Cousins

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with complicated grief, specifically the toxic mix of guilt and relief that can follow a difficult relationship with someone who has passed away. Virginia Hamilton explores the intense world of eleven year old Cammy, who is consumed by the fear of losing her beloved grandmother but is blindsided by the sudden accidental death of her 'perfect' cousin, Patty Ann. It is a profound exploration of how we reconcile our unkind thoughts with the finality of death. This story is best suited for middle grade readers (ages 9 to 12) who are ready for a realistic, emotionally heavy narrative. It moves beyond simple sadness to address the darker edges of loss: jealousy, the shame of surviving, and the restorative power of a supportive multigenerational family. Parents will appreciate how Hamilton honors the complexity of a child's inner life without providing easy or sugar-coated answers.