Resource Library

There are many books available on the subject of transition. Because we care, we are providing you with a review of books that we have, or that may be found in your local bookstore or library. If you have questions regarding these books or books in any specific area of grief, please give us a call. 

 Books and Videos for Children and Teens

The Fall of Freddy the Leaf
By Dr. Leo Buscaglia
A metaphorical story of life and death, and the changing seasons of life. Color photographs.

I Heard Your Mommy Died
By Mark Scirvani
Children ages two to six can relate to this book. Children know they can cry, be sad, play and remember Mommy. Their love never dies.

I Heard Your Daddy Died
By Mark Scirvani
Memories, keepsakes, and wearing Daddy's T-shirts for sleepshirts are all encouraged. Feelings are affirmed and children know they are loved.

Lifetimes
By Bryan Mellonie & Robert Ingpen
This book explains life and death in a beautiful and caring way, and it is directed towards younger children. Lifetimes tells about beginnings, endings, and the living in between, and the fact that dying is a part of living. Beautiful illustrations.

What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?
By Trevor Romain
When Trevor Romain's father died, he didn't know what to do, say or feel. He began writing about his experiences and feelings, and he talks directly to kids about death and how to cope. Full of concrete advice, comfort and reassurance.

Straight Talk About Death For Teenagers: How to Cope with Losing Someone You Love by Earl A. Grollman
Earl Grollman speaks directly to the hearts and minds of teenagers who are coping with the death of a family member or friend. Excellent advice and worldly wisdom from an author who understands both grief and teenagers.

When a Friend Dies
By Marilyn E. Gootman, Ed.D.
Directed towards teens, this book focuses on the specific emotions and turmoil they fell after losing a friend. Also, ideal for parents and teachers of grieving teens.

Aarvy Aardwark Finds Hope (Video)
Aarvy's family has all been taken far, far away, and Aarvy is full of despair and hopelessness. Ralphie Rabbit befriends Aarvy and helps him learn about the strengths within himself. Provides loving validation and helps a child heal and grow.

Standing Tall (Video)
Seven teenagers share their stories of dealing with a loved one's death. They tell how they heard the news, how they felt, and how they coped and moved on. Included in their stories: deaths of a grandfather, father, mother, brother, sister, cousin, and aunt. 

 Books and Videos for Adults

Living When a Loved One Has Died
by Earl A. Grollman
In this best-selling guide to coping with grief, easy-to-read meditations help us cope with denial, anger, loss, letting go, and moving on.

Remembering With Love
by E. Levang and S. Lise
These messages of hope are short, readable pages that affirm, support and teach about loss and love.

Helping the Grieving Student: A Guide for Teachers
by The Dougy Center
Discusses the grieving process that occurs in every age group from toddlers to teens. Each section lists common behaviors to expect and gives advice on helping each age group cope. Special focus is placed on helping school-aged children cope with death.

How Can I Help? by June Cerza Kolf
Author June Cerza Kolf offers expert advice on the grieving process. A hospice coordinator and bereavement director, Kolf shares real-life stories and walks readers through the grieving process, step-by-step.

When Parents Die: A Guide for Adults by Edward Myers
Explores, in detail, the emotional impact, such as depression, sibling conflict, guilt and even physical distress that a parent's death may cause.

Why Are the Casseroles Always Tuna? by Darcie D. Sims
A loving look at the lighter side of grief that affirms the normalcy of grief again and again through laughter as well as tears.

Help, Comfort and Hope After Losing Your Baby in Pregnancy or the First Year by Hannah Lothrop
Part One speaks to those who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, sudden infant death, or termination of pregnancy, and guides parents through the experience of bereavement. Part Two provides information for caregivers who are helping parents through this difficult time, such as funeral directors, ministers, hospital staff, and support group members. Insightful and warmly written.

Empty Cradle, Broken Heart by Deborah L. Davis
Comprehensive and sensitive book showing a wide range of experiences following the death of a baby and offering ways to cope.

After You Say Goodbye: When Someone You Love Dies of AIDS by Paul Kent Froman, PH.D.
Focuses on the unique problems and emotion that affect those left behind after someone has died of AIDS. Separate sections are devoted to dealing with the individual problems of parents, lovers, and friends as they deal with fear, anger, and discrimination.

Survivors of Suicide by Rita Robinson
No one is ever prepared for suicide, but this book can help both survivors, and the general public, acknowledge and cope with it.

How Will I Get Through the Holidays? by James E. Miller
This book helps bereaved people get through the emotionally charged holiday season while coping with the death of a loved one. Offers twelve ideas for navigating through such periods with many specific suggestions, and includes several thoughtful, time-honored quotations.

Heaven's Not a Crying Place (Book and video available) by Joey O'Connor
This book answers some tough questions that push parents out of their comfort zones. If our children are to develop a healthy understanding o life and death, we must be willing to answer their innocent questions about eternal matters.