These recommendations are based on books that I have in my personal library and have actually read and used in my work. If you feel there is a book that should be included, please e-mail me at
Diana@GriefGirlfriend.com and I will be happy to read it and consider it for inclusion.
Grief:
A Guide to Children and Grief by Miri Rossitto
This is a great e-book for education about how children grieve. I was pleasantly surprised to see additional information such as, "how to
create a safe place for your child to grieve," "age appropriate responses to grieving children," "healing through art" with sample project
instructions and "additional resources" which include books, videos and online resources. If you have a Kindle, I highly suggest getting this
book. You will definitely get your money's worth at $9.95 a download!
Good Grief by Granger E. Westberg
Short little readings and inspirational sayings that offer education and hope to someone who has suffered a loss.
Good Grief by Lolly Winston
A fictional story of a woman who navigates the grief journey after the sudden death of her husband.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
A true story of Joan's first year in grief after the sudden death of her husband.
A Little Book of Comfort by Anthony Guest
Short little readings that I have personally heard bring great comfort to someone who has suffered a loss.
Cancer and Death: A Love Story in Two Voices by Leah Vande Berg and Nick Trujillo
A true story of Leah's diagnosis of cancer, her struggle with the disease ending in her death and Nick's support, coping and
bereavement as he traveled this journey with his wife.
Where Are You? Coming to Terms with the Death of My Child by Karin Schilling
A true story of how Karin coped with losing her daughter.
How To Survive the Loss of a Child by Catherine M. Sanders
After suffering the loss of her child, Catherine wrote this book to provide suggestions on how to cope with this very difficult
loss and offer emotional support.
Grieving the Death of a Friend by Harold Ivan Smith
A book written to recognize this unique type of loss. In my humble opinion, any book by Harold Ivan Smith is worth reading.
Helping Grief at Work: 100 Practical Ideas After Your Workplace is Touched by Loss by Alan Wolfelt
The title says it all and again, in my humble opinion, any book for Dr. Wolfelt is a must read. See my links page to visit
Center for Loss and you will find a link to his bookstore providing a large range of resources for one who is suffering a loss.
Touched by Suicide: Hope and Healing After Loss by Michael F. Myers and Carla Fine
Provides advice for those affected by this tragic type of loss.
Children and Grief:
Talking About Death: A Dialogue between Parent and Child by Earl A. Grollman
A guide for adults and children to read together.
The Children Who Lived: Using Harry Potter and Other Fictional Characters to Help Grieving Children and Adolescents by Kathryn A. Markell
Sarah's Journey: One Child's Experience with the Death of Her Father by Alan Wolfelt
Provides advice for parents wanting to help their child deal with the loss of a parent.
The Dragonfly Door by John Adams
Uses the transitional life of a dragonfly to draw analogies to the human life and death cycle.
Saying Goodbye by Jim and Joan Boulden
Explains death in terms that young children can understand.
Sad Hug, Mad Hug, Happy Hug by Channing Bete Company
An illustrated leaflet that discusses the many feelings one can have after the loss of a grandmother.
When Someone Dies by Sharon Greenlee
A book that describes the life cycle with beautiful words and equally beautiful illustrations. One of my personal favorites!
Why Do People Die? by Cynthia MacGregor
Answers many questions that children may have about why someone died.
Jungle Journey: Grieving and Remembering Eleanor the Elephant by Barbara McIntyre
A story of loss and how the loved ones left behind, remember and celebrate a life. Another favorite of mine!
Sad Isn't Bad: A Good Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss by Michaelene Mundy
Let's children know that it's ok to feel sad and to cry. Promotes healthy grieving in children. Another favorite!
Badger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley
A story very similar to Jungle Journey with the theme of honoring and remembering those who have died. And yes - another favorite!
Heart Shaped Pickles by Karla Wheeler
A great story for everyone and anyone who is looking for symbolic connections with our loved ones who have died.
After the Funeral by Jane Loretta Winsch
Discusses the many different feelings one may experience after the death of a loved one.
After You Lose Someone You Love: Advice and Insight from the Diaries of Three Kids Who've Been There by Amy, Allie and David Dennison
A true story told from each their perspectives on what it was like to grieve the loss of their dad and how each family member
grieved differently. One of my most highly recommended books for children and teens. I can never keep this book on my shelf for long.
Pet Loss:
Saying Goodbye to the Pet You Love by Lorri A. Greene and Jacquelyn Landis
Helps people understand why they are grieving the way they are for the loss of their pet. I credit this book to the new understanding and
acceptance society seems to be having regarding the loss of a pet. I can't say enough about this book. If you have suffered a loss of a
pet, please get this book.
Goodbye Mousie by Robie Harris
A great guide to be read to children to help them understand death using the loss of a pet as a teachable moment.
The Best Cat in the World by Leslea Newman
Another great guide to helping a child understand death and the many feelings that are expressed in grief.
There is Eternal Life for Animals by Niki Behrikis Shanahan
This book will bring you comfort if you are seeking the answer to "Is my pet in heaven?"
When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan Wolfelt
Helps explain the grief process and lets one know that it's ok to grieve the loss of a pet.