A Book Review By Jon Henshaw M.A.
Our Dad Died:
The True Story of Three Kids Whose Lives Changed
Authors Amy, Allie, and David Dennison
Published by Free Spirit Publishing
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Death of a loved one is always difficult. However, experiencing the
death of a parent as a child is not only difficult, it can also be
quite confusing. For most children, the idea of death is a surreal
concept, often void of context and reality. Additionally, the manner in
which most family and friends behave towards children (after they have
lost their parent) can be equally as confusing.
Our Dad Died: The True Story of Three Kids Whose Lives Changed,
approaches the death of a parent in a new way. Instead of advice from a
noted expert, we get a story from three siblings who kept journals
after their dad's death. This unique approach to teaching children
about death is refreshing. Especially since it came from those who
actually experienced it, instead of from experts who have only observed
it.
The young writers invite the reader into their world. A world of hurt,
anger, laughter, and annoyance. The book is written for both children
and adults. Children will be able to relate to the style and content of
their writing, while adults will quickly pick up on the undertones of
their experiences. The three young writers take the reader from the
beginning of their dad's death, onto his funeral and burial, and then
through the two following years after his death. They also recap
moments with their family, including a chapter dedicated solely to
their grandparents.
David, one of the child authors, offers a glimpse of what it was like
to go to his dad's funeral:
"It was hard to believe that Dad was in the coffin in the front of the
chapel. The cover was closed so we couldn't see him. But I knew he was
right there. I asked Mom if we could open it and just give him one last
hug and kiss, but we couldn't. She said that his body didn't look the
same without his soul, which was really the Dad part of him. His soul
was already in heaven, and the body was empty and not Dad anymore. I
wasn't sure about all that."
One of the best parts of the book, called "Looking Back," comes at the
end of each chapter. Each one is written as an afterthought to the
authors' original journal entries. They summarize and compare the
events and feelings that ended up being really important, and also the
ones that weren't. They also take the time to reassure young readers
that their wide range of feelings and reactions are neither right or
wrong, but are simply normal (under the circumstances).
Our Dad Died will help adults understand the minds and emotions of
children who have lost a loved one, and will help children better
grieve the loss of their parent.
About the Reviewer:
Jon Henshaw M.A. is the founder and editor of FamilyResource.com.
Visit his site HERE
for articles on parenting, support and more.
Order Information
Powell's online bookshop carries copies of the Our Dad Died.
Click here for order information You can also order from Barnes and Noble 
HERE
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