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

[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.