Grieving the Loss of a Sibling: Books for Kids, Teens & Young Adults
When grieving the death of a sibling, youth and young adults may become overwhelmed by the waves of complex emotions that accompany grief. It is often hard to find spaces to feel validated or fully understood in their grief experience. This is where the power of books and storytelling comes in – to provide comfort, compassion, and connection. As a caregiver or support professional books can also become a transformative tool for collective healing & hope.
After combing through several grief support books, the Eluna Resource Center has pulled together this list of literature to support youth & young adults who are grieving the death of a sibling. We encourage you to visit your local library to take a peek and check out the books that feel like the best fit.
Make sure to also check out our recommended books for grieving the loss of a parent, friend, grandparent, and anticipatory grief.
Book for Ages 2 – 5
- You’ll Always Be by Callie Fryt. This book reflects the love, friendship, and growth between two young siblings, one who passed away too soon.**
- Lost and Found: Remembering a Sister by Ellen Yeomans. The book is written from the perspective of a young girl whose older sister (and only sibling) has just died.
- Because I Already Loved You by Andrée-Anne Cyr. A quiet, thoughtful look at stillbirth and grief told through the eyes of a child. Includes a list of support organizations for children and families.**
Books for Ages 5 – 7
- Where’s Jess? For Children Who Have a Brother or Sister Die by Marvin Johnson. This book is written for Children Who Have a Brother or Sister Die accompanied by a list of things children can do to remember and honor their siblings.
- I Miss the Baby: A Child’s Grief Process Following the Miscarriage of a Sibling by Irma Prosser. This book fosters empathy and unity within families, providing a safe space to explore emotions surrounding the loss of a sibling. Beyond its tender narrative, this book extends practical support to caregivers, providing essential resources to manage the practical aspects of miscarriage and infant loss.
- Remembering Ethan by Lesléa Newman. Remembering Ethan is a story about a child grieving the loss of a sibling and highlights how family members are grieving differently. The end of the book includes recommendations of what to say and how to help children after the death of a loved one.**
Books for Ages 7 – 12
- What the Seahorse Told Me by Mary Knight. A heartwarming, coming-of-age story set at a summer camp in Hawaii that weaves a tale of sibling loss, self-forgiveness, and the complexities of a young person’s healing from grief.
- A Birthday Present for Daniel: A Child’s Story of Loss by Juliet Rothman. A young girl whose brother has died describes how she feels and tells about some of the things her family does to help them accept his death.
- Since My Brother Died: Desde que Murio Mi Hermano by Marisol Munoz-Kiehne. Includes both English and Spanish translations of a caregivers section, teachers section, and a story for children. In this book, the child talks about how things are different since his brother died. In the end, the child realizes his brother is still alive in his heart.
Books for Teens & Young Adults
- Instructions for a Secondhand Heart by Tamsyn Murray. A moving novel about sibling grief, organ donation, and the unpredictability of love.
- Grieving for the Sibling You Lost: A Teen’s Guide to Coping with Grief and Finding Meaning After Loss by Erica Goldblatt Hyatt. This book helps teens better understand their unique coping style while grieving the death of a sibling. Effective exercises based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are also included in the book to help work through negative thoughts and create meaning out of loss and suffering.
- You Are Not Alone: Stories by Young Teens Who Have Experienced the Death of a Sibling by Brooke’s Place. A collection of true stories told by grieving young teens. Each author in this book writes with authenticity as they honor their deceased sibling.
Please let us know if you have any favorites that we are missing. Email Sarah
**Eluna is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and a percentage of your purchase will generate a commission to directly support The Eluna Resource Center.
