Since the near loss of my mother more than eight years ago, I’ve found comfort in novels as well as nonfiction titles that tackle the universal yet unique experience of losing someone you love. When pursing my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts a few years ago, I studied grief some more, focusing on the use of different kinds of humor in grief novels for my critical thesis and grad lecture. Losing my mother nearly six months ago, I appreciate stories that confront death and its impact on those who remain more than ever. I am also fortunate to be able to embrace the sadness and surreality of losing my mother, and to have family and friends and a wonderful bereavement group who support my attempts to express my evolving thoughts and feelings about this profound experience. So many in society often don’t know what to do or say when they or someone they love experience a loss. If it’s difficult for adults, it’ll likely be even tougher for children. And if there’s anyone who can tackle themes of grief and redemption in a sensitive and resonant way for children and the adults in their lives, it’s Liz Garton Scanlon . . .

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