Organ Donation: Children’s Books on Grief and the Gift of Life
Feelings of grief can often accompany reassurance from the gift of life when children experience the death of a loved one whose organs were donated. Youth may also experience these same feelings if they receive a donated organ. Because the power of this gift and the experience of loss can be so interconnected, the complex feelings they may have can be overwhelming. It may be hard to find spaces to feel fully understood or validated. Stories on this subject can play a big role in providing compassion, empathy, and connection during this challenging process. As a caregiver or support professional, books can also become a transformative tool for collective healing & hope.
The Eluna Resource Center has compiled a list of literature to support young children who are grieving the death of a loved one whose organs were donated and youth who have received organs. We hope these books will help you and the child you are caring for as you navigate this important process.
Children’s Books About Organ & Tissue Donors
A Gift of Life: a Story of Organ and Tissue Donation by Rachelle Burk**
A Gift of Life: A Story of Organ and Tissue Donation is a sensitive picture book that honors organ and tissue donors. This special resource will give children of all ages the tools to understand the miracle of organ and tissue donation while navigating the emotional journey of losing a loved one.
My Generous Sister Lexi: A story on organ donation by Heather Hamilton-Hawke & Emily Alley**
Told from the perspective of Lexi’s younger sister, Jordan, tells the story of one young child’s journey through the process of losing a loved one. Written by two longtime Certified Child Life Specialists, the simple storyline is relatable for children of all ages and all faiths who are learning to cope with tragedy in their personal lives.
The Gift: A book for children about organ donation from a deceased donor by Shaindy Alexander & Diana Lee
Through thoughtful language and simple illustrations, this book offers practical information and compassionate guidance for families involved in organ donation, regardless of whether they are donors, recipients, or awaiting organs.
Freddie and the Magic Heart by Mark James**
Freddie and the Magic Heart is a beautifully written and illustrated story of a young boy coming to terms with the loss of his mum and understanding how organ donation can ensure she lives on in someone else.
Children’s Books About Organ & Tissue Recipients
The Gift of Life by Casana Fink
The Gift of Life is a captivating children’s book that will warm your heart and inspire young minds to consider the incredible gift of organ donation. When Bailey Bear discovers that his Papa Bear needs a liver transplant, he sets out to uncover the power of donation with his curious friend Zippy the Zebra.
Kinsey’s Kidney Adventure by Nadine Morsi
An educational children’s book based on the real-life journey of a brave little girl who must confront the realities of organ donation after being diagnosed with a rare medical condition.
Now Caitlin Can: A donated organ helps a child get well by Ramona Wood
Freddie learns his little sister Caitlin’s only chance for a normal life is a kidney transplant. In time, a suitable kidney is donated and Caitlin undergoes the surgery that changes her life. This picture book is based on a true story of a child organ recipient. The colorful cut-paper and fabric illustrations show the before-and-after of the second chance made possible by a compassionate deceased donor.
Howl the Owl Book Series by Brenda E. Cortez
Howl the Owl® was created to inspire love and kindness, and also bring awareness to organ donation through his series of organ donation books. Howl’s unique name conveys his message of Help Others With Love. His mission is brought to life through his book series and branded merchandise.” Books include:
- Howl is Thankful for Kidney Donation
- Howl Gets a Heart
- Howl Helps Bella
- Howl Loves His New Liver
- Howl Learns About Lungs – A Parade Story
- Plus many more… click here to see a full list of Owl Books.
Please let us know if you have any favorite books that we are missing from this list. 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.
