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Book Suggestions

Click on a category below to view the list of suggested books.

Books in Spanish/Liebros en Español
  • Consuelanos, Dios Nuestro Bebe Murio
    A book of prayers for parents.
    -Centering Corporation Curando El Pesar
    General grief information.
    -Centering Corporation
  • Cuando Hola Significa Adios
    Miscarriage, Newborn Death, Stillbirth.
    -Centering Corporation
  • Los Ninos Murien Tambien
    For parents who have a child die. Talks about feelings, dealing with guilt and facing sadness. There are sections for other children and moving on.
    -Centering Corporation
  • Los Padres Tambien Sufren
    For fathers who have a child or small infant die.
    -Centering Corporation
  • No Tendremos Un Nuevo Bebé
    For children whose sibling dies before birth. Ages 5-9
    -Centering Corporation
Elementary School Suggestions
  • A Child Remembers Age 8-12. At last we’ve got something that meets the needs of this age group. There are pages for remembering favorite stories, favorite things of the person they lost and art pages. Other books by Enid Traisman include: Fire In My Heart, Ice In My Veins – a journal for grieving teens and I Remember, I Remember – a journal for the bereaved.
  • Don’t Despair on Thursdays! Grief is a serious experience for everyone, including children. After the loss of a relative, or a friend, or a pet, children may grieve much more intensely and much longer than many adults might suppose. Just because children are smaller than most adults does not mean that their grief is any smaller or less important than ours. The amount of grief a person feels cannot be determined by the weight, or the height, or the age of the griever.While children grieve, they need good information that can assist them in accepting the loss and dealing with the pain they feel. DON’T DESPAIR ON THURSDAYS! was written to help children understand how grief affects them and to offer ways by which they can cope with and finally overcome their emotional trauma. – Adolph Moser, Ed.D.
  • Getting Used to Candy Perfect for the surviving parent and the children who are beginning to move on and experience life again. Dad and Mom used to drive a beat-up old car named Vi. After Mom died Dad bought a bright red new car and started dating Debbie. The spunk girl in our story doesn’t like the new car named Candy and she doesn’t like Debbie either. You’ll cry then laugh at the wonderful outcome which recognizes the love both have for Mom and the need to create a new life. – Helen Landalf
  • How it Feels When a Parent Dies 18 children from age 7 – 17, speak openly of their experiences and feelings. As they speak we see them in photos with their surviving parent and with other family members, in the midst of their everyday lives. – J. Krementz
  • I Know I Made It Happen – a gentle book about feelings Deals with childhood guilt in a positive way. We look at feelings when there’s a family fight, a divorce, illness, injury and death. Gives kids support and understanding during crisis. Thoughts do not make bad things happen! -Lynn Bennett Blackburn
  • If Nathan Were Here If Nathan were here, we would meet in our tree fort. we would take the shortcut through the woods. we would try to splash each other in the puddles. In If Nathan Were Here, author Mary Bahr gently explores the grief of a young boy whose best friend has died. With the help of an understanding teacher, a kind neighbor, and an empathetic parent, the boy finds ways to give expression to his questions and sorrow and to reach out to someone else who needs him. Mary Bahr’s evocative text conveys a child’s grief with honesty and sensitivity, while Karen Jerome’s soft watercolors poignantly capture the tender nature of children’s friendships. – Mary Bahr
  • The Invisible String by Patrice Karst to which reminds us we are still connected to loved ones even when we are apart.
  • Lost and Found – Remembering a Sister Grandma said we lost Paige. My parents said she died.” A young girl wonders what her family will be like without Paige. She also wonders if she is still a sister. In the end she discovers that Paige will always be her sister and will always be a part of her family.
  • The Saddest Time – 3 stories Death of an Uncle. Michael knows that Uncle Joe was dying. Michael wished uncle Joe would get better but he knew it wouldn’t happen. Whenever he saw a kite flying high, he would remember his Uncle Joe. (2) Death of a Classmate. Teddy’s desk sat empty. The children remember all the great things Teddy did. (3) Death of a Grandmother. Emily’s family go to visit grandma at the hospital. Then they go to the funeral. When Emily makes cookies she always thinks of Grandma. – Norma Simon
  • Sibling Grief – After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Infant Death This helpful booklet explores the grief experienced by surviving brothers and sisters. Valuable coping tips for both parents and children. – Centering Corporation
  • Since My Brother Died Desde Que Murió Mi Hermano In this book, the child talks about how things are different since his brother died. ‘It was like a nightmare! There are so many feelings. Sometimes you feel sad and sometimes you feel normal. Mostly, you feel all mixed up.’ In the end, the child realizes his brother is still alive in his heart. -Marison Muñoz-Kiehne
  • Sunflowers & Rainbows for Tia – Saying good-bye to Daddy Parent Council Review: ‘This story is about a child whose father dies ad home. It follows the family from the night of the father’s death through the days following the funeral. The feelings of the child and the events surrounding her father’s death are realistically portrayed and caringly addressed. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the text is rich and descriptive. This is an excellent resource for families who are experiencing, or will soon experience, the death of a family member.’ -Alesia Alexander-Greene
  • The Healing Tree ‘Sammy couldn’t wait to go to Baba Marta’s house. Her grandma told such wonderful stories. They were stories that filled her with delight. But the story Baba told Sammy today was different. Sammy and Bab had been sitting on the old swing under the oak tree. Sammy noticed a long bare strip on the trunk of the tree where there was no bark. ‘Baba, what happened to this tree? Why is there a big scar running down the middle of it?” So begins the story of the healing tree. – Kathleen Maresh Hemery
  •  The Next Place An inspirational journey of light and hope to a place where earthly hurts are left behind. An uncomplicated journey of awe and wonder to a destination without barrier. Embrace the spirit of oneness. –Warren Hanson
  •  When Your Grandparent Dies Losing a grandparent is often a child’s first experience with grief. The ordeal can be as bewildering as it is painful. Explaining what happens from a child’s eye view, the little elves in this book depict the difficult days before, after, and beyond a grandparent’s death. They explore the meaning of death & heaven, as well as how to stay close in spirit with a grandparent who has died. With ideas for action and questions for discussion, this creative guide will help you help your grieving child to create comforting memories and find closure. 32 pages; 8″x8″; full color illustrations throughout. – Victoria Ryan
Especially for Men

