Our Favorite Grief & Loss Books: For Kids and Adults

Books can be a gentle guide for children and families as they work through grief and loss. They are one of the many tools we use to support kids and their families through illness, disease and death loss. They are familiar, approachable, and written in an age-appropriate way, helping to make challenging conversations more understandable and less scary for children.

For parents and caregivers, books offer more than just words. They provide guidance and a gentle framework for starting conversations that might otherwise feel overwhelming. While there are many wonderful books for children, there are also excellent reads for you too.

Keep reading to discover some of our favorite grief and loss books for both kids and adults.

Impending Loss

What Happens When Someone I Love Can’t Get Better: A Book to Prepare and Cope with End of Life by Jenni Rogers and Sara Olsher

Cinnamon Roll Sunday: A Child’s Story of Anticipatory Grief by Jennifer Allen

When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness: Children Can Learn to Cope with Loss and Change by Marge Eaton Heegaard

Following Loss

I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas

What Does Grief Feel Like by Kori Leigh

ABC’s of Grief by Jessica Correnti

When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief by Marque Heegaard

Chill and Spill: A Place to Put it Down and Work It Out by Steffanie Lorig & Jeanean Jacobs

Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir by Tyler Feder

Parents, Caregivers and Other Adults

When Grief Comes Home by Erin Leigh Nelson

A Parent's Guide to Raising Grieving Children by Alan D. Wolfelt

It's Okay That Your Not Okay by Megan Devine

Grief is a unique and deeply personal experience, and no one should navigate it alone. Books, whether for children or adults, can provide comfort, understanding, and a shared language for expressing emotions. They can spark conversations, validate feelings, and help normalize the many ways grief shows up in our lives. These books are a gentle starting point and a reminder that you are not alone in this journey.

Be sure to check out The Grieving Space's full book list on our website!

These suggestions and are not meant to represent all experiences of grief, including the many cultural and spiritual practices people may follow. While the books listed can be valuable resources, they are not a substitute for professional support. Every child and family experiences grief differently, so consider consulting a qualified professional if additional guidance is needed.