Grandpa and Me and the Wishing Star

So I bawled like a baby during this book. So sue me. This is a poweful and touching story the focused on the relationship between a grandfather and a grandson. However, the plot does not end there, but keeps the grandfather's character strong in the memory of his dead wife. My heart broke at the subject of a wishing star--that mystical object of the first thing seen at night that can hold so much power. The emotion here is rich but not cheesy, making this a great way to discuss death with children. It doesn't try to belittle the grieving process at all, and little kids experiencing the death of a loved one have the little boy right there to relate to.

From the cover: Jamie and his grandpa are best friends. They tell jokes to each other, take walks in the mountains, and throw rocks in the water. In the winter, they eat apples together in front of the fireplace. At night, they look at their special wishing star, on which they've each made a secret wish. One day, Jamie sees an ambulance take his grandpa away. That evening, his mother tells Jamie that Grandpa has died. Jamie feels angry and lonely. Going to the funeral later just makes him feel worse. Finally, though, he learns that Grandpa and he are still best friends. And most wonderful of all, Grandpa's secret wish has come true. This is a moving story about love between the young and old, about death, and about eternity.