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Death and Dying: Books for Older Children
Friend | General | Parent | Pet | Older Relative | Sibling | Terminally Ill
These books are recommended for parents to help older children cope with death and dying. Click on the title to see the catalog record. The book's call number follows the author's name.
Friend
Bridge to Terabithia by Paterson, Katherine J/NEWBERY SHELF/PATERSON
The life of a ten-year-old boy in rural Virginia expands when be becomes friends with a newcomer who subsequently meets an untimely death trying to reach their hideaway, Terabithia, during a storm. (128p)
I Had a Friend Named Peter by Janice Cohn J/155.9/COH
When Betsy learns about the death of a friend, her parents and kindergarten teacher answer questions about dying and funerals, and the burial process. (32p)
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer J/BAUER
When his best friend drowns while they are both swimming in a treacherous river that they had promised never to go near, Joel is devastated and terrified at having to tell both sets of parents the terrible consequences of their disobedience. (90p)Top of page
General
The Bravest Thing by Donna Napoli J/NAPOLI
Ten-year-old Laurel feels constantly reminded of the mortality of all living things: her pet rabbit's newborn babies die, her doctor tells her she may have scoliosis, and her aunt is diagnosed with cancer. (135p)
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages by Leo Buscaglia J/155.9/BUS
As Freddie experiences the changing seasons along with his companion leaves, he learns about the delicate balance between life and death. (32p)
The Kids' Book About Death & Dying by and for kids J/155.9/KIDS
Fourteen children offer facts and advice to give young readers a better understanding of death. (119p)
Let's Talk About Going to a Funeral by Marianne Johnston J/393.9/JOH
Gives an overview of what a funeral is, why our culture holds them, and what might happen at one. (24p)
Lifetimes: A Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie J/155.9/ME
Explains in a sensitive and caring manner that the death of a pet or someone special is a natural process. (40p)
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death by Laurene Brown J/155.9/BRO
Explains in simple language the feelings people may have regarding the death of a loved one and the ways to honor the memory of someone who has died. (32p)Top of page
Parent
Daddy's Climbing Tree by Carole Adler J/ADLER
Eleven-year-old Jessica refuses to believe the reality of her father's death when he is killed in a hit-and-run accident. (134p)
Flip-Flop Girl by Katherine Paterson J/PATERSON
Uprooted following the death of their father, nine-year-old Vinnie and her five-year-old brother, Mason, cope in different ways-one in silence-but both with the help of Lupe, the flip-flop girl. (120p)
Geranium Morning by Sandy Powell J/155.9/POW
Two friends who lose parents, one suddenly in an accident and one by illness, learn to deal with their grief. (38p)
How it Feels When a Parent Dies by Jill Krementz J/155.9/KRE
Eighteen young people ranging in age seven to sixteen discuss the questions, fears, and bereavement they experienced when one of their parents died. (110p)
Missing Pieces by Sandy Asher J/ASHER
Heather's sophomore year brings many changes, but it is the tragic death of her father that enables her to change her relationship with her mother. (136p)
Ronnie and Rosey by Judie Angell J/ANGELL
Just when things are looking up for thirteen-year-old Ronnie, her father dies, creating a void she and her mother have trouble filling. (223p)
Turtle on a Fence Post by June Wood J/WOOD
A grumpy old veteran with his own history of grief helps fourteen-year-old Delrita release the pent-up emotions she holds following the death of her parents. (264p)Top of page
Pet
Ada's Pal by George Lyon J/155.9/LYO
A small dog suffers from a broken heart when her dog companion dies until a veterinarian advises the family that there is only one thing to do. (unp)
Bimmi Finds a Cat by Elisabeth Stewart J/STEWART
An eight-year-old Creole boy on Galveston Islands grieves the death of his cat Crabmeat, but when another cat leads him to a new friend he starts to heal. (33p)
Grandfather's Laika by Mats Wahl E/WAHL
Grandpa and his grandson Matthew share their worries and overcome their grief together when Grandpa's dog becomes sick and dies. (32p)Top of page
Older Relative
Blackberries in the Dark by Mavis Jukes J/JUKES
Nine-year-old Austin visits his grandmother the summer after his grandfather dies and together they try to come to terms with their loss. (58p)
Cousins by Virginia Hamilton J/HAMILTON
Concerned that her grandmother may die, Cammy is unprepared for the accidental death of another relative. (125p)
Good-bye, Chicken Little by Betsy Byars J/BYARS
A boy discovers that he doesn't have to feel personally responsible for his uncle's drowning. (101p)
A House Full of Strangers by Emily Johnson J/JOHNSON
Flora, a young naturalist, finds solace in the woods near her home following the death of her grandmother and the arrival a large, noisy family of relatives. (128p)
The Remembering Box by Eth Clifford J/CLIFFORD
Nine-year-old Joshua's weekly visits to his beloved grandmother give him an understanding of love, family, and tradition which helps him accept her death. (70p)
Somewhere Just Beyond by Barbara Smith J/SMITH
Twelve-year-old Callie and her aunt return to Gram's farm and find her very sick, but when Callie remembers the special relationship they shared, she comes to realize that love can last beyond death. (86p)
Sun and Spoon by Kevin Henkes J/HENKES
After the death of his grandmother, ten-year-old Spoon observes the changes in his grandfather and tries to find the perfect artifact to preserve his memories of her.Top of page
Sibling
Beat the Turtle Drum by Constance Greene J/GREENE
A young girl learns to cope with her feelings about her sister's accidental death. (119p)
Belle Pruitt by Vera Cleaver J/CLEAVER
When her adored baby brother suddenly dies of pneumonia, eleven-year-old Belle is left to cope with the devastating effects on her family. (169p)
Getting Near to Baby by Audrey Couloumbis J/COULOUMBIS
Although thirteen-year-old Willa Jo and her Aunt Patty seem to be constantly at odds, staying with her and Uncle Hob helps Willa Jo and her younger sister come to terms with the death of their family's baby. (211p)
Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park J/PARK
Thirteen-year-old Phoebe recalls her younger brother Mick and his death in a bicycle accident. (89p)
A Summer to Die by Lois Lowry J/LOWRY
Thirteen-year-old Megs envies her sister's beauty and popularity. Her feelings don't make it easier for her to cope with Molly's strange illness and eventual death. (154p)
When I Die, Will I Get Better? by Joeri Breebaart J/155.9/BRE
A six-year-old boy tries to come to terms with the death of his younger brother by creating a story about rabbit brothers that closely parallels his own experiences. (32p)Top of page
Terminally Ill
A Begonia for Miss Applebaum by Paul Zindel J/RC NOM 1994/ZINDEL
Discovering that their beloved former teacher, Miss Applebaum is terminally ill, fifteen-year-old Henry and his friend Zelda accompany her on excursions to the colorful parts of New York City and join her in confronting death with quiet courage. (180p)
A Christmas Sonata by Gary Paulsen J/PAULSEN
When a little boy spends Christmas with his dying cousin, they discover that Santa really does exist. (76p)
Lanky Longlegs by Karin Lorentzen J/LORENTZEN
Nine-year-old Di, while busy taking care of her dog's first litter of puppies, must face, along with her parents, the knowledge, that her small brother will not live much longer. (90p)
One Green Leaf by Jean Ure J/URE
Four teenagers, inseparable friends for many years, try to deal with their conflicting, often devastating, emotions and fears when one of them becomes terminally ill. (185p)
Painting Sunsets with the Angels by Vann Wesson J/155.9/WES
With the help of an angel, David finds ways to bring comfort and peace to his sister so she can be happy again after his death. (unp)Top of page