  • Look in the Mirror, A Handbook for Widowers

    The author was a mess after his wife died. He encourages you to write in his book, argue any points, and take what you need on this journey. Covers single parenting, finance, your job, living alone and what to do with her things and more. – Ed Ames

     

  • Father Loss

    How sons of all ages come to terms with the deaths of their dads. The experience of losing a father – no matter when or how it occurs – tests the strength and resilience of a son. In the worst of circumstances, the loss can propel a son toward despondency; in the best, it can inspire him to a new appreciation of life and loves and move him with urgency to make the most of his remaining years. It is an extraordinary resource for anyone facing the death of a father, or still adjusting to such a loss that occurred years or even decades ago. – Neil Chethik

     

  • Healing A Father’s Grief

    Covers role problems, which include: Macho Man, Competitor, Protector, Provider, Problem Solver, Controller and then overcoming role problems. Many good suggestions. – Centering Corporation

     

  • Swallowed by a Snake

    Discover new and powerful ways to heal, how the genders differ in their healing, examples of successful and unique healing strategies. Also, ways the individual’s loss can impact the entire family. Acts as a “map” of grief for men or the women who love them.

Especially for Teenagers
  • Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide -Or Even Starts Talking About It

    Talks about the first days after a death and what you may feel, how to cope, popular misconceptions, returning to school, how you can help suicidal people, now and in the future. – Earl A. Grollman and Max Malikow

  • Straight Talk About Death for Teenagers: How to Cope with Losing Someone You Love

    This is the simple, direct style of Earl Grollman’s book for teens. From the first days, to after the death, to your future. – E. Grollman

  • When a Friend Dies – A Book for Teens about Grieving and Healing

    If you are grieving the death of a friend, do something for yourself. Take the time to read this book. It isn’t very long – there aren’t a lot of words – but you may find the help you need to cope with your sadness and begin to heal. The author has seen her own children suffer from the death of a friend, and she knows what teenagers go through when another teen ties. Let her genuine understanding, gentle advice, and compassionate wisdom guide you through the net few, days, weeks, or months. – Marilyn E. Grootman, Ed.D.

Families Helping Their Children
  • Helping Children Grieve and Grow
    An easy to read compassionate book about children, loss and grief. Topics include: Things Adults can say and Do to Help, how to talk to Children about Death, What Helps Children Bounce Back and much more.
    -Donna O’Toole with Jerry Cory
  • How Do We Tell the Children?
    Provides the straightforward, uncomplicated language that will explain the facts of death to children from two-years-old to teenagers and shows how to help children cope with their feelings of grief, fear and loss. Its commonsense approach is based on years of observation and conversations with thousands of parents and their toddlers, preschoolers, young children and adolescents, and it includes insights from numerous psychologists, psychiatrists, educators, and clergy. Also includes a special section on answers to questions about special situations such as accidents, suicide and sudden infant death. – Dan Schaefer and Christine Lyons
  • If Daddy Loved Me, Why Did He Leave Me?
    For parents and families caring for children after one parent has completed suicide. You will find a lot of information for parents and families about common feelings, questions and how to help the child.
  • Tear Soup
    A great book for the entire family to read together. A recipe for healing after loss. After Grandy suffers a loss she cooks up her own batch of tear soup. Give you a glimpse into Grandy’s life as she blends different ingredients into her own grief process. Full color illustrations throughout make this unique book valuable for family members to share. – Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen
  • The Fall of Freddie the Leaf
    ‘A story of life for all ages’ This is a story about how Freddie and his companion leaves change with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with winter’s snow. Both children and adults will be touched by this inspiring story of the cycle of life. – Leo Buscaglia, Ph.D.
     
  • When Someone You Know Has Been Killed
    An exceptional resource that speaks directly to youth suffering a traumatic loss. Photos are meaningful and contemporary, and information is concise and given in a tone teen will welcome. – Jay Schleifer
For Adults
  • A Gift of Hope – How We Survive Our Tragedies
    Tragedy is a part of life; it is a part of the human mystery which we all must face. This is a beautifully written book that will give you the understanding and the self-assurance to overcome the anger and the loneliness, the suffering and the pain of your own person travail: the loss of a loved one, the heartbreak of a handicapped child, a debilitating illness, an unwanted divorce, a severe financial setback. Here is a practical and inspirational guide to help you express your sorrow and begin the process of healing – to help you move from sadness to serenity, from fear to faith, and to find courage in your moment of crisis.
  • Dear Parent Letters to Bereaved Parents
    Letter to Bereaved Parents. A support group in book form. Parents and others say what they would tell a grieving parent. Friends walk with you and let you know that you are not alone.
    – Centering Corporation
     
  • Empty Arms – Coping with Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death
    The author covers all the feelings, fears and fantasies that come and adds a lot of easy to read and helpful information on physical reaction. There are practical suggestions and support for parents during this time.
    – Sherokee Ilse
     
  • Getting to the Other Side of Grief
    Whether you’re feeling alone, drowning under an ocean of emotions, or you’ve worked your way through the darkest nights of the soul and are not wondering how to get on with your life, you’ll find comfort and guidance from Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge, a clinical psychologist, and Robert De Bries, a pastor and professor. Both suffered the loss of a spouse at a relatively young age. Their empathy, valuable psychological insights, biblical observations, and male and female perspectives will help you experience grief in the healthiest, most complete way so you can move forward to embrace the new life that is waiting for you.
  • Healing and Growing Through Grief
    This booklet is a rainbow of hope for people grieving all kinds of losses. Its large print and colorful format welcome the reader in. Readers will learn to identify loss experiences, that grief is a unique and natural healing process, some common experiences of grieving persons, how to help themselves and others, and how, when and where to find help and support. -Donna O’Toole
  • More Than Surviving Caring for Yourself While You Grieve
    Talks about grieving in a healthy way. Grief affects us physically and we CAN do something about it. You honor your loved one by staying well and this will give you the information to take care of yourself. – Kelly Osmont
  • Remembering With Love
    Here is a poignant, insightful and inspirational collection of over 300 short pieces that are messages of hope to bereaved persons. They remind us that hope is possible while traveling the journey of grief.
    – E. Evang & S. Ilse
     
  • The Worst Loss
    A wise, well informed book that will help many on the difficult journey of healing after the death of a child. The book is written in a down to earth style. The stories of families are sensitively told so that the reader gathers hope and understanding from those who have bone before them.
    – Barbara Rosof
     
