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death as metaphor
death as natural
books for teens
books for littles
books for kids
friend's death
pet's death
protagonist's death
grandfather's death
grandmother's death
suicide
extreme circumstance
brother's death
sister's death
mother's death
father's death
Clap When You Land, by Elizabeth Acevedo
Two teens, one from New York City, one from the Dominican Republic, discover a sisterhood when their father, who kept two families secret from each other, is killed in a plane crash.
Breath of the Giant, by Tom Aureille
Two sisters set out on a treacherous quest to vanquish a giant, capture his breath, and bring their mother back to life.
A Year to the Day, by Robin Benway
One year ago Leo's sister died in a car accident that he can't remember, and her boyfriend East isn't telling. Told in reverse chronolgy, this strking novel works its way through suspense, devastation, and heartbreak towards the inevitable truth.
Drowned City, by Don Brown
Brown's powerful graphic novel examines the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the deprivation of the aftermath. Using an arresting combination of clear-eyed narration and unflinching imagery he paints a harrowing picture of the suffering and death the infamous storm left in her wake.
Sylvester's Letter, by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Josh Cochran
Through a series of letters from Sylvester to his grandmother the reader comes to understand the true nature of her absence, and the depth of the love between the two.
The Infinite Questions of Dottie Bing, by Molly B. Burnham, with illustrations by Fanny Liem
Dottie's grandpa is visiting with a coffee can full of Dotte's grandma's ashes never out of his sight. Meanwhile Dottie is processing her own grief, dealing with a bully, and finding out what true friendship really is.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
Though many wouldn't think of this classic as a book about death, the caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly marks an unavoidable life transition with simple grace, in terms very young children can grasp and follow.
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender
The sudden death of King's older brother sets his family reeling, and unprepared to deal with the personal truths about king's identity. Intense, gripping, and unvarnished.
Kindling, by Traci Chee
This retelling of the Seven Samurai digs deep into questions of trauma, colonialism, violence, and loss. Gripping and mesmerizing.
Morning Sun in Wuhan, by Ying Chang Compestine
What was the pandemic of the century like at the start? This swift, gripping novel captures not only the uncertainty and panic when COVID first emerged in Wuhan, but also how a community banded together.
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle, by Leslie Connor
Mason Buttle's life is hard: he struggles with a profound learning disability, is tormented by bullies, and lost his only friend to a freak accident on his family farm. The local police have been asking Mason about it since it happened, and now that another friend is missing, they're back with more questions. But Mason is sweet and resilient and utterly inspirational.
Lalo Lespérance Never Forgot by Phillippe Diederich
Lalo struggles to remember things, especially the details surrounding the death of his father. The COVID lockdown means his mother, a nurse, is rarely home, giving him time to connect with his neighbors, explore his apartment building, and discover an old radio that just might hold the key to finding everything he's lost.
Bird is Dead, by Tiny Fisscher, illustrated by Herma Starreveld
With tenderness, curiosity, and humor, this spare and honest picture book explores death with a group of birds mourning the loss of a friend.
Dancing With Our Ancestors, by Sara Florence Davidson, illustrated by Janine Gibbons
In this tender picture book, Sara Florence Davidson transports readers to the excitement of a Haida potlatch in Hydaburg, Alaska and shares her last memory of dancing with her late brother.
Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs, by Tomie De Paola
De Paola's classic picture book tell's the author's own story growing up with his grandmother and great grandmother in his house, and feature's a young child's genuine response to the aging and death of dear family members.
Ferris, by Kate DiCamillo
Quiet loss permeates this typically resplendent Kate DiCamillo novel all about Ferris Winkley, and her quixotic, irrepressible family.
Funeral Songs for Dying Girls, by Cherie Dimaline
Winifred's life with her father at the crematorium is isolated and lonely, but when her night walks through the cemetary introduce her to a spirit as lonely as she is, she questions her dead mother's past, and her own future.
Dear Mr. G, by Christine Evans, illustrated by Gracey Zhang
A young boy and his elderly neighbor exchange letters as Mr. G moves from his home next door into assisted living and eventually dies.
Call Me Adnan, by Reem Faruqi
The only thing more important to Adnan Zakir than table tennis is his toddler brother, Riz, and when Riz drowns during the family trip to his national tournament, he struggles through his guilt and loss to pull his family (back) together.
Rez Ball, by Byron Graves
When Tre's brother Jaxson died he left huge shoes to fill as star player on the Red Lake Nation Reservation Basketball Team. Is he [;aying for his brother or for himself?
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not if but when
books for young people about death and loss
featured books
a categorized selection of books about death and lossbooks are available through the Whatcom County Library System, the Western Washington University Wilson Library, and at your local library or independent bookstore
All
death as metaphor
death as natural
books for teens
books for littles
books for kids
friend's death
pet's death
protagonist's death
grandfather's death
grandmother's death
suicide
extreme circumstance
brother's death
sister's death
mother's death
father's death
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