Death Is Stupid
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FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES
Part of the Ordinary Terrible Things series, the new and expanded edition of Death Is Stupid is an invaluable tool for discussing death, exploring grief, and honoring the life of our loved ones.
When someone we love dies, adults often say things like, "She's in a better place now," or "I know how you feel." You do not, one little boy thinks after his grandma passes away. Caught in the swirl of anger, confusion, and fear that accompanies grief and mourning, he doesn't just think death is unfair--he thinks death is stupid. It takes him some time, but when he starts sharing cherished memories of his grandma and working in her garden, he starts to feel just a little bit better. Necessary, beautiful, and ultimately reassuring, Death Is Stupid helps make death a little less scary--for kids and adults.
The Ordinary Terrible Things series shows children who navigate trouble with their senses on alert and their souls intact. In these stories of common childhood crises, help may come from family, counselors, teachers, or dreams--but crucially, it's the children themselves who find their way to cope and grow.
About this Author
ANASTASIA HIGGINBOTHAM is the author and illustrator of Divorce Is the Worst, Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness,Death Is Stupid, and Tell Me About Sex, Grandma--all part of the Ordinary Terrible Things series. She lives in Brooklyn.
Librarians love her, but not as much as she loves them.
Reviews
Given the relentless stream of news, there's a temptation right now to numb ourselves. But Ms. Higginbotham's work reminds us that, even if we ignore reality, our kids are still seeing it and feeling it.
--THE NEW YORK TIMES
A perfect antidote to all those gentle and fanciful introductions to the toughest and least whimsical of topics... If your child craves directness... [then] this smart, sensitive book is just the thing.
--CHICAGO TRIBUNE
It's [an] exact mix of true-to-life humor and unflinching honesty that makes Higginbotham's book work so well, and many of the plainspoken sentiments she includes, as well as several included ideas for how to remember and honor those who have departed, may be eye-opening for readers facing grief themselves.
--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (*Starred Review)
Clearly written to validate and respect a child's feelings, this book is a useful resource for parenting collections or patrons looking for a relatable exploration of death.
--SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
The author's comments are spot-on in validating the child's response, in leaving room for individual beliefs about an afterlife, and in suggesting ways to ease the immediate sense of loss.
--KIRKUS
Wow, and thank God for this book. What an incredible gift this book will be for countless children. Having it fifty-plus years ago would have been a kind of salvation for me and would have helped me grow into a healthier and infinitely less frightened person.
--ANNE LAMOTT, author of Grace (Eventually)
We can't stop death, but we can stop the ridiculous sheltering we impose on our naturally curious children.
--CAITLIN DOUGHTY, mortician and author of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Finally! A book I can give to families!
--DANIELLE ANDY BELUSKO, funeral home owner and director
A beautiful, unique resource for discussing death and loss with children.
--KORIE LEIGH, MA, CCLS, CT, child life specialist and bereavement counselor
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