Our thoughts are with those suffering in the wake of the tragic shooting in Newtown. Our Children's Librarians compiled the following list of titles to help children and parents during this difficult time.
What's Heaven? by Maria Shriver
After her great-grandmother's death, a young girl learns about heaven by asking her mother all kinds of questions
Coping with death of a family member by a local author
After his mother explains why his classmate is not returning to school, she teaches Chester Raccoon how to make a memory.
A family of forest animals learns to cope with the death of a loved one.
An inspirational journey to a place where earthly hurts are left behind
This is a book to understand death and remember those who have died. It talks about beginnings and endings and living in between. It tells about plants, animals and people. It tells that dying is as much a part of living as being born.
A man tells about all the emotions that accompany his sadness over the death of his son, and how he tries to cope
Relates the things that can frighten children and how these fears may be overcome
Pictures, dialogs, poems, and stories portray various emotions we all feel: jealousy, sadness, fear, anger, joy, love, and others
Mentions some of the bad things that happen in the world and presents some positive ways to respond to them
A look at emotions and behavior
Presents some of the common objects and situations that cause fear in children and provides advice on different things that they can do themselves to overcome their feelings of being afraid
Additional titles geared for older children
Describes different kinds of losses--losing possessions, competitions, health, trust, and the permanent loss because of death--and discusses how to handle these situations
A guide discussing worries and fears, understanding their causes and coping mechanisms
In addition, the following local organizations have resources to help:
Here are some helpful articles from the American Psychological Association:
Additional articles:
Advice from National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to Children about the Shooting
Advice from the National Association of School Psychologists: A National Tragedy- Helping Children Cope
US Department of Health and Human Services: Tips to talking to children and youth after traumatic events
Fred Rogers' advice from Family Communications: Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News
Advice from the Anti-Defamation League: Discussing Hate and Violence with your Children
Please consider including the following book on your reading list for grief support materials for children:
And Still They Bloom: A Family’s Journey of Loss and Healing
Written by Amy Rovere, Illustrated by Joel Spector
ISBN 978-160443-036-3, 8 x 10, 40 pages, ages 8–12
List price: $14.95.
All proceeds from the sale of this book directly benefit the American Cancer Society.
To purchase Amy’s book, please visit www.cancer.org/bookstore, call 800-227-2345, or visit your favorite local independent bookstore.
My sincere thanks,
Amy
AMY ROVERE is an award-winning author, editor, and textile artist living in Decatur. She serves on the editorial staff of the American Cancer Society’s Books Division, helping create books for patients and families who are coping with cancer. Amy is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. In 2012, And Still They Bloom won a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, USA Best Book Award, Mom’s Choice Award, and All-Media Contest. To learn more, visit www.amyrovere.com.
Please consider adding the following book to your resources list for grieving children:
And Still They Bloom: A Family's Journey of Loss and Healing. Written by Amy Rovere and Illustrated by Joel Spector. Published by the American Cancer Society in July 2012.
www.cancer.org/bookstore
Distributed by Independent Publishers Group
ISBN 9781604430363
Winner- Bronze Medal! 2012 Moonbeam Children's Book Award
Winner- Gold Medal! 2012 Mom's Choice Awards
Winner- USA Best BOOK News- Mind / Body / Spirit