  • When A Lifemate Dies
    For that 50 contributors share how the loss of their life mate has affected their lives. By articulating often unspoken feelings and experience, the authors provide emotional support and comfort to others.
    -S. Heinlein, G. Brumett, & J. Tibbals
Pre-School and Early Elementary
  • I Heard Your Daddy Died
    Memories, keepsake and wearing Daddy’s T-shirts for sleep shirts are all encouraged. A companion set. Ages 3-7 – Mark Scrivan
     
  • I Heard Your Mommy Died
    You can use this book as a vehicle for talking about feelings and ways to cope with the death of a parent. Talks about the many changes that come and reassures the child that they are loved and will be taken care of. Ages 3-7 – Mark Scrivani
  • Lifetimes
    Outstanding illustrations provide a visual and safe way to begin explaining death to children. Can be used for very young children to explain the life cycles of living things. – Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen
  • The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
    Barney the cat was a beloved pet. When he died, Mom suggests they have a funeral. She also suggests the children think of ten good things about Barney. A wonderful story to explain the importance of saying goodbye.
    -Judith Viorst
  • This Book Is for All Kids, But Especially by Sister Libby
    Elizabeth Margaret Simon was born on Mother’s Day and named for her parents’ maternal grandmothers. Her brother, Jack, called her Libby. Libby was born with a rare disorder. Through she wasn’t expected to survive six months she lived three and a half years. When Libby died, five-year-old Jack struggled to understand. This book contains Jack’s words. They are painfully normal, typical of grieving kids. Yet he thought no one in the world could possibly know how he felt. – Jack Simon, age 5
     
  • What’s Heaven?
    Many children ask the question ‘What’s Heaven?’. And as adults we struggle for the right words to say. In this book, Kate, a little girl whose great grandma has died, seeks this answer. ‘You go to Heaven when your life here on earth is over. But no one who goes to Heaven is forgotten? Their friends and family always remember them.’ – Maria Shriver
  • When Dinosaurs Die – A Guide to Understanding Death
    A guide to understanding death. This fun and colorful guide helps dispel the mystery associated with death and provides answers to the most often asked questions. – Laurie Krasny Brown & Marc Brown
  • Dancing on the Moon
    Grown-ups know that when a very close friend or family members dies, a part of this stays with you forever. But how can you explain this to a child? A child who doesn’t yet understand the concept of death itself. A child’s journey to love. Tragedy turns five-year-old Carly’s world upside down. ‘In this moving, one-of-a-kind story, Carly takes action to get her. – Janice Roper
Sudden Death and Violence
  • Later Courtney: A Mother Says Goodbye
    The author’s daughter, Courtney, died at the age of 22 in an auto accident. By sharing her experience, grieving parents will find comfort and support for the difficult task of grieving the death of a child.
    – Susan Evans
  • Living with Grief After Sudden Loss
    Sudden loss, death without forewarning, understandably creates special problems for survivors. Here 21 nationally recognized experts in the field of trauma and grief guide readers to recognize elements of the role of effective helping related to all kids of sudden loss. Included are chapters on suicide, homicide, accident, heart attack, stroke, military deaths and much more.
    -Kenneth Doka
  • When a Child Has Been Murdered
    This important book discusses the specifics of murdered-child grief including emotions of grieving parents, the criminal justice system and how to help reconstruction of shattered lives.
    – Bonnie Hunt Conrad
Suicide
  • Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One
    While every related individual becomes a suicide survivor in their own way, there are common experiences of many. This book provides practical markers and insights garnered from those who have journeyed before.
    -Ann Smolin & John Guinan
     
  • No Time to Say Goodbye
    The author offers a strong helping hand and invaluable guidance to the thousands left behind each year because of a death by suicide. She writes with knowledge and compassion drawing on her own experience as well as those of others.
    – Carla Fine
     
  • Suicide of a Child
    For parents whose child has completed suicide. Goes into detail about victimization, social stigma, guilt, anger, history and recovery.
    -Adina Srobleski
     
  • This Is Survivable, When Someone You Love Completes Suicide
    The author found her husband after he completed suicide. With gentle repetition, she shares what to expect, how you may feel and that it is survivable.
    – Sondra Sexton-Jones

Additional Organizations to Consider

Stepping Stones of Hope is one of many organizations that help people after the loss of loved one. Below are additional organizations to consider contacting or being a part of as you navigate your grief journey: