Ostensibly a story of friendship, many of the lessons / observances are applicable to living through grief.
It reminded me of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull, but even more poignant and powerful.
Showing posts with label 12-16 years. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 12-16 years. Show all posts
The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy.
Ostensibly a story of friendship, many of the lessons / observances are applicable to living through grief.
It reminded me of Jonathan Livingstone Seagull, but even more poignant and powerful.
Finn by Katharine Jay Bacon
Finn by Katharine Jay Bacon. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1998.
Finn is the only survivor of a small plane crash which has killed his parents and younger sister. Finn's grief, shock and inability to articulate his emotions and memories, are manifested by him becoming mute. Finn moves to his grandmother's farm to live. The grief of his grandmother and Finn's sister's friend, Julia, is discussed, showing that grief is not limited in who it touches. Other dramatic situations occur, including Finn and Julia's accidental involvement with local drug dealers, and Finn's increasing involvement with a hybrid wolf. All three portraits of grief are realistically drawn. At the end of the novel Finn is ready to move on, he speaks and has finally let his memories of the crash to move to the end, and to remember all that happened.
Finn is the only survivor of a small plane crash which has killed his parents and younger sister. Finn's grief, shock and inability to articulate his emotions and memories, are manifested by him becoming mute. Finn moves to his grandmother's farm to live. The grief of his grandmother and Finn's sister's friend, Julia, is discussed, showing that grief is not limited in who it touches. Other dramatic situations occur, including Finn and Julia's accidental involvement with local drug dealers, and Finn's increasing involvement with a hybrid wolf. All three portraits of grief are realistically drawn. At the end of the novel Finn is ready to move on, he speaks and has finally let his memories of the crash to move to the end, and to remember all that happened.
Grief by Laurie Beckelman
Grief (Hot line series) by Laurie Beckelman. Crestwood House, 1995.
This book, using interviews with teens, discusses the reality of grief, detailing the emotional journey taken. It also contains a chapter on Staying healthy.
This book, using interviews with teens, discusses the reality of grief, detailing the emotional journey taken. It also contains a chapter on Staying healthy.
Tiger eyes by Judy Blume
Tiger eyes by Judy Blume. Piccolo, 1983.
15-year-old Davey's life is shattered when her father is murdered. As the first person on the scene Davey has vivid memories of the night but has no one to talk to about it. Davey's mother withdraws into herself, to the extent that she accepts the offer of her in-laws to stay with them. Thus begins a long road to acceptance for Davey and her family. Davey is helped along the way by Mr Ortiz, who is dying of cancer, and his son.
15-year-old Davey's life is shattered when her father is murdered. As the first person on the scene Davey has vivid memories of the night but has no one to talk to about it. Davey's mother withdraws into herself, to the extent that she accepts the offer of her in-laws to stay with them. Thus begins a long road to acceptance for Davey and her family. Davey is helped along the way by Mr Ortiz, who is dying of cancer, and his son.
A sudden silence by Eve Bunting
A sudden silence by Eve Bunting. Red Fox, 1991.
Jesse's brother, Bry, is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Jesse, who was with him, tries to remember the car in order to find the driver. Jesse feels guilty because he didn't save Bry by pushing him out of the way, he had yelled at Bry but Bry was deaf. Even when Jesse discovers the identity of the driver he doesn't feel any better, the pain is still there.
Jesse's brother, Bry, is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Jesse, who was with him, tries to remember the car in order to find the driver. Jesse feels guilty because he didn't save Bry by pushing him out of the way, he had yelled at Bry but Bry was deaf. Even when Jesse discovers the identity of the driver he doesn't feel any better, the pain is still there.
Tell me everything by Carolyn Coman
Tell me everything by Carolyn Coman. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1993.
Roz is now living with her uncle following the death of her mother in a climbing accident. Roz is withdrawn from reality. One of her connections with the world, which keeps her mainly sane, are the 'phone calls to Nate, the boy her mother died trying to save. Roz's Uncle Mike tries to help her, but Roz's only way to make sense of her mother's death involves finding Nate, whose 'phone number is now unlisted. Eventually Roz finds the answers and some peace.
Roz is now living with her uncle following the death of her mother in a climbing accident. Roz is withdrawn from reality. One of her connections with the world, which keeps her mainly sane, are the 'phone calls to Nate, the boy her mother died trying to save. Roz's Uncle Mike tries to help her, but Roz's only way to make sense of her mother's death involves finding Nate, whose 'phone number is now unlisted. Eventually Roz finds the answers and some peace.
Crazy lady by Jane Leslie Conly
Crazy lady! by Jane Leslie Conly. Laura Geringer, 1993.
Vernon's family is slowly recovering after the death of their mother. What Vernon misses the most is someone who believes in him and his intelligence. Each child has a special memory of their mother, while Vernon's father has distanced himself emotionally from the children. By the end of the book Vernon and his father are closer together, providing Vernon the emotional stability and support he needs.
Vernon's family is slowly recovering after the death of their mother. What Vernon misses the most is someone who believes in him and his intelligence. Each child has a special memory of their mother, while Vernon's father has distanced himself emotionally from the children. By the end of the book Vernon and his father are closer together, providing Vernon the emotional stability and support he needs.
Athletic shorts by Chris Crutcher
Athletic shorts: six short stories by Chris Crutcher. Greenwillow Books, 1991.
Two stories in this collection are follow-ups to two of the Crutcher novels included in this bibliography.
"Going fishing" develops the story of Lionel from Stotan!. Lion lost his family when he was 15, in a boating accident caused by a friend of his from school. Lion tells how his anger at the driver is all that has kept him going for three years. Lion's friend Elaine makes Lion see through his anger and begin to heal.
"In the time I get" develops the story of Louie, from Running loose, following his girlfriend's death. Louie's friend's nephew is dying from AIDS. Darren's condition worsens during the summer, and Louie's experience after Becky's death has enabled him to overcome his homophobia to support Darren in the end.
Two stories in this collection are follow-ups to two of the Crutcher novels included in this bibliography.
"Going fishing" develops the story of Lionel from Stotan!. Lion lost his family when he was 15, in a boating accident caused by a friend of his from school. Lion tells how his anger at the driver is all that has kept him going for three years. Lion's friend Elaine makes Lion see through his anger and begin to heal.
"In the time I get" develops the story of Louie, from Running loose, following his girlfriend's death. Louie's friend's nephew is dying from AIDS. Darren's condition worsens during the summer, and Louie's experience after Becky's death has enabled him to overcome his homophobia to support Darren in the end.
Chinese handcuffs by Chris Crutcher
Chinese handcuffs by Chris Crutcher. Greenwillow Books, 1989.
Dillon saw his brother, Preston, commit suicide and now struggles to keep going. He writes letters to Preston as he is the only one who understands what Dillon is going through. Dillon can't talk to his father, and his mother and little sister have moved away. Preston's girlfriend is dealing with her own problems, as is Dillon's best friend, Jen. Throughout this period Dillon comes to a sense of peace and moves on from his brother, although he still wishes Preston had the strength to stay.
Running loose by Chris Crutcher
Running loose by Chris Crutcher. Laurel-Leaf Books, 1983.
Louie is in his final year of high-school and life is going well, but a confrontation on the football field results in his dropping out of the team and a subsequent suspension from school. Louie's girlfriend, Becky, supports him through this time. Becky dies in a car accident, which adds to Louie's stress and he reacts badly at the funeral. Louie's grief is realistically drawn, and he is supported by his parents and Becky's father during this time. Some of the best advice offered is from Louie's boss, Dakota, who tells him that "the reason some things happen is just because they happen."
Louie is in his final year of high-school and life is going well, but a confrontation on the football field results in his dropping out of the team and a subsequent suspension from school. Louie's girlfriend, Becky, supports him through this time. Becky dies in a car accident, which adds to Louie's stress and he reacts badly at the funeral. Louie's grief is realistically drawn, and he is supported by his parents and Becky's father during this time. Some of the best advice offered is from Louie's boss, Dakota, who tells him that "the reason some things happen is just because they happen."
Stotan by Chris Crutcher
Stotan! by Chris Crutcher. Greenwillow Books 1986.
A story of the strong friendship between four 18-year-olds, following their senior year at high school and their swimming competitions. Told by Walk, the captain of the swim team, side issues mentioned are his relationships with girls, his brother and his parents. Jeff, one of the strongest members of the team, is suddenly struck down by an unnamed illness. Although Jeff is still alive at the end of the novel, it is one of the better works about anticipatory grief. Death is an issue for most of the team members: Nortie's brother had committed suicide 12 years earlier, due to their continual abuse by their father; Lion lives alone following the deaths of his parents and younger brother in a boating accident three years earlier. During Stotan Week, a training exercise, these stories come out and their grief is supported by their friends.
A story of the strong friendship between four 18-year-olds, following their senior year at high school and their swimming competitions. Told by Walk, the captain of the swim team, side issues mentioned are his relationships with girls, his brother and his parents. Jeff, one of the strongest members of the team, is suddenly struck down by an unnamed illness. Although Jeff is still alive at the end of the novel, it is one of the better works about anticipatory grief. Death is an issue for most of the team members: Nortie's brother had committed suicide 12 years earlier, due to their continual abuse by their father; Lion lives alone following the deaths of his parents and younger brother in a boating accident three years earlier. During Stotan Week, a training exercise, these stories come out and their grief is supported by their friends.
My brother has AIDS by Deborah Davis
My brother has AIDS by Deborah Davis. Atheneum, 1994.
Lacy's brother, Jack, comes home in the latter stages of AIDS. Lacy's life is subsequently turned upside down. Her parents do not want her to tell others about Jack's illness as her father has had difficulty accepting Jack's homosexuality. Jack's grief over the loss of his partner is realistically portrayed. Lacy presents a class health report on AIDS, with the support of her swim coach, who has also had a brother die of AIDS. Most of Lacy's friends rally around her and support her. Lacy fights to be part of Jack's last days as that's all she'll have of him.
Lacy's brother, Jack, comes home in the latter stages of AIDS. Lacy's life is subsequently turned upside down. Her parents do not want her to tell others about Jack's illness as her father has had difficulty accepting Jack's homosexuality. Jack's grief over the loss of his partner is realistically portrayed. Lacy presents a class health report on AIDS, with the support of her swim coach, who has also had a brother die of AIDS. Most of Lacy's friends rally around her and support her. Lacy fights to be part of Jack's last days as that's all she'll have of him.
Goodbye and keep cold by Jenny Davis
Goodbye and keep cold by Jenny Davis. Lions, 1989.
This book details Edda's and her family's response to her father's death in a mining accident. Many other issues are explored in the book including her father's extramarital affair and her mother's relationship with Henry John, who had set the explosive charges which accidentally killed Edda's father. The book is written as a memoir from an older Edda. Different coping mechanisms are explored in the book through the different characters.
This book details Edda's and her family's response to her father's death in a mining accident. Many other issues are explored in the book including her father's extramarital affair and her mother's relationship with Henry John, who had set the explosive charges which accidentally killed Edda's father. The book is written as a memoir from an older Edda. Different coping mechanisms are explored in the book through the different characters.
Sanctuary by Kate De Goldi
Sanctuary by Kate De Goldi. Puffin, 1996.
Catriona has hidden from her sister's death. As she blames herself for the death, she has buried the fact beneath her surface act of togetherness. But events spiral out of her control and her life falls apart, finally enabling her to grieve for her sister, and to connect with her mother. A difficult novel to read, it is told in flashbacks compiled by Catriona during her sessions with Miriam, her therapist.
Catriona has hidden from her sister's death. As she blames herself for the death, she has buried the fact beneath her surface act of togetherness. But events spiral out of her control and her life falls apart, finally enabling her to grieve for her sister, and to connect with her mother. A difficult novel to read, it is told in flashbacks compiled by Catriona during her sessions with Miriam, her therapist.
Straight talk about death and dying by Robert DiGiulio
Straight talk about death and dying by Robert DiGiulio. Facts on File, 1996.
A straightforward guide to attitudes towards death, and the passage through grief. Information on Knowing when to get help and Where to go for help are valuable additions. The grief felt by a partner in a homosexual, and therefore usually unacknowledged, relationship is explored, albeit briefly.
A straightforward guide to attitudes towards death, and the passage through grief. Information on Knowing when to get help and Where to go for help are valuable additions. The grief felt by a partner in a homosexual, and therefore usually unacknowledged, relationship is explored, albeit briefly.
When heroes die by Penny Raife Durant
When heroes die by Penny Raife Durant. Atheneum, 1992.
Gary's hero, his Uncle Rob is dying of AIDS, which Gary refuses to believe. However Rob's condition worsens and Gary has to face the fact that Rob won't be alive for much longer. Gary also has to accept the fact that Rob is gay, and then worry that he, too, is gay. Gary's mother and neighbours are very supportive and open throughout this period, enabling Gary to grieve in his own way. Rob's love for Gary, and Gary's for Rob, is unaffected by the realities of Rob's sexuality. Gary comes to learn that he can still be like Rob, that the best parts of Rob are unrelated to Rob's sexuality.
Gary's hero, his Uncle Rob is dying of AIDS, which Gary refuses to believe. However Rob's condition worsens and Gary has to face the fact that Rob won't be alive for much longer. Gary also has to accept the fact that Rob is gay, and then worry that he, too, is gay. Gary's mother and neighbours are very supportive and open throughout this period, enabling Gary to grieve in his own way. Rob's love for Gary, and Gary's for Rob, is unaffected by the realities of Rob's sexuality. Gary comes to learn that he can still be like Rob, that the best parts of Rob are unrelated to Rob's sexuality.
The borning room by Paul Fleischman
The borning room by Paul Fleischman. Harper Keypoint, 1991.
A short novel which beautifully depicts the life cycle and the rightful place of both birth and death within it. As Georgina lies in the borning room in 1918, preparing to die, she remembers the room's place in her life, begun in 1851. This includes the deaths of her Grandfather and Mother, although it is that of her mother which affects her deeply.
A short novel which beautifully depicts the life cycle and the rightful place of both birth and death within it. As Georgina lies in the borning room in 1918, preparing to die, she remembers the room's place in her life, begun in 1851. This includes the deaths of her Grandfather and Mother, although it is that of her mother which affects her deeply.
Lone wolf by Kristine L. Franklin
Lone wolf by Kristine L. Franklin. Candlewick Press, 1997.
Perry and his father live in virtual isolation in the woods after his mother left them following the death of Perry's little sister in a car accident. The novel shows how a family can fall apart after a death. Perry's father copes by cutting himself off physically and emotionally, and Perry follows his example. Perry's friendship with the new neighbour, Willow, and her family triggers his memories. He finally releases his grief over his sister's death, his mother's leaving, and his father's emotional distance and current physical absence. During this period his father is also coming to terms with his loss and becoming more open.
Perry and his father live in virtual isolation in the woods after his mother left them following the death of Perry's little sister in a car accident. The novel shows how a family can fall apart after a death. Perry's father copes by cutting himself off physically and emotionally, and Perry follows his example. Perry's friendship with the new neighbour, Willow, and her family triggers his memories. He finally releases his grief over his sister's death, his mother's leaving, and his father's emotional distance and current physical absence. During this period his father is also coming to terms with his loss and becoming more open.
When a friend dies by Marilyn E. Gootman
When a friend dies: a book about teens about grieving and healing by Marilyn E. Gootman, Free Spirit Publishing, 1994.
Simple, straightforward and concise chapters are designed for dipping into and reading quickly. The book includes quotes from teens who have lived through the experience. It also includes advice on finding a counsellor or therapist, and whether or not one is needed.
Simple, straightforward and concise chapters are designed for dipping into and reading quickly. The book includes quotes from teens who have lived through the experience. It also includes advice on finding a counsellor or therapist, and whether or not one is needed.
Shadow man by Cynthia Grant
Shadow man by Cynthia Grant. Atheneum, 1992.
Gabe McCloud dies in a car accident, he was driving drunk and not wearing a seatbelt. Each chapter is told by different people including: his brother; his father; his girlfriend; his ex-teacher; his uncle; there are also extracts from letters he had written for English. The book shows how a death can impact on a community. The beginnings of healing are shown in the end of the novel, with a link made between Gabe's father and his girlfriend.
Gabe McCloud dies in a car accident, he was driving drunk and not wearing a seatbelt. Each chapter is told by different people including: his brother; his father; his girlfriend; his ex-teacher; his uncle; there are also extracts from letters he had written for English. The book shows how a death can impact on a community. The beginnings of healing are shown in the end of the novel, with a link made between Gabe's father and his girlfriend.
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