Everett Anderson's Goodbye

A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing the heavy, confusing stages of grief following the loss of a loved one. Lucille Clifton uses gentle, rhythmic verse to walk through the five stages of grief through the eyes of young Everett Anderson, who is mourning the death of his father. Rather than providing a quick fix, it validates the messy feelings of anger and denial that children often feel but cannot name. It is a profoundly empathetic choice for children ages 4 to 8, offering a soft landing spot for difficult conversations. Parents will find it a supportive tool to show their children that their big feelings are a natural part of saying goodbye and that hope eventually follows the hurt.