Coping with Death and Grief

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-- Heegaard presents occurrences of change and loss as aspects of everyday life before focusing on death, which is also a part of life. She speaks to children in a matter-of-fact, noncondescending way about physical death and the religious and ceremonial conventions through which humans say goodbye. Much of the book consists of informal case studies about children who are faced with the consequences of death. Grieving young people are reassured about their feelings and encouraged to express them; various outlets for their feelings are suggested. An excellent section discusses approaching others who are grieving. This wise book fills a need for this age group, and that it eschews heavy philosophizing makes it all the more useful. Black-and-white illustrations are multicultural in subject and quietly appropriate. --Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY