry struggles to come to terms with the loss of his parents while other characters, like Lord Voldemort, seek to conquer death itself. The books teach us that love allows us to keep the people we care about close.
A novel about two boys coping with the sudden death of their mother. Max Porter's book is playful with language and form but serious about the subject of loss. Original, evocative and powerful this book combines beauty and pain in a way anyone who has lost a loved one will recognise.
If you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, find practical and emotional support with our information for bereaved family and friends. We also have further recommended books on grief and grieving as well as books on grief for children.
Aware their grandmother is gravely ill, four siblings make a pact to keep death from taking her away. But Death does arrive all the same, as it must. He comes gently, naturally. And he comes with enough time to share a story with the children that helps them to realize the value of loss to life and the importance of being able to say goodbye.
Explaining the topic of death in a way that is honest, lightly philosophical and with gentle humor, this enchanting book has been translated into multiple languages, adapted into an animated movie and short film and performed on stages worldwide.
This tender exploration of loss illuminates the sustaining power of kindness, empathy, and friendship. It will resonate with anyone who has experienced hardship or grief, from the death of a loved one or a pet, to the transition to a new home, family situation, or learning environment. It is especially comforting during this time of social distancing and the uncertainty around what the future holds, sensitively demonstrating that we are stronger together.
Here is a list of ten picture books that address a wide range and variety of emotions that young readers may experience when faced with serious illness, loss, grief, or trauma. Though these books may not provide all the answers an affected child seeks, they may be able to offer sympathy, a reminder of love and support, and some relief from the weight of confusion and uncertainty.
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is a warm and thought-provoking story and both children and adults will be deeply touched by this inspiring book. This 20th anniversary edition of this beloved classic has helped thousands of people come to grips with life and death.
This list of kids books on dealing with cancer, loss, grief and trauma was curated by Gi Hallmark. Follow along with our Picture Books and Social Graces categories to discover more great books just like the books in this list.
Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first identified the five stages of grief in her 1969 book Death and Dying. Later, she co-authored On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief through the Five Stages of Loss with David Kressler, an expert on death and grieving. Their explanations of the stages of grief are widely accepted and taught throughout the world. Initially, they explained five stages of grief, but more recently, David Kressler has discussed an additional two stages (* denotes the additional two stages). They are as follows:
Children will often imitate the grieving behavior of their parents. It is important to show your emotions as it reassures children that feeling sad or upset is okay. However, reacting explosively or uncontrollably teaches your child unhealthy ways of dealing with grief.
Dad Suggests is the home of fatherly thoughts on kids books, board games, and more. We share the things we love to do with our own family in the hopes that you and your family find something new to enjoy.
A poignant and beautiful debut novel explores a man's quest to unravel the mystery of his wife's death with the help of the only witness -- their Rhodesian ridgeback, Lorelei.PreviewBookshop.orgAmazonThe books I picked & whyShepherd is reader supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our website. Thisis how we fund this project for readers and authors (learn more). 2ff7e9595c
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