Bibliotherapy for bereaved youth: using literature to process grief and understand loss

“The use of books created under the guidance of a subject expert to address a therapeutic need or boost wellness in any active or passive way,” also known as bibliotherapy, can be used in public libraries to encourage general wellbeing and health. One of the largest detriments to childhood health in the United States is childhood loss – 1 in 12 children will lose a parent or sibling by the age of eighteen. By applying developmental bibliotherapy practice to young people who have experienced loss, their loss can be better supported and processed by the young person. This paper will discuss potential ways to integrate bibliotherapy into youth programming at public libraries, and how to include both children and families in that process. This paper also includes a list of books, divided by age group and type, to help youth and families with bereavement and loss.