grief support book list
The following list includes recommended resources from Trinity Grace Church.
grief in general
Where Is God When It Hurts
by Philip Yancy — Adults
Sensitive and caring, this book discusses pain — physical, emotional, and spiritual — and helps us understand why we suffer from it and how to cope with our own and that of others.
Disappointment With God
by Philip Yancy — Adults
Explore three questions no one asks aloud: “Is God unfair? Is God silent? Is God hidden?” and searches the Bible methodically, looking for clues.
Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering
by Tim Keller — Adults
A definitive Christian book on why bad things happen and how we should respond to them.
A Grief Observed
by C.S. Lewis — Adults
An honest reflection on the fundamental issues of life, death, and faith in the midst of loss.
It’s OK That You’re Not OK
by Megan Devine — Adults
A new approach to both the experience of grief and the way we try to help others who have endured tragedy.
When Bad Things Happen to Good People
by Rabbi Harold Kushner — Adults
A book to help understand the traumatic loss of a child and how to best support them. It also speaks about faith from a Jewish perspective, the Book of Job, and a loving God.
The Bereaved Parent
by Harriet Schiff — Adults
Practical supportive advice for bereaved parents and the professionals who work with them, based on the experiences of psychiatric and religious counselors.
Parents of Grieving Children
Homemade Books to Help Kids Cope
by Robert Ziegler — Adults
A guide to making your own simple stories and books that fit your child's understanding and experience.
Found: Psalm 23
by Sally Lloyd-Jones — All Ages
The author of the Jesus Storybook Bible reminds children (and adults) of all ages of God’s never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love.
Fall of Freddie the Leaf
by Leo Buscaglia — All Ages
Poetic look at the life cycle and its meaning.
Goodbye, Mousie
by Robie Harris — Ages 2-8
Tackling a child's first encounter with death, through the loss of a beloved pet.
It Will Be Okay
by Lysa TerKeurst — Ages 4-8
Little Seed and Little Fox are facing changes and brand new circumstances—and they don’t like it one bit. Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how new or fearful their circumstances, God is always with them.
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
by Judith Viorst — Ages 3-8
Death, Grief and the afterlife as experienced by a young boy following the death of his dear cat.
Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs
by Tomi dePaola — Ages 4–8
A quietly touching story depicting the death of a grandmother and the loving family relationships that even a very young reader can understand the concept.
I Miss You
by Pat Thomas — Ages 5-10
Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them.
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst — Ages 4-18
This book is not directly about death, but references Heaven and is focused on attachment. Safe for all ages, although too long for toddlers.