A parent might reach for this book when their family is struggling with the inertia that can follow the death of a loved one. It speaks directly to children who feel powerless in the face of adult grief and are looking for a way to take action. Contrary Imaginations tells the story of three siblings who, frustrated by their mother's inability to decide where to scatter their father's ashes, take the urn on a secret journey to find the perfect spot themselves. It gently explores themes of sadness, family love, and resilience, but its unique strength is its focus on child agency and creative problem-solving. This quirky, heartfelt, and sometimes humorous story is ideal for kids 8-12, offering a hopeful and empowering narrative about finding your own way to say goodbye.
Deals directly with family grief, loss of a parent, and the process of mourning.
Moral AmbiguityMild
Children take their father's ashes without their mother's permission to find closure.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and pragmatically with the death of a parent and the subject of cremation and ashes. The approach is entirely secular, focusing on the emotional and logistical aftermath of loss. The resolution is hopeful and validating for the children. Their proactive, if disobedient, actions lead to a cathartic outcome for the entire family, suggesting that children's instincts about their own grieving process should be trusted.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a thoughtful 8 to 12-year-old who has experienced the loss of a close family member and is feeling frustrated or overlooked. It's for the child who processes feelings through doing, who might feel impatient with the pace of adult grief, and who needs a story that validates their desire to contribute to the family's healing.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for direct, non-euphemistic discussions about ashes. The central plot point involves the children taking the ashes without permission. This could be a valuable point of discussion about why they felt this was their only option and the difference between breaking a rule and causing harm. The book is gentle enough to be read cold, but these conversations will likely arise. A parent has noticed their child seems stuck or is acting out in the wake of a family death. The parent might overhear the child expressing frustration, like "Why aren't we doing anything?" or they may feel paralyzed by their own grief and need a story to help open a conversation about moving forward together.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with the adventure, the secret plan, and the relatable sibling dynamics. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the nuanced emotional landscape: the mother's paralysis, the symbolic nature of the journey, and the quiet strength the children find in taking control of their own narrative of loss.
What Makes It Special
While many books on grief focus on memory and sadness, this book is uniquely about action and agency. It places the power for healing directly in the children's hands. Its blend of humor, adventure, and poignancy is rare, making a difficult topic accessible and ultimately empowering rather than just comforting.
Read plot summary
Three siblings, Alex, Con, and Lizabeth, grow frustrated with their grieving mother's indecision about their deceased father's ashes. Believing they know what their father would have wanted, they take the urn and set off on a secret adventure through their rural landscape to find the perfect resting place. The journey forces them to rely on each other, confront their individual feelings of loss, and ultimately find a sense of closure and purpose.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The title is 'Contrary Imaginations'. In what ways were the children's ideas about their father's ashes 'contrary' to their mother's?
2
Alex, Con, and Lizabeth decide to take the ashes on their own. Do you think this was the right choice? Why do you think they felt they had to keep it a secret from their mom?
3
The children search for the 'perfect' place for their father's ashes. What makes a place special for remembering someone you love?
4
At the beginning of the story, the children's mother seems stuck. Why do you think grief can sometimes make it hard for people to make decisions?
