Recommended Reading

There are numerous books about grief and dying at all major book stores and public libraries. Some are age specific and others are loss specific (i.e. loss of a spouse, parent, child, etc.) We encourage you to seek these resources and other grief articles if you feel the need.

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis wrote this book after the death of his wife. He goes through a myriad of emotions, questioning the role of God and his own religious beliefs.

On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler
On Kubler-Ross’s deathbed, she worked with friend David Kessler to compose a book that helps to understand the dying and grieving process.

Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert, Chuck DeKlyen and Taylor Bills 
Tear Soup is the story of Grandy, who has just suffered a big loss in her life. She blends emotions and memories into Tear Soup as a way to work thru the healing and grieving process.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: 20th Anniversary Edition by Leo Buscaglia 
As Freddie experiences the changing seasons along with his companion leaves, he learns about the delicate balance between life and death.

I Wasn’t Ready to Say Good-bye by Brook Noel and Pamela Blair 
The authors take a look at sudden death, tapping into their own histories and interviews with others. Through these experiences, grieving readers can learn how to survive and grow from the pain of a sudden loss.

Living with Grief by Hospice Foundation of America and Kenneth Doka 
In a discussion of the medical understanding of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, this book looks at the opportunities and challenges these diseases present to caregivers, hospice workers, and policy advocates, as well as discussing medical advances and the issues with quality of life.

Silent Grief: Miscarriage-Child Loss by Clara Hinton 
In Silent Grief, author Clara Hinton knows what she’s talking about. Experiencing the heartbreak of child loss firsthand, she tackles this universal tragedy by talking with women and men who have dealt with miscarriage.

Suggested Reading for Children/Teenagers

Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies by Janis Silverman
This art therapy and activity book encourages children who are coping with death to express in pictures what they’re feeling. Through sensitive exercises,the questions children may have are addressed.

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
This is a story of a young man who must deal with the death of his parents. His trials and tribulations with magic help him as he encounters death, grief and fear along with adventure.

Sad Isn’t Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss (Elf-Help Books for Kids) by Michaelene Mundy
This positive, life-affirming book was written to help children process grief in an honest and healthy way.

I Miss You: A First Look At Death by Pat Thomas
This book is directed at younger children, and works to help them understand that death is a natural things, and grief is a normal response.