Coping with Parental Death

This reassuring and affirming entry in the Empowering You series provides information and coping methods for any young person who has lost a parent or parents before they have reached the age of 20. Shreeve, who was 9 when she lost her own mother, understands what young people in similar situations are going through. She explains how life changes after a young person loses a parent, and identifies milestones surviving children should anticipate and how to get through them. Other young people provide honest accounts of the challenges and successes they experienced. Both negative and positive coping strategies a person might engage in, like seeing a counselor, are included. The author affirms that each person's grief journey is different and each is valid.... Includes Haberer's graphic illustrations, appendices of recommended books and movies, notes, resources, bibliography, and an index.

Shreeve, who herself experienced parental loss as a teen, builds on her experiences as a writer, literary scholar, and autoethnographer to craft a surprisingly readable collection of facts, figures, pop culture references, strategies, and most importantly personal stories that as a collection can work as a powerful therapeutic tool to assist those who are grieving. Geared towards the young adult, Shreeve's work is written in a comforting, approachable tone and would be the ideal first book for teens experiencing parental loss.

Shreeve's book reads like a friendly conversation, yet its contents are a life-line for teens who have lost a parent. Filled with immediately usable suggestions and resources, the book doesn't shy away from the pain and suffering these teens are experiencing and will continue to experience; however, it also is a beacon shining hope and offering solutions. Shreeve and numerous brave contributors share their own stories, and as such, create a community for readers. As a former high school English teacher for nearly 20 years, I wish Shreeve's text had been available for me to use with my students who had lost parents.

This book offers practical advice for youth coping with the death of a parent--using clear language illustrated with stories drawn from the author's personal experiences as well as those of other youth the author interviewed. While this book was always needed, it is especially timely given the many losses experienced by children and youth due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This book provides a resource and support for young adults and their families in dealing with a very difficult issue. Michelle Shreeve shares her own real story and those of young adults in a way that helps the reader know they are not alone. By sharing her own truth, Shreeve provides an authentic view that supports others who have experienced this level of loss.