When a Friend Dies: A Book for Teens About Grieving & Healing
Gootman, Marilyn E.
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Reviews
Amazon Editorial Review
Grade 6 Up–In this update of a 1994 publication, 16 short chapters deliver helpful information on subjects including: How can I stand the pain? How should I be acting? What is ‘normal’? What if I can’t handle my grief on my own? and How can I find a counselor or a therapist? Interspersed throughout the book, and placed over muted black-and-white photos of young adults from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, are quotes by teenagers who have experienced grief. The new illustrations make this edition more accessible than the earlier one. Quotes from well-known writers and philosophers give insight into the grieving process and healing. These statements allow readers to understand that they’re not alone. Other topics covered include guilt, anger, confusion, fear, and numbness; the information offered reassures readers that these are all valid emotions. This edition also addresses loss through violence. Scattered throughout are pages with backgrounds that look like cork bulletin boards, which have suggestions or questions pinned to them. This compassionate, user-friendly book lists pages of resources and suggested reading, and should be made available to teens.–Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
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Barnes & Noble Publisher Review
“Death is difficult for people of all ages, but it often hits teens especially hard because of their emotional volatility. This book gives voice to their feelings, explains why they have them and offers tips on how to work through the pain.”
—Youth Today
“Makes learning how to grieve as painless and soothing as possible. . . . Gootman’s non-preachy and compassionate book gently handles this sensitive topic.” —NEA Today
“A tool with compassion and genuine understanding with advice that a grieving teen needs. . . .This book should be on the shelf of any parent, teacher, counselor, or youth worker.”—Youthworker
“A great starting place for young people who are hurting.”—Voice of Youth Advocates
“The new illustrations make this edition more accessible than the earlier one . . . This compassionate, user-friendly book . . . should be made available to teens.” —School Library Journal
“This compassionate, user-friendly book lists pages of resources and suggested reading, and should be made available to teens.”—School Library Journal
Recommended Books for the Reluctant YA Reader–American Library Association
Books for the Teen Age–New York Public Library
Amazon Reader Review
This book reassures teens who have lost a friend that the “feelings” they are experiencing are normal and expected in the grief process. Dr. Gootman gets this message across in a compassionate manner. The book is short and easy-to-read. Its message is one of comfort and understanding. This book should be in the library of every youth minister and guidance counselor.