People ask me from time to time about books on death and how to deal with this tragic event. Below is a list of some outstanding books on the delicate subject of death that should help your children deal with this most difficult subject.

This first book is so good that you won't want to put it down. I looked hard and long for a book that is uplifting and not sad and depressing. “Chicken Boy" , by Frances O'Roark Dowell, is not a story about death, even though this element is the vital part of the story. In reality, this is a story about life. Young Tobin McGuire is just starting 7th grade. His crazy granny brings him to school and drives onto the sidewalk alerting the police and everyone else in school. This isn't a great way to begin school - with his classmates making fun of him. When he enters his classroom late due to this embarrassing misadventure, he hears the sneers and chuckles he's become used to. He acts as if he doesn't care. But, he seems to slide deeper and deeper into his shell of disregard because that's how others seem to perceive him. Furthermore, his older brothers and sister that have gone to that school before have the reputation for getting into trouble. Teachers are already anticipating Tobin's disconnection in class. And the classmates attempt to make fun of everything about him, including the way he acts and the clothes he wears.

But his life changes when he suddenly, and quite by surprise, stands up to the biggest bully in the school. The bully makes fun of a teacher in front of his classmates and for the first time in Tobin's life, he becomes courageous. He lashes out to stop the show the bully was performing and nearly gets beat-up. The only thing that saves him is a classmate that grabs the bully and pulls him off Tobin. Tobin has suddenly discovered a friend. Henry isn't just any friend. He's a true and trusted friend that is about to help teach Tobin how to live and enjoy his life.

Tobin is a very unhappy boy who lost his mom to cancer a few years ago and he, along with his family, still suffer from this great loss. As you read about the lack of food in his house, you discover that they have become dysfunctional and seem unable to perform even simple household duties. Tobin's new friend is about to cause a ripple effect in Tobin's life, and thereby affect his family and their living standards. You see, Henry raises chickens. Not just any kind of chickens, but very special kinds that lay quality eggs providing him, along with his little brother a livelihood. Henry believes that these chickens have not only hearts and souls, but brains. Tobin is about to discover not only a lot about raising these birds, but learning a lot about himself in the process.

This book is NOT a heart wrenching story like so many stories that center around the death of a loved one. It is, instead, a celebration of life, of love and believing in one's own ability to make things happen. The story is told through Tobin's eyes which makes him a very endearing soul. You'll find yourself becoming attached to this lonely waif and cheering him on as he becomes more confident, believing in himself and moving on after the death of his mother. It's beautifully written and the flow of action and character study is steady. I especially enjoyed the many allegories and analogies written throughout, such as “…the shiny new neighborhoods that kept sprouting up around my part of town like fields of mushrooms after a big rain.” I'm very surprised this book didn't make it as a Newbery contender! It is perfect for ages 10 through adult!

“What is goodbye?" , by Nikki Grimes, is a poetic story told between two siblings concerning the death of their brother. There's a progression of time where this brother and sister deal with the onset of the death to the next year. You'll come away with a better understanding of how children react and deal with a close relative's death. This book would be an excellent open book discussion to help kids cope. The wonderful illustrations, by Raul Colon, reflect the deep underlying words on the opposite page. This is excellent for all ages!

“Old Coyote" , by Nancy Wood, and beautifully illustrated by Max Graffe, is a simple tale about growing old and enjoying the last days on earth. Old Coyote reflects happily back on his long life before moving on to the next. This is a nice picture book helping youngsters get used to the idea of the older generation moving on.

“Always and Forever" , by Alan Durant and nicely illustrated by Debi Gliori, has different animals dealing with the death of their friend, Fox. Here is another simple picture book to help little ones cope with the loss of a loved one.