The copper tree by Hilary Robinson & Mandy Stanley.

The copper tree by Hilary Robinson, illustrated by Mandy Stanley. Strauss House 2012. 

A simple yet effective story about a young class remembering their teacher after her death. 

The importance of memories is highlighted, with a visual reminder of Miss Evans.

Cloud boy by Marcia Williams.

Cloud boy by Marcia Williams. Walker Books 2019. 

Anger often comes out when grieving, something that is vividly - and so really - depicted in this novel. 

Angie, the first person narrator in this diary format story, runs the gamut of emotions as her best friend and nearly-twin, Harry gradually succumbs to illness. (Although not stated, it seems to be a brain tumour.) 

Threaded through their story is that of Angie's great-grandmother and her time spent in Changi prison during World War Two, in the Japanese occupation of Singapore. 

Caterpillar summer by Gillian McDunn.

Caterpillar summer by Gillian McDunn. Bloomsbury Children’s Books 2019. 

A story not so much about current grief, but that of a family trying to make it after the death of their father. And a child growing-up too fast, and wanting to just be a kid, sometimes. 

It is a story of forgiveness and family. One of growing up, and of being a kid. 

It is a story of strength - quiet or otherwise.  

An island of our own by Sally Nicholls.

An island of our own by Sally Nicholls. Scholastic 2019. 

In the aftermath of death, what happens? 

Holly and Davey's parents have both died - their mother a year before the book begins. 

In that year, Holly has been growing up and helping care for her younger brother, Davey. While their older brother is their legal guardian and carer, doing everything he can to hold the family together - at 19. 

An adventure and treasure hunt, only tangentially about grief. But a lot about coping in the aftermath. 

That summer by Tony Johnston & Barry Moser.

That summer by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Barry Moser. Harcourt 2002. 

I have read a lot of death books over the years, and some affect me more than others. This one got me in the tear ducts.

The story of a family, told by a big brother, as they say their extended goodbyes to Joey. Joey’s death comes after a summer of ailing, of preparation, of tears, and of memories – old and nearly created.

So long, Grandpa by Elfie Donnelly

So long, Grandpa by Elfie Donnelly, translated by Anthea Bell. Crown Publishers, 1981.

This is the story of ten-year-old Michael and his close relationship with his Grandpa, who is dying of liver cancer. The story is now rather dated in tone, but it contains some timeless truths. Michael's mother tries to keep Michael and his older sister, Linda, out of the situation but Michael wants to be included and to spend time with his grandfather. The main truth, taught by Grandpa, is [Grandpa] isn't really dead, not as long as someone is still thinking of him. 

Beyond the rainbow by Christine Marion Fraser

Beyond the rainbow by Christine Marion Fraser. Lions, 1994.

Kirsty and Jean meet in hospital while they are both receiving treatment for cancer. Once they are in remission they spend a holiday together on Jean's home island of Sanda, however Jean's cancer reappears. Once home, Kirsty's regular check-up shows that she, too, is out of remission. Kirsty pulls through this new set-back, but Jean doesn't make it.

Two weeks with the Queen by Morris Gleitzman

Two weeks with the Queen by Morris Gleitzman. Pan, 1990.

Colin's little brother, Luke, is diagnosed with cancer. In their grief and shock the boy's parents send Colin to his aunt and uncle in England, while telling him little about the diagnosis. Colin convinces himself that the Queen's doctor will be able to cure Luke and sets about contacting the Queen in order to find the best doctor in the world. Numerous comic interludes occur while Colin pursues his quest. While doing so Colin befriends Ted whose partner, Griff, is dying of AIDS. Colin becomes part of Griff's last days, supporting both Griff and Ted. Through this experience Colin knows he has to be with Luke during his last days. Colin's magical thinking is all too real and he and Ted's grief, while downplayed, is powerful.

Thunderwith by Libby Hathorn

Thunderwith by Libby Hathorn. Little, Brown and Company, 1991.

Lara goes to live with her father, whom she can barely remember, after the death of her mother. Lara has to adjust to a different lifestyle, one with a hostile stepmother and little half-siblings. Lara's passage is made easier by the existence of Thunderwith, a dingo-looking dog. When Thunderwith is shot and dies, Lara can feel the presence of her mother closer than before, comforting her. 

You shouldn't have to say good-bye by Patricia Hermes

You shouldn't have to say good-bye by Patricia Hermes. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1982.

Sarah's mother is diagnosed with incurable melanoma. The only factor in the book which dates it, and sets it apart from the New Zealand experience, is Sarah's unfamiliarity with melanoma. Sarah goes through most of the stages of anticipatory grief, including denial. Sarah's mother dies late Christmas Eve, at home, with Sarah and her father present. Sarah's mother leaves Sarah a notebook with everything she felt Sarah needed to know.  

Fifteen plus and sunburnt by Vince Jones

Fifteen plus and sunburnt by Vince Jones, Vince. Longman Cheshire, 1993.

David is diagnosed with melanoma soon after the death of his friend, Gary, from the same disease. More than this issue is dealt with, as David is trying to decide his future and career. Gary's friends had distanced themselves from Gary, as his illness progressed, which is realistically shown. David's cancer is diagnosed and treated in time. Gary's situation was far more difficult and results in legal action, taken by Gary's mother, against the doctors.

Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird by Jean Little

Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird by Jean Little. Viking Kestrel, 1984.

Jeremy's father is dying of cancer. Jeremy wants to spend time with his father but someone else always intrudes.  Eventually Jeremy's father is hospitalised and dies. Jeremy tries to be responsible, as the oldest of the two children, but finds it hard. Jeremy needs to cry but feels he is too old. Jeremy and his sister, Sarah, fight as a way to relieve their grief. In order to live within their diminished means, the family moves into an apartment building. The building is managed by the grandfather of one of Jeremy's father's former students, Tess, with whom Jeremy is building a friendship. The growing friendship with Tess and her grandfather helps Jeremy work through his grief, as does the realisation of what his mother has lost.

A summer to die by Lois Lowry

A summer to die by Lois Lowry. Laurel Leaf, 1977.

This book details sisters', Meg and Molly, relationship. Molly is beautiful and popular, while Meg is shy and sees herself as plain looking. One night everything changes when Molly is rushed to hospital. The book then follows the family's life as Molly's condition worsens and she eventually dies. Meg's friendship with her neighbours sustains her, especially the birth of Ben and Maria's baby. Some aspects of the book betrays its age, but the timeless message more than compensates. 

There are two kinds of terrible by Peggy Mann

There are two kinds of terrible by Peggy Mann. Doubleday, 1977. 

Robbie has had a terrible summer after breaking his arm, but that kind of terrible is nothing compared to when his mother goes into hospital for tests and never returns. Robbie and his father have not had a close relationship and now have to form a close working relationship. Robbie's grief is realistically drawn, as is his father's, as they move into protective shells. Robbie begins to establish a relationship when he realises that his father has had 20 years of memories to grieve for, and a marital relationship he has lost. 

On the wings of a butterfly by Marilyn Maple

On the wings of a butterfly:  a story about life and death by Marilyn Maple, illustrated by Sandy Haight. Parenting Press, 1992.

Lisa is dying of cancer and finds comfort and support in her friendship with Sonya, a caterpillar about to turn into a butterfly. The two of them explore their unknown futures together. Lisa's parents comfort her on her journey towards death. Surrounded by her family Lisa dies soon after Sonya emerges from her chrysalis. Once Lisa dies she finds Sonya and travels on Sonya's wings to say goodbye to her family and special friends. This book is based upon the Mexican belief that monarch butterflies carry the spirits of those whose souls have taken wings.

Mullaway by Bron Nicholls

Mullaway by Bron Nicholls. Penguin Books, 1986.

This book follows a year in Mull's life, in which her mother becomes ill and is bedridden, is hospitalised and then dies of cancer. Mull, at 16-years-old, takes over running the family, but this has its ups-and-downs. Her father and youngest brother are heavily involved in a Christian fundamentalist church, which Mull and her older brother, Steven, do not agree with. As her mother comes closer to death, Mull's father becomes more involved in the parenting of the family, eventually taking over after the death, and Mull's breakdown over all the work and expectations placed upon her. 

Emma says goodbye by Carolyn Nystrom

Emma says goodbye: a child's guide: bereavement by Carolyn Nystrom, illustrated by Annabel Large. Lion, 1990.

Emma and her Auntie Sue have always been good friends, but now Auntie Sue is dying of cancer. Auntie Sue's chemotherapy works for a while, but soon she relapses. Emma finally acknowledges that Auntie Sue is going to die, and talks to Auntie Sue about her death, and her anger at God and everything that has made Auntie Sue sick. She also tells her she loves her.  Auntie Sue's family is all around her when she dies at home. Emma works through her grief and memorialises Auntie Sue in the quilt she and Auntie Sue were making together. A solid Christian introduction to bereavement. 

Remembering my brother by Ginny Perkins

Remembering my brother by Ginny Perkins, photographs by Leon Morris. A. & C. Black, 1996.

Greg remembers his older brother Chris and shares those memories with the reader. Greg's family still miss Chris, and include Chris' memory in a lot of their activities, years after his death.  Those who grieve for Chris include his teachers and friends and fellow classmates. Greg knows they will always remember Chris but that it will hurt less over time. 

My sister, my sorrow by Bebe Faas Rice

My sister, my sorrow by Bebe Faas Rice. Lions, 1993.

Beth has always been  jealous of her older sister, Janna, but now Beth has leukaemia and needs all the family support she can get. Janna is acting strangely with her life taken up with after school activities she previously wasn't interested in. Beth's friends at Hope House keep her sane, but the death of Danny, a little boy Beth was close to, hits her hard. At the end of the book Beth's treatment looks to have worked, including a transplant with her sisters bone marrow.

The broccoli tapes by Jan Slepian

The broccoli tapes by Jan Slepian. Philomel Books, 1988.

Sara is sending tapes to her class back in Boston while her family is spending a few months in Hawaii. Sara tells of her, and her brother's, rescue of a wild cat. During this time their grandmother is dying, but their parents are avoiding them. Their aunt and uncle come to stay, with their aunt being honest about their grandmother's condition. After their grandmother's death Sara and Dane's parents, their mother especially, re-connect with them, although there are moments of intense grief.