Saying Goodbye to Grandma

by Jane Resh Thomas

Seven-year-old Suzie is curious and fearful about what Grandma's funeral will be like.

Genres: Death

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 1988

About the author

Jane Resh Thomas has written more than a dozen fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the highly praised Behind the Mask for Clarion. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Grace Sheldon]

This is a story about a young elementary aged girl whose grandmother just passed away. It starts with her driving with her mom and dad to the funeral, them staying at grandpa's house with their family, what they do at the funeral, and the drive home. It tells the story from a child's perspective. The little girl loved her grandmother and is nervous about what a funeral will be like. The book is blunt and shows the children's innocence at times, such as when the girl and her cousins play capture the flag in the funeral home. In the end, it is a story about family and grief and how children's process grief of a loved one.
I overall enjoyed this book because of the child like perspective. It shows children what a funeral might look like and how it can be both happy and sad. I thought the part where the kids were playing with the caskets was a bit odd and questionable. Most funeral homes have a designated area for kids and I think having this part in here might be a bit insensitive. However, at the same time, I think this humor might be good for kids processing grief.
I don't think I would necessarily use this in a classroom because it is a bit dark. However, I think in a more personal setting, this book could be good to help a kid see what a funeral might look like. I think it was really important and cool how the book showed how funerals can be both sad and happy at the same time.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A family goes to the grandmother's funeral. Alissa was touched by everyone's feelings.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is rare that a children's book deals so honestly and frankly about such a difficult subject as death. This story is about a little girl whose grandmother has just died. She travels with her parents to go to grandpa's house, and they experience the days of the visitation and funeral. It's about how we deal with death emotionally, and how we live our lives after a loved one leaves us. What I loved most about this book was the honesty--in it, I saw my own experiences, and it brought back vivid memories of similar times in my life. Everything in this book rings true, from playing with cousins in the funeral home, to the little old ladies in church preparing dinner for the family after the funeral services. This could be a great tool to teach children about what it is like when someone like a grandparent dies, because although it tells the truth, it tells the truth gently. Moreover, it is a very touching book; I was teary and sniffling by the end of it.