I Never Knew Your Name

A parent might reach for this book when their community or school is grappling with the sudden, tragic loss of a young person to suicide. It is specifically designed for the adolescent who is processing the quiet, heavy grief that comes when someone from their periphery passes away. The story follows a narrator who lived near a teenage boy and watched him from afar but never truly knew him. It explores themes of missed connections, the hidden pain behind a neighbor's door, and the lingering 'what ifs' that haunt those left behind. While the subject matter is undeniably intense, it serves as a crucial bridge for parents to discuss mental health and the importance of reaching out. It is most appropriate for older children and young teens, providing a safe, literary space to acknowledge that even if we didn't know someone well, their loss still matters deeply.