Books About Coping With Death · 61 titles considered

The Best Coping With Death Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about coping with death? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Mr. Gedrick and Me
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Coping With Death

Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1961

Where the Red Fern Grows

By Wilson Rawls · Book #1 in the Where the Red Fern Grows series

A boy's dream of owning two dogs leads to triumph and tragedy in the Ozarks.

282 pages· 76,899 words· Est. 10.5 hour read
6.7/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 448,464 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Billy finally gets his dream dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, and together they become the best hunting team in the Ozarks. But as their fame grows, so does the shadow of impending tragedy. Can Billy find hope amidst despair and learn the true meaning of friendship and loss? This timeless tale explores the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dogs, promising adventure, heartache, and the enduring power of love.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Mr. Gedrick and Me

A mysterious nanny arrives to mend a grieving family's broken bonds with a touch of magic.

224 pages· 41,848 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 416 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Stanley Darrow's life is in disarray after his father's death, leaving his family struggling to cope. Enter Mr. Gedrick, a peculiar nanny with a knack for transforming chaos into order. As he tidies their home, Stanley wonders if Mr. Gedrick can also heal their hearts. But what secrets does this enigmatic figure hide behind his crooked grin? Can he truly help Stanley, his siblings, and their mother find their way back to each other? Discover the magic and mystery that could reunite a fractured family.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1977

Bridge to Terabithia

A friendship forged in imagination faces a tragic test, altering two worlds forever.

Newbery Medal (1978)
128 pages· 32,911 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 600,665 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Jess Aarons dreams of being the fastest runner, but new girl Leslie Burke changes everything. Their friendship blossoms in the magical land of Terabithia, a refuge from reality. When tragedy strikes, Jess must navigate loss and find strength in the memories they created. Can he honor Leslie's spirit and embrace the courage she inspired? This poignant tale explores the depths of friendship and the resilience needed to overcome life's unexpected challenges.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1952

Charlotte's Web

A pig befriends a spider who devises a plan to save his life from slaughter.

184 pages· 32,307 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,091,994 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: In a barn filled with secrets, a pig named Wilbur faces an uncertain fate. His only hope lies in Charlotte, a clever spider weaving words into her web to save him. With the help of a self-serving rat and a girl named Fern who understands their language, they embark on a heartwarming journey of friendship and survival. As the seasons change, will Charlotte's plan succeed in sparing Wilbur's life? Discover the magic of childhood and the power of unlikely alliances in this timeless tale of love and courage.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell, Ted Lewin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Island of the Blue Dolphins series

Alone on a desolate island, a girl battles nature and wild dogs for survival.

177 pages· 40,023 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 354,002 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: On a remote island off California, Karana faces the ultimate test of survival. Alone for eighteen years, she must fend off wild dogs, evade hunters, and secure food. Her journey transforms isolation into a tale of resilience and spirit. Can she find strength in solitude, or will the island's challenges prove too great? Discover the haunting adventure of courage and self-reliance in this timeless classic.
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2020

Clap When You Land

Two teens discover each other after their father's tragic plane crash.

595 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 111,566 ratings
$30.00Save 5%
Summary: Camino Rios eagerly awaits her father's arrival in the Dominican Republic, only to find heartbreak at the airport. In New York, Yahaira Rios is shattered by the news of her father's death. As they grapple with grief, a shocking revelation emerges: they are sisters. Separated by distance and secrets, Camino and Yahaira must navigate a new reality, questioning everything they knew about their father and themselves. Can they find connection amidst the chaos, or will the truth drive them further apart? Dive into a poignant tale of loss, discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

Long Way Down

A boy faces a life-altering choice in an elevator ride haunted by ghosts of the past.

306 pages· 10,177 words· Est. 57 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 142,281 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Will is on a mission for revenge after his brother Shawn's murder. Armed with a gun, he steps into an elevator, determined to find his brother's killer. But as the elevator descends, Will is visited by ghosts from his past, each revealing unsettling truths about Shawn and the cycle of violence. With each stop, Will's resolve is tested, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew. Will he follow the rules of revenge, or will the revelations change his path forever? Discover the gripping journey in 'Long Way Down.'
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2013

Counting by 7s

A young genius seeks connection and family after a tragic loss.

