A Guide to Grief

October 1, 2024
Grades 5-8 Emphasizing that grief is not a feeling but a process, this guide helps tweens and early teens demystify this complex process. In a direct, conversational style, author and thanatologist (an expert in death, grief, and bereavement) Imperi distinguishes between a "deathloss" ("a loss of life," as in the death of someone like a family member or pet) and a "shadowloss" ("a loss in life," as in the death of something, signified by such things as divorce, a natural disaster, or changing schools). She expands on these topics by relating typical cognitive, physical, behavioral, and emotional signs of grief; highlighting the range of feelings one may experience; exploring religious and cultural traditions; and proposing strategies to manage one's grief energy and find meaning within it. Real-world grief stories from young people make the content more relatable, while chapter exercises and concluding journal prompts get readers involved in the grief process. Just the right blend of practical and beneficial, the book ends with extensive back matter, including information for caregivers, online resources, and reference books.

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September 1, 2024
Advice on coping with loss, from the death of a family member or a close friend to a beloved pet's demise to life-changing events such as divorce. Imperi, a chaplain and thanatologist ("someone who knows about death, dying, grief and loss"), uses her own terminology to distinguish between "deathloss" ("when a person or an animal we love dies") and "shadowloss" ("the death of something, not someone"). These categories make sense, but kids grieving the death of a loved one may find it difficult to wade through sections about other serious problems. Although the recent pandemic caused many actual deaths, this book describes Covid as a shadowloss, a disrupter of normal life. Imperi mentions a few religious traditions, but the book is primarily concerned with practical ideas and individual experiences. Specific thinking, writing, and creative exercises for moving through the grief process are included. She spotlights five diverse teens, along with their coping strategies for different types of loss; they appear to be composite portraits rather than real individuals. The black-and-white line illustrations and charts throughout will appeal to some, but the boxed affirmations on many pages may feel repetitive to others; the work overall feels a bit like an expanded magazine article. Still, patient readers will likely find guidance--and reassurance. Potentially useful insights for youngsters encountering loss. (grief journal, glossary, note for caregivers, resources, references, index)(Nonfiction. 11-14)

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October 1, 2024

Gr 5 Up-A tome for late elementary and middle grade children on processing and living with grief. Thanatologist Imperi provides tools to deal with shadowloss (experiences like moving to a new town or having parents divorce), as well as deathloss (death of a loved one). The focus is on living with grief and processing emotions instead of trying to 'fix' feelings or force a grief experience to look a specific way. There are also chapters to help navigate when a friend or an adult is grieving. Some of the content seems like it would be more applicable to an adult who is reading the book along with a young person, but it is integrated in a fairly accessible way. There is also a section for caretakers and a list of resources, including international hotlines. Jagoe's illustrations are limited and in black and white, but they do make use of creative fonts to maintain visual interest throughout the book. Artwork depicts children with a variety of gender identities, races, cultural backgrounds, and religions. VERDICT Recommended. This is an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive introduction to grief loss that gives some scientifically backed strategies to support young people, their friends, and families.-Shelby Hogle

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