Loss

Children's Literature

Designed for use by teens, this excellent book defines and gives suggestions for dealing with the normal losses we feel as human beings. The teen years are a vulnerable time for emotional ups and downs. These are crucial years for learning to deal with life's inevitable changes, which frequently are ones of loss or significant changes—divorce, a friend or relative dying, moving, experiencing bad grades or not making the team. All are situations in which teens may need assistance in coping. The book is well written, using the concept that loss is normal and there are strategies for coping with it. The layout is particularly useful for teens who need points emphasized and repeated. Personal vignettes throughout of teens relaying their experiences are helpful in making the reader feel that others share the same feelings. There is a chapter about helping a friend who may be suffering a loss and there are resources for getting additional assistance. A perfect book for the school library. One in a series about "Life Matters." 2001, Capstone Press, . Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger