10 Books to Help Kids Cope with Tragedy and Loss
Tragedy and loss are not reserved for adults. Even our youngest students can walk these paths and be left with the overwhelm of processing their feelings and emotions. From natural disasters to the unexpected loss of a loved one, we can help our students in these unchartered territories. Events like these leave more than just physical damage. They also leave emotional scars, especially for young ones dealing with sudden loss. It can be tough for our kiddos to process these experiences. As educators, we’re always looking for ways to support them. One of my favorite ways to reach them is through books. Stories can be incredibly healing, helping our kiddos find words for their feelings, see that they’re not alone, and inspire hope and resilience. Today, I’m sharing a mix of picture and chapter books to help kids that I’ve found to be incredibly helpful for navigating loss and big emotions. These stories allow them to explore their feelings at their own pace.
Picture Books to Help Kids
When it comes to comforting young ones, sometimes the right story can make all the difference. Picture books to help kids navigate tough emotions are truly special. They combine simple language with beautiful illustrations to make those big feelings a little easier to talk about. These picture books are gentle, heartwarming reads that give our kiddos a safe space to explore sadness, loss, and resilience in a way they can understand.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
When it comes to books to help kids through sadness or loss, The Rabbit Listened is one I turn to. This gentle story follows a young child named Taylor who experiences a heartbreaking loss when his carefully built block tower topples over. Different animals come by, each offering their own advice on how to deal with his feelings. None seem to help. Then the rabbit arrives, simply sitting and listening quietly by Taylor’s side. Through this quiet companionship, Taylor finds the space he needs to process his emotions. The Rabbit Listened beautifully teaches our kiddos the importance of empathy, patience, and just being there for one another. It’s a book that gently shows how we sometimes need a friend who will listen.
Ida, Always by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso
Inspired by two beloved polar bears at the Central Park Zoo, Ida Always is one of the most heartfelt books to help kids understand the enduring power of friendship, even after a loss. Gus and Ida, two inseparable polar bears, spend every moment together until Ida becomes sick. The story unfolds with a tenderness that honors and gently addresses the sadness of losing someone close. Even after Ida is gone, Gus remembers her in the sounds, sights, and places they shared, finding comfort in his memories of her. Ida, Always provides a framework for our kiddos to understand that even though a loved one may no longer be with us, their memory can live on. This offers comfort in the times we need it most.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
In my opinion, The Invisible String is one of the most comforting books to help kids grasp the idea of connection and love, no matter the distance. This story introduces children to the concept of an invisible string that connects us to everyone we love. Whether that loved one is far away, across town, or even no longer with us, this string keeps us connected. It’s a powerful yet simple way to help our kiddos. They can better understand that even though we can’t always see the people we love, they’re still with us in a very real way. This story is perfect for kids dealing with separation anxiety, grief, or any experience that makes them feel distant from someone important in their lives.
A Stone for Sascha by Aaron Becker
This wordless picture book is a masterpiece among books to help kids struggling with loss. A Stone for Sascha uses illustrations to tell the story of a young girl who recently lost her beloved dog. As she contemplates her loss, the story takes her and the reader on a journey through time. It traces the life of a single stone that has witnessed countless changes in the world. Children can see that while loss is part of life, it also connects us to the vast history of the world around us. This book opens up conversations that don’t always need words. It allows allowing our kiddos to interpret and reflect on what they see and feel.
Grandpa’s Soup by Eiko Kadono
Grandpa’s Soup is one of those sweet and simple books to help kids see how everyday acts can bring us closer to the memories of those we’ve lost. This story follows a grandfather who, after the passing of his wife, decides to make soup to feel connected to her again. Through cooking, he finds comfort and builds new connections with others who join him. It’s a reminder that even when someone is gone, we can keep them close through the routines, rituals, and small acts that mean so much. This book is a wonderful way to show our kiddos how traditions can help them remember loved ones.
Chapter Books to Help Kids
For older kids, chapter books can be a way to dig a bit deeper into complex emotions. These stories provide the space for our readers to connect with characters who may be facing struggles of their own. It shows them that they’re not alone. The following chapter books to help kids explore themes of resilience, friendship, and hope are some of the best I’ve found. They’re meaningful reads that offer comfort and a reminder that brighter days are ahead.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
When it comes to powerful books to help kids process grief, A Monster Calls stands out. This novel tells the story of Conor, a young boy grappling with his mother’s terminal illness. Conor is visited by a monster, which is an ancient, tree-like figure. It emerges at night to share stories and help him confront his fears and anger. Through the monster’s tales, Conor begins to face the painful truths he’s been hiding from. A Monster Calls tackles tough emotions head-on. It shows our kiddos that it’s okay to feel sadness, anger, and fear in times of loss. It’s a story of bravery and relief that can come when we let ourselves feel every part of our experience.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Pax is a moving story about friendship, separation, and healing. This makes it one of my go-to books to help kids who are feeling a sense of loss or distance. This novel follows Peter, a young boy. He is forced to leave his pet fox, Pax, behind when his father enlists in the military. As Peter starts on a journey to reunite with Pax, the story shifts between the perspectives of the boy and the fox. By doing so, it highlights their deep bond and desire to be together again. Through Peter’s journey, readers learn that true friendship endures, even across great distances. It also teaches how growth and healing are possible even in hard times. Pax shows our kiddos that even when we have to let go, we can find ways to move forward with love and strength.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
This classic story remains one of the most loved books to help kids navigate the feelings of loss, friendship, and the power of imagination. Bridge to Terabithia introduces us to Jess and Leslie. They are two unlikely friends who create a magical kingdom in the woods called Terabithia. Together, they reign as king and queen of their imaginary world. They face their real-life struggles with bravery and joy. When tragedy strikes, Jess has to learn to cope with the pain of losing someone close. This book illustrates that while loss is difficult, we can hold onto the happy memories. We can also carry the love of those we’ve lost. Bridge to Terabithia shows our young readers that moving forward doesn’t mean leaving behind the people and memories that matter to us.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
For anyone looking for books to help kids find resilience and hope, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise is an unforgettable choice. Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have been on the road in a converted school bus for years. They’ve been running from the painful memories of their past. When Coyote realizes she wants to revisit her hometown to recover something precious, she sets off on a mission to get back to the place they left behind. Along the way, Coyote meets a group of quirky characters who help her and her journey of self-discovery blossoms. This book shows our kiddos that even in the face of loss, there is hope. Sometimes, embracing our past can bring us the healing we need.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is one of my favorite books to help kids find courage and hope in difficult times. This chapter book follows Minli, a young girl who sets out on a journey to improve her family’s fortunes. She seeks advice from the Old Man of the Moon. Along the way, Minli meets magical characters. She hears stories that teach her about gratitude, resilience, and the power of kindness. This story weaves together themes of love, family, and determination. This helps our young readers understand that even in challenging times, there is strength to be found in our dreams and the support of those who care for us.
Books to Help Kids Find Comfort and Adventure
When it comes to guiding our students through life’s ups and downs, sometimes the best support we can offer is a story that speaks to them. Books to help kids navigate emotions, find hope, and spark their imaginations are powerful tools in any educator’s toolkit. From comforting tales about loss to thrilling adventures that let their creativity soar, these books remind our kiddos that no matter what they’re facing, they’re not alone. I hope these suggestions bring a little light, joy, and strength to your students, just as they’ve done in my classroom. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to help your students, the right book might just be the perfect place to start!
Additional Resources
Looking for more themed book lists? Check out these!
- Festive Chinese New Year Books for Your Elementary Readers
- Top Fantasy Books for Elementary Learners
- 6 Wonderful Wordless Picture Books to Read with Your Students
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One Response
I loved this article because it is informative on which books will be valuable to kids experiencing loss. I don’t love reading sad books, but they are essential in a child’s development. I remember reading The Bridge to Terabithia when I was younger, and while it was heartbreaking, it helped me to understand dealing with loss a bit more. I love all of the fantasy elements in the book, and the friendship between the two main characters is memorable. It is a reality that most children will have to deal with loss at some point in their lives, and tragedies are indeed happening to young children; these books will be crucial to helping them through their loss. I love that your blog includes links to other resources that may interest the reader. Could anyone share which book you think is crucial for children to read at least once? Are there some that you don’t think belong on the list? Is there anything you would add to the list? I’m curious to hear others’ thoughts!