416 pages· 62,679 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 88,972 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Willow Chance, a twelve-year-old genius, finds solace in counting by 7s. Her world shatters when her adoptive parents die in a car crash, leaving her alone. As she navigates her grief, Willow embarks on a journey to find a new family. Along the way, she encounters a diverse group of individuals who challenge and support her in unexpected ways. Can Willow rebuild her life and discover the true meaning of family amidst her loss? This poignant tale explores resilience, community, and the bonds that unite us.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

The Thing About Jellyfish

A girl seeks the truth behind her friend's death, suspecting a jellyfish sting.

352 pages· 45,506 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 46,394 ratings
$30.00Save 5%
Summary: After her best friend's tragic drowning, Suzy believes a rare jellyfish sting is to blame. Determined to prove her theory, she embarks on a global quest, navigating grief and wonder. As Suzy delves deeper into her silent world of imagination, she uncovers the mysteries of life, death, and the universe. Will her journey lead to answers, or will she find hope and love closer than she imagined? Discover the poignant adventure of a girl driven by loss and curiosity.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2005

Bronze and Sunflower

By Cao Wenxuan, Meilo So (Illustrator), Helen Wang (Translator)

Two children find solace and friendship amidst loss and hardship.

400 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,106 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Sunflower, uprooted to a rural village after her father's tragic death, finds herself in the care of a destitute family. There, she meets Bronze, a silent boy scarred by past trauma. Together, they forge an unbreakable bond, navigating the trials of poverty and discovering the strength of love and loyalty. Can their friendship heal old wounds and bring hope to their lives?
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Coping With Death Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about coping with death for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Grandpa's Top Threes

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A boy's game helps his grandpa reconnect with life.

Ida, Always

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.

Wherever You Are

Ages 4–8 · 2010

A parent's love follows their child, no matter the distance.

111 Trees

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A boy transforms his village by planting trees for every girl's birth, challenging tradition and sparking change.

The Heart and the Bottle

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Can joy be rediscovered after loss, or is it forever bottled away?

A Stopwatch from Grampa

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A child navigates grief with a stopwatch, a symbol of lost time and cherished memories.

Liplap's Wish

Ages 5–6 · 1994

A young bunny finds comfort in a legend after losing his grandmother during the first snowfall.

The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A silent boy finds his voice through a mysterious phone booth connecting villagers to lost loved ones.

Finn's Feather

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A boy finds a feather from his lost brother, sparking a journey of memory and resilience.

One Wave at a Time

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A boy navigates the turbulent waves of grief after losing his father.

The End of Something Wonderful

Ages 5–8 · 2019

Guide children through the loss of a pet with humor and warmth.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1799

A Stone for Sascha

Ages 5–9 · 2018

A girl's beach walk reveals a profound truth, transforming her grief over a lost pet.

View all coping with death picture books
Browse by age

Coping With Death Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about coping with death for developing and independent readers.

The Astonishing Color of After

Ages 14–18 · 2018

A girl seeks her mother's spirit in Taiwan, uncovering family secrets and confronting her grief.

Old Yeller

Ages 10–14 · 1958

A boy's life changes when a stray dog becomes his unlikely hero in the Texas hills.

Lost in the Sun

Ages 9–13 · 2015

A boy seeks redemption after a tragic accident haunts him.

If I Stay

Ages 14–18 · 2009

A young cellist must choose between life and joining her lost family after a tragic accident.

The Memory of Forgotten Things

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A girl believes a solar eclipse can bring back her deceased mother.

A Dog Called Homeless

Ages 8–12 · 2012

A girl sees her late mother and a mysterious dog. Can she prove they're real?

Waiting for Augusta

Ages 8–12 · 2016

A boy's journey to Augusta may hold the key to healing his heart.

Beginners Welcome

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Annie Lee must choose between isolation and risking her heart to find friendship and healing.

Mayday

Ages 8–12 · 2016

After a crash, Wayne must find his voice to navigate family and friendship challenges.

The Girl with More Than One Heart

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A grieving girl hears her father's voice in her heart, guiding her through life's chaos.

The Reckless Club

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Five kids face unexpected bonds and revelations during a day of punishment at a retirement home.

The Afterwards

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Ember ventures into the afterworld to rescue her best friend, facing unknown dangers.

Keep exploring
Books about adoptionBooks about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about city life and urban livingBooks about connecting with othersBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about family lifeBooks about father-daughter relationshipsBooks about friendship

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