Never Too Young to Know: Death in Children's Lives

As a pediatrician interested in general pediatrics and palliative (end of life) care, I have received no training during my medical education about death in children's lives. Dr. Silverman's book combines her three plus decades of research with a multitude of family's stories to make a book that should enter the "must read" list of anybody working with children who face a serious loss. Her sensitive and concise writing was so engaging that I read the book in three days. Who would ever think that a subject as difficult as this could be presented in such an inspirational and accessible way?

"Phyllis Silverman fills these pages with the words and stories of bereaved children and parents and lessons she has learned from them. We cannot protect children from the realities of dying and death. Grieving is for them, as for us all, a life-long process of relearning how to be and act in a world profoundly changed by death. Children, too, can learn to carry the hurt of missing someone and to hold them in their memories and hearts. They do best within the empathetic embrace of their families and communities. Buy this book for its wise and compassionate advice about helping grieving children and nurturing the great resilience within them."

Phyllis Silverman' book about children and death combines scholarly excellence with a readable style. Most importantly, it is the work of a caring morther and grandmother who brings into her professional life a deep care for others. It covers the views and needs both of children and their parents after the death of a significant person. I have made it required reading in my Children and Death course.