Recommended Reading for Adults around Grief

Books to help adults understand a child’s grief

Supporting a child or young person after they have experienced the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming for both you and them. While they are navigating their own grief and emotions, you are most likely processing yours. Embrace FARM has made a list of recommended reading for adults around grief that may help you understand what a child might be going through, and in turn, be able to speak to them about their thoughts and feelings around loss.

Living with Grief; Children, Adolescents and Loss by Kenneth J. Doka (2000)

This book explores features articles by leading educators and clinicians in the field of grief and bereavement. The book includes a useful bibliography of age-appropriate literature for children and adolescents, and it also has a list of national organisations but keep in mind that this was written in America. For Ireland specific resources, visit our page on Bereavement and grief support for your family

Children Mourning, Mourning Children by Kenneth J. Doka (1995)

This book ,which is written by the same author as Living with Grief, emphasises the importance of open communication with your children around grief. Doka looks at the three basic themes in a grieving child’s life; firstly, a child is always developing, secondly that they grieve both differently and similarly to adults, and thirdly that they need support while they grieve.

Luna’s Red Hat: An Illustrated Story Book To Help Children Cope With Loss and Suicide by Emmi Smid (2015)

An illustrated book that helps a child (6 and older) understand loss through suicide. The story is around Luna who lost her mother through suicide and as she talks to her dad around her worries.

Safe Harbour: Supporting A Child Who Has Been Bereaved Through Suicide by Patricia Forde

A picture book that explores loss and grief after losing a parent through suicide. Created by the HSE, it is a wonderfully worded book that speaks about suicide in a very respectful and gentle way while also using age-appropriate language. The digital version can be found on the Children’s Bereavement Network’s website.

Children and Grief When a Parent Dies by J.W Worden (1996)

A book based on interviews with school children who have lost a parent, this book tells us what may be going through their minds and highlights the mourning process in children.

Bereaved Children and Teens: A Support Guide for Parents and Professionals. E Grollman (1995)

Based on the knowledge of 14 experts, this book is a comprehensive guide to helping children and adolescents cope with the emotional, religious, social, and physical consequences of a loved one’s death.

Go back to Children’s Resources

*CSO, 2022; Growing Up in Ireland – National Longitudinal Study of Children, 2013