The WiSSP Resource Library

ABOUT DEATH

1.   A Child Dies:  A Portrait of Family Grief, by Joan Hagan Arnold and Penelope Buschman Gemma; Aspen Publication, 1983.

    Provides a background of the meanings and manifestations of death and mourning, discusses ramifications of death at various stages of childhood and adolescence and describes the problems faced by bereaved parents. Provides the professional with methods to help families work through this crisis and a bibliography for parents and children.

2.   On Death and Dying, by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross; MacMillan Publishing,1969.

    A text that deals with attitudes toward death and dying and the process families and terminally ill patients go through towards acceptance of death. Includes interviews with terminally ill patients and an extensive bibliography.

3.   Western Attitudes Toward Death, by Philippe Aries; John Hopkins University Press, 1974.

    A history of changing attitudes toward death in Western Societies since the Middle Ages.

4.    Questions and Answers on Death and Dying, by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross; MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1974.

    This book contains some of the most frequent questions asked of the author while participating in workshops, lectures and seminars on the care of dying patients.  Discussion primarily focuses on patients with terminal illnesses.

5.   On Children and Death, by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D.; MacMillan Publishing Co., New York, 1983.

    Deals primarily with the death of children through terminal illness, suicide and murder. It explores childrens' attitudes towards their own illness and how families cope through evaluation of current literature and many anecdotal comments. A few chapters that deal with the meaning of children to a family and ways in which we move through grief may be helpful to those who have experienced loss through stillbirth or neonatal death. Extensive bibliography.

6.    Lifetimes--The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children, by Bryan Melloni and Robert Ingsen; Bantam Books, October, 1983.

    Lifetimes talks about beginnings and endings and about living in between. It describes living and dying as a natural, inevitable process for all creatures, including people.

7.   Talking About Death:  A Dialogue Between Parent and Child, by Earl A. Grolloman; Beacon Press, Boston, 1976.

    A two part book--a children's read-along section followed by a companion parents guide. The parent guide provides help in using the read along as a way to promote discussion. The book is not solely for children since sorting out their feelings, will enable parents to better understand their children. Excellent resource.

8.   How to Explain Death to a Child, by J. Rosenblum, Ph.D.; OGR Service Corporation, Springfield, IL, 1984.

    This short booklet (16 pages) offers general considerations when explaining death to children as well as specific strategies for various age groups (age 3-5, age 5-9, age 10 through teens).

9.   Answers to a Child's Questions About Death, by Peter Stillman; Guideline Publications, Stamford, NY, 1979.

    In a questions-answer format this booklet discusses many aspects of death confusing to a small child. For example, 'When someone dies are they being punished?', "Is death like sleeping?', 'How long will I live?'...

10.  About Dying - An Open Family Book For Parents and Children Together, by Sarah Bennett-Stein; Walker & Co., New York, 1974.

    Story of two children who experience first the death of a pet bird then the death of a grandfather. Describes death, funerals, and feelings. Accompanied by an adult text that explains ways children between the ages of three and eight may think about these events.

11.  A Beginning, by Nancy E. Malcolm and Bonnie L. Wooten; Women's College Hospital, 1984.

    This book, written by two nurses, attempts to help both parents and professionals understand and cope with the reactions to the death of a baby.  Quotes throughout the book, from other parents who have experienced the loss of a child, give examples of what some parents have thought and felt about their decisions concerning seeing the baby, planning a funeral, and where to go for answers.  Attempts to prepare parents for some emotions and problems they may experience during their grief.

12.  Caring for Ones Own Dead by Lisa Carlson, Upper Access Publishers, Hinesburg, Vermont, 1987.

    A sensitively written guide which thoroughly explains the necessary procedures for arranging a funeral on one's own. Contains a state-by-state listing of legal requirements as well as other useful information pertaining to disposition of the body.

13.  How Do We Tell the Children?  A Step-by-Step Guide for Helping Children Two to Teen Cope When Someone Dies, by Dan Schaefer and Christine Lyons; Newmarket Press, 1993.

     This book was written by a funeral director with many years of experience in helping families.  The format is easy to read, and each point is supported by stories from the experiences of the author and other bereavement professionals.  Some advice is age group-specific (e.g. age 3-6, etc.), and some is specific to the cause of death.  A number of examples are provided of words to use to explain death to children.  There is a short section specifically about infant death, which includes the personal experience of one of the authors of the loss of his first born son shortly after birth.  Included also are a concise 16-page ‘Crisis Section’ near the end of the book which summarizes the main points in a simple outline format, a small bibliography of related readings, and a short list of relevant support groups.

14.  Thank You for Coming to Say Goodbye.  Involving Children in Funeral Services, by Janice L. Roberts and  Joy Johnson, Centering Corporation, Omaha, Nebraska, 1994.

    This short book has something for everyone who is interested in helping children to benefit from their sharing in the funeral and being allowed, in their own way, to say goodbye to someone they love.  The book is divided into two parts.  Part 1 is aimed at funeral directors and outlines how funeral homes can establish a program for helping children understand death and funerals.  Part 2 is broken down into five sections for families and professionals:  (1) guidelines to help children, (2) children’s concepts of death, (3) what bereaved children want adults to know, () what teachers can do, (5) for the religious community.

15.  The Helper’s Journey:  Working with People Facing Grief, Loss, and Life-Threatening Illness by Dale G. Larson, Research Press, 1993.

    This resourceful 279-page book is designed to equip the helping professional with skills and working knowledge for therapeutic relationships in the face of real or threatened loss.  It offers background in death and dying issues and grief intervention, as well as ideas and techniques for supportive approaches.  An integral part of this book is the sharing by caregivers and helpers of their own self-doubts, fears, and frustrations, as well as their joys and rewards, working with families and individuals facing death and loss.  An admirable aim of the book is to encourage readers to focus on the application of the imparted material to the general broad task of creating a more caring society and